How to get more things done? We are always having more things to do and less time to complete everything on our to-do list. From our work obligations to family obligations, chores and day-to-day activities, it seems there are never enough hours in the day. Plus, we would love to get more sleep, we would love to read more or have more time for our hobbies and there is never time for that. Those things always end up at the bottom of our priority list.
Even worse, we decide to multitask in order to complete everything that we have to do for that day. We are not present and we are going through the day without any thought put into it.
If you want to get more things done than you should listen to one of the wealthiest and most influential people today, Oprah Winfrey. She is not where she is now for no reason. She has numerous accomplishments and projects under her belt and she always managed to stay on top of her game, thriving to do and achieve more.
As a busy woman, the self-made billionaire runs an empire including her television network OWN, production studio Harpo and O, the Oprah Magazine. Her award-winning Oprah show ended in 2011. Luckily, she has some pretty simple advice that could help you to get more things done. In her 2015 interview with Fast Company, she shared her secrets on productivity which is being “fully present,” which is completely opposite from multitasking, a popular approach to productivity among young people today and among businesses around the world.
Oprah’s Advice on How to be Productive
Oprah Winfrey said:
“That whole thing about multitasking? That’s a joke for me. When I try to do that, I don’t do anything well.”
As you are probably aware, nobody can multitask and be sure that the quality of what they did is good. You might not even remember what you completed and what you didn’t do. You end up stressed and feel like you worked more than you would when you take your time and do each task separately. With multitasking, you will not do more but you will be more tired and exhausted.
Take it one step at a time is what someone as successful as Oprah would advise you to do:
“I have learned that your full-on attention for any activity you choose to experience comes with a level of intensity and truth. It’s about living a present life, moment to moment — not worrying about what’s going to happen at 3 o’clock and what’s going to happen at 7 o’clock.”
From the other side, it’s not realistic to expect that you will be 100% focused and present 24/7 and it’s fine if you feel lost at times if you remind yourself to stay on the right track. Take a deep breath and remember the importance of staying present.
Another important thing is to have trust in people and to let go. Imagine if someone as busy as Oprah would oversee each thing that happens on her projects. That would be a recipe for disaster and a complete nervous breakdown.
“I try to surround myself with people who really know what they’re doing and give them the freedom to do it.”
Although you might think this does not apply to you since you don’t have a million-dollar company, it applies to everyone. Just remember the last time you decided to do something on your own because you would do it faster and better, such as paying bills, doing chores or a report at work.
To help you stay present, Oprah meditates daily and lives her life by staying present. Avoiding multitasking and staying present is the recipe for doing more in your day.
