By Stephanie Garcia

Agiledge

At the beginning of each year, you hear a lot more chatter about getting "organized", getting more done, working smarter, improving personal productivity…. No matter how you express it, the problem typically identified is not getting enough of your work done and in some cases, overcoming burn-out.

In 2015, there are dozens of apps that can form the basis for a system (some are better described as the basis for confusion or activity over accomplishment)  and all kind of techniques.   But tools and techniques alone typically cause confusion and disconnects.  An overall approach is needed for success in the area.    What are the approaches?    Overall, we believe there are  two basic paradoxical approaches.

Popular for decades and championed most prominently by Stephen Covey is the approach and system of focusing on the big things, the big goals that matter. From this basic objective flows a series of concepts, tools and methods.   

The other approach, is to focus on the small things to enable you to focus on the big things. Championed by David Allen and his GTD, Getting Things Done system, the concept here is that you have to clear your mind (memory) of the conflicting messages that come from all the little things that need to be done. When you develop a trusted system, this can happen and then this frees you to focus on your big goals.

Two seemingly opposing concepts that are actually paradoxical in nature.

You need to focus on the big things (if you want to be highly successful) but to do that successfully you need to have a trusted, working system to take care of the small things so that you can focus on the big things. Think about it!