Effective or Efficient?
In working towards our goals, is it more important to be effective or to be efficient, what is the difference between the two?
We hear a lot of noise about time management, multitasking, prioritizing, and system organizers all aimed at helping us perform at our peak levels, working as quickly and efficiently as possible, like a well-oiled machine.
Being effective is having a clear vision of what it is you want to accomplish, deciding what actions will get you there and focusing on those actions. There is no work being done that does not have meaning or does not support the ultimate goal. This is the kind of work that does not always shout “accomplished” like an empty inbox or stacks of paper that find a home by the end of the day.
Being efficient is getting through things quickly, not wasting any time getting through your task list. Unnecessary tasks are removed from the overall plan and distractions are eliminated. Time is of the essence. Useless tasks derail the fast track to success.
Being effective and being efficient both play an active and synergistic part in accomplishing your biggest goals. Mastering both will create the most fulfilling results.
Having a clear vision first on any goal is instrumental in determining how to make effective decisions on what tasks it will take to accomplish a goal. Being efficient in your daily work habits and the process by which you accomplish those tasks will create fast paced results without any unnecessary waste of time or energy.
How can I improve my effectiveness and my efficiency? Start by trying this; make a list of all the things in your life that require you time and energy. Divide them into categories, career, finances, education, relationships, community or church commitments etc. You will probably be surprised about how much you have on your plate.
Do you really have the time and the energy or the desire to carry out each of these commitments effectively? Which of these commitments do not contribute to the ultimate goals in your life? Do they add to your life or do they decrease your quality of life? Are they meaningful or significant in your life? Is what you are working on making a difference in your life or in the world? Or are they just taking up your time and energy? Evaluate and eliminate any categories that do not support a meaningful life.
Look at your core values. What matters to you most in life? It could be your family, your health, your career, your church, and your bank balance. There are no right or wrong values, each of us have our own unique values. Are you supporting your core values in each of your categories? It is impossible to act effectively and efficiently if your values are not in alignment with your daily habits.
It is hard to say no to people. It would be hard to stop doing something you are currently involved in. Sometimes though you will realize that to become more effective, you can’t simply keep ramping up your efficiency – you have to let something go.
You may need some help from a friend, someone you admire, or a coach to help you eliminate those things holding you back. Decide to move forward with efficiency that will allow you to live your most effective and meaningful life.
