Prune Hot Mess Habits for Optimum Productivity

Spectacular yard makeover videos are all over my feed now that Spring is upon us. So, you can imagine my shock when I saw the hack job around the corner. A neighbor caught me at the mailbox, shook his head, and laughed, “Did you see what they did to that gorgeous old fir? They sheared so many limbs that I’m calling it the Northwest palm tree!”

The urge to refresh isn’t limited to house and home—it can also apply to work. However, do you ever stop yourself because you’re worried you’ll make the wrong cuts, just like that bad trim job?

Here’s another perspective: Switch from setting abstract goals (like cutting 25% of your inbox) to optimizing productivity. Regular pruning is an idea floated by Dr. Henry Cloud in his book Necessary Endings. He believes fine-tuning commitments should be just as normal as giving an enthusiastic, “Hell, yes.”

He writes:

With Cloud’s premise in mind, we’ll look at different ways to Prune for Productivity. You’ll leave April with ideas about reducing stress, avoiding burnout, and getting more accomplished.

Get Selective with Your Yesses and No’s

Jamie Dimon has met plenty of characters in his long banking career. In a conversation with Fortune magazine, he was a little embarrassed to admit that some people who have worked for him have been a hot mess. He described these employees as “Always late and not doing their job. They may be great people—just don’t let them run something because they’ll be a disaster.” Sound familiar?

Luckily, there’s a way to address the Hot Mess syndrome: Data. Dimon says, “Assess everything—honestly, directly, forthrightly… Don’t try to use numbers to prove what you think. Try to use numbers to understand what you are doing.”

Jamie even applies data to daily tasks. He suggests, “Especially when you’re managing things that are coming at you all day. You have to say ‘absolutely not,’ or ‘absolutely, take the chance—go for it.”

Avoid 3 Common Hot Mess Mistakes

Hey—we’ve all known Hot Mess people. FOMO is one of the drivers. They often think that saying yes is a fast pass to golden opportunities.

But here’s the reality: Saying yes to everything is the opposite way successful people behave. Achievers are incredibly selective with their time and energy. That’s because without being selective, life becomes a sad mix of half-hearted efforts and semi-broken commitments—hardly the brand you want to build!

So, let’s take a few minutes to walk down memory lane. Think back to your personal Hot Mess Hall of Fame—can you spot errors others may have made? Here are three common mistakes to prune:

1. Play the Numbers Game: Hot Mess people often underestimate the number of tasks required for a project + the time necessary. So, start noticing how long tasks take and get honest about the time you need.
2. Sort Commitments: Essential vs. Optional: Hot Mess people often forget to weight their commitments, resulting in a blur of activities. Instead, take a first pass by categorizing activities as essential or optional. (For instance, if you recharge by spending time in nature, it’s essential.)
3. Add an Absolutely: Gate your yes or no by adding an “Absolutely” in your mind. If you can’t whole-heartedly say, “Absolutely, I can do a first-rate job. Absolutely—those deadlines are a snap,” then it’s a quick no. (At least for now.)

It’s a given that sometimes life will get messy, but that doesn’t mean you have to become a Hot Mess. So, turn to your best people skills, such as making judicious choices. You’ll create optimum productivity by saying yes to people and projects that move your career forward and no to everything else.