Self-observation brings man to the realization of the necessity of self-change.
And in observing himself a man notices that self-observation itself brings about certain changes in his inner processes. He begins to understand that self-observation is an instrument of self-change, a means of awakening.
~ G. I. Gurdjieff
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be inside the brain of an ultra-productive person?
A friend and I were having a good laugh over the concept of putting someone else in our brains and surmising what they’d say about how we navigate our day.
I must confess I got a few slaps on the wrist from my ‘observer’.
The list of things I could be doing more of – and less of – was longer than I liked.
But it was an excellent exercise in highlighting the things that I know deep down could be done better, differently, and in some cases not at all.
Think of someone you admire, perhaps a colleague or a successful entrepreneur.
Wouldn’t it be great to sit inside their head – like sitting inside a cockpit or a control tower?
Consider what we’d learn about the way that person works and how they use their time.
- How might they start their day?
- What tasks might they delegate?
- What might he or she do that we don’t and, equally, what might that person not do that we do?
- Do they follow a routine or take the day as it comes?
- What might they be doing this very minute?
Now, flip it around. Put that individual in the control tower to observe your work actions.
Of course we each have our own personal work styles, thought processes and speed.
But just consider what an objective viewer might comment on your productivity?
Would he or she say, “Yep, that’s what I’d be doing right now”?
Or would it sound more like:
“What are you waiting for, why haven’t you picked up the phone or taken that decision?”
“Why are you re-labelling your files when this is an optimum time to work on your marketing strategy?”
“Why did you just say ‘yes’ to that request when you know you’re already overcommitted?”
If you find it challenging to see your actions through someone else’s eyes, simply imagine the observer as you.
You may be surprised how different your minute to minute actions seem when viewing them objectively.
To change and improve, we need to see ourselves from a different angle from time to time.
Incorporating a few minutes a day of self-observation can help keep us on track.
– Where do we stand, are we focused and making progress?
– Are we taking on too much and heading down the road towards burnout?
– Are we frittering away hours of valuable time?
It may seem a bizarre approach, but I find it highly effective. Observing how I work, from the outside looking in, made me sit up and take notice, as well as make a few changes.
It may do the same for you, too.
Your turn.
Try it for yourself. Your assignment is to take a few moments and simply observe yourself working away.
Whether you imagine an external observer, or yourself as the voyeur, what do you witness?
What advice could you give yourself to ignite your personal productivity?
Pick up the phone and make the call, stop surfing the net, send the email, make the decision, say no to the request, take a break, publish the ‘good enough’ version, do this now, do that later…
Don’t wait for hindsight.
Get perspective today.
And of course don’t forget the most crucial step: put your ‘observer’s’ advice into immediate action.
What behaviour or actions will you change today based on your observer’s observations?
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