Like many of you, I am a big fan of David Allen’s “Getting Things Done” (GTD).  However, I believe his work doesn’t go far enough on the most critical elements of productivity.  He is an expert at organizing your life into a trusted system and reducing stress through that organization.  My philosophy revolves around the process and tools to prepare you mentally to maximize productivity after you are using that trusted system.

For example, David Allen espouses the idea of “Mind like water” … where a reaction to an event is appropriate for that event.  To me, the best image is that of the mind as a still pond that reacts to a rock or boulder being thrown into the pond “appropriately” before becoming still again.  This is a great image and an important way to consider mental stability, however I believe it is insufficient for the purpose of productivity maximization. 

“Mind like water” is a reactive construct.  Maximized productivity will include reactive and proactive constructs.  Therefore, my framework suggests that there is a time for a still mind, an expanding mind, and a turbulent mind (in a cyclical or “tidal” pattern).  Further, my efforts here will provide the tools to achieve these various mind states.

The 3E Framework 

1.  Empty

• This is the mental equivalent of wiping all the scribblings off a whiteboard in a conference room before a meeting.  We carry far more information in our minds than meeting times and to do lists.  If you’ve ever had trouble getting the lyrics for Sir-Mix-Alot’s “Baby Got Back” out of your head, you know just what I mean.  These internal mumblings distract us from true creativity.  Just as Merlin Mann (43 Folders) suggests that multitasking is counterproductive, I am suggesting that this internal dialogue is a form of multitasking that prevents productivity.  Therefore, the first step in the framework is to wipe the slate clean through a practice of meditation.  Please recognize that when I speak of meditation I have a very specific practice in mind that may not match your notion of meditation.  Much more to come on this idea.

2.  Exercise

• We all understand the value of physical exercise, and with games like “Brain Age” on the Nintendo DS, the value of mental exercise has become more mainstream.  Productivity, creativity, and confidence can be trained into your mind in much the same way that math or science can be trained.  A clear mind will accept new ideas readily and help find creative solutions to any problem.  Just like physical exercise, mental cxercise will be hard … however, the benefits can be realized relatively quickly and may surprise you.  I will share my tools and tips to do this.

3.  Engage

• Finally, productivity is not measured by your readiness to perform (or how good your hipster PDA looks on Flickr), but rather by your ability to engage your mind and create results.  Your productivity and value to your organization can expand exponentially by working through this framework using the tools and tips I will share with you.

Leaders in business and society need much more than an organizational system and Moleskine notebook to create innovation and change.  I think you’ll enjoy using my tools and modifying them to suit your needs.  Thank you for reading and feel free to subscribe.  Mike.