Redefining Productivity
- Betsy Richard
- Aug 7
- 3 min read
Leading with Purpose, Boundaries, and Focus
Productivity receives a lot of attention, but it is often framed around doing more, faster. If you’re an executive, nonprofit leader, or business owner, you know that busy doesn’t always mean effective.
True productivity isn’t just about packed calendars and checked boxes. It’s about moving intentionally, aligning with your purpose, and protecting the energy it takes to lead well.
Let’s reframe productivity– not as a hustle, but as a habit of focus, boundaries, and value-based action.
Productivity Starts with Time Ownership
If you don’t manage your time, your time will manage you.
Most leaders aren’t struggling because they don’t know how to work hard–they are struggling because their calendar doesn’t leave space to breathe, think, or reflect.
A good starting point? Do a simple calendar audit. Look at the last two weeks, how much time went to deep work vs distractions? Strategy vs. firefighting?
This article from Forbes gives a great breakdown of how to assess where your time is going.
Establish a weekly rhythm that supports your priorities.
The Power of the 24-Hour Pause
“You will never find time for anything. If you want time, you must make it.” — Charles Buxton
One of the best time management tools isn’t a new app; it’s a pause. When someone asks you to commit to something, it’s okay to say:
“Can I think about it and get back to you in 24-48 hours?”
This small buffer gives you time to reflect and ask:
“Will this bring me joy? Is it supporting me in my purpose?”
If the answer is no, it’s okay to respond with:
“It really doesn’t work for me.”
You can still be helpful by offering a referral, an alternative time, or a different resource. This type of boundary is healthy, and your future self will thank you.
Some people have a natural gift for discernment—they can feel when something is aligned or not almost instantly. What that looks like in leadership is an inner clarity that guides decision-making, without second-guessing or guilt.
But for those of us who don’t naturally have that gift, we can still develop it. One tool I love is the four steps of Ignatian discernment. The steps help you pause, pay attention to what’s stirring in you, and choose what leads to peace over pressure.
Discernment, whether through prayer or reflection, helps you make decisions from a place of clarity—not fear, not guilt, not urgency.
So when you pause before saying yes, and you get quiet enough to listen—whether that’s through silence, journaling, or prayer—you’re actually practicing productivity at its highest level. You’re protecting your focus for what matters most.
If you’re curious about building this kind of discernment into your leadership style, Working Genius is another powerful tool to discover what types of work give you energy—and what drains it.
Protect Your Focus
Notifications, endless meetings, and constant multitasking are killing your productivity. Real productivity requires focus.
Try blocking time each week (or even each day) for “thinking work.” Turn off notifications. Let your team know this is your deep work window.
“Clarity about what matters provides clarity about what does not.” — Cal Newport
Cal Newport’s book Deep Work explains how focused, distraction-free time isn’t a luxury; it’s the only way to do high-value thinking and leadership work.
In quarterly planning sessions, we build a space for leaders to reflect, plan, and re-center without the outside noise. Check out the services I offer and see how I can facilitate for your team using the button below!
Set Goals That Actually Move You Forward
Many leaders set ambitious goals but struggle with follow-through. The key? Simplicity and rhythm. Here are four steps you can follow:
Anchor your goals in purpose and values.
Set fewer goals (1-3 is plenty).
Break them into next steps or milestones.
Review weekly (even 10 minutes can make a difference).
Your Calendar Should Reflect Your Core Values
Take a look at your calendar this week. Do your values show up?
If you say you value family time, do you save time in your evenings?
If creativity is important, where’s your time to brainstorm?
If leading your team matters, do you have time to connect with them?
When your values and time align, you’ll not only be more productive, you’ll feel more at peace.
Productivity isn’t about squeezing more into your week – it’s about making space for the right things. When you slow down to reflect, say no with grace, protect your focus, and lead from your values, you won’t only get more done–you’ll start doing what actually matters.
Would you like to explore how this could work for your team or business? I’d love to help. Check out this downloadable checklist or contact me now!
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