By Bert Zethof


Photo by: CP PHOTO/COC/Claus Andersen displayed at www.olympic.ca

Yesterday, I committed to installing tiles on our bathroom floor. I find it difficult to motivate myself to get started on renovation projects, but once I get going and see the results, I find them quite satisfying.

What usually happens, though, is that a project drags on for weeks or months because I get distracted. Someone invites me for lunch, one of my kids asks for a ride, it’s time to visit a relative, and so forth. Then I have to motivate myself all over again to restart the project.

Yesterday was different. I stayed focused all day and as a result was able to measure, cut and place all the tiles for the job. I had only quick snacks and put off dinner until late in the evening. The difference was that I had set a clear goal for myself: I had rented a tile cutting machine and I resolved to complete the job in one day so I wouldn’t have to pay extra rental charges. I was playing a little mind game with myself and it worked.

In keeping my focus, I had unknowingly employed a technique called “ultradian sprint” (see Manage Your Energy, Not Your Time, Harvard Business Review, October 2007). With the ultradian sprint, one concentrates fully on the task at hand and completes it as quickly as possible. It is the antithesis of multi-tasking, and proponents claim that the increased productivity comes from managing your energy stores rather than your time.

I know it will be difficult to practice the ultradian sprint consistently while co-managing our company – there are just so many tasks that need tending to simultaneously. Yet, I will intentionally give the sprint a go whenever I can. Effective “time management” is a challenge for most entrepreneurs and I’m no exception. This one technique could potentially boost my productivity.