Productivity

I noticed that I am
Super effective some days
And on other days
It seems that
I might as well have stayed in bed
For all that I accomplish.

I always felt better
When I got more done
Than when I didn’t,
So I was naturally curious
Why one day should be
So radically different than another.

I observed that some people
Consistently produce results
No matter the circumstances
Day in and day out,
And I wanted to be
More like them.

The idea that there might be
Some natural biorhythm
Or inner clock
That controlled when I am on
And when I am not
Was not the answer I wanted.

It was obvious
There are many factors
That have an impact on
How much I get done
And the effort it takes to do it,
And most are within my control.

When I am sleepy or tired,
Feeling irritable or overwhelmed,
Sick or indifferent to outcome,
Wishing I was doing something else
Or otherwise resisting what I am doing,
Productivity is clearly a challenge.

I learned to be aware
Of my inner state,
Not to push myself beyond endurance,
To clear my head
And manage my attitude
Before tackling each task.

I accepted the responsibility
Of mastering me,
Realizing that if productivity is to be,
It is up to me,
That I can be incredibly effective
If I choose to be.