Star Wars and productivity

In honor of the new Star Wars movie, ​this article the came to mind the other day by James Altucher entitled “7 Things “Star Wars” Taught Me About Productivity.”  This article is a cool reminder of axioms that can help all of us be more productive.

In the spirit of that article and wielding my inner Jedi, I will add 3 more things “Star Wars” taught me about productivity.

1. Be aware of the Dark side.
   
   

Each one of us know what our best self is and can think of a time when we were performing at a high level. We also know times when we were not our best self or times when we feel like we were never really getting anything done or progressing. Awareness of what causes you to go to the “Dark side” can help us be conscious of what types of activities or people pull us away from our best self. We just need to steer clear of them and choose the Light.

1. Make friends with everyone.

Throughout all the Star Wars movies the heroes are constantly making friends of all walks of life, and it pays off. Anakin and Obi Won make friends with JarJar. Although annoying, JarJar helps connect the operations team to his Gungan people who help retake Naboo from the Trade Federation. Luke initially starts off his relationship with Han Solo through a business transaction and later it pays off big, enabling him to blow up the Death Star. Making friends helps us amplify our abilities and get more done because we are surrounded by people we can lean on, collaborate with, and delegate our way toward success.

1. Becoming a Jedi takes time.

The Star Wars movies show the process of becoming a Jedi. Each Jedi starts off by being tested, then put through time as a Padawan and then as a Knight and then eventually a Master. The time doesn’t seem to be linear and while it may have specific milestones, it is not a checklist of tasks that move you to the next level. Success is a journey and progress is determined through productivity and demonstration of skills over time. The best thing one can do to become a Jedi is to focus on being the best at the task in front of them now and emulating the behaviors that would qualify you to get to the next level.  This is true for us too; we get an opportunity every day to be our best and do our best…the rest takes care of itself.
 
Just a few ideas, I am interested in feedback, and may the Force be with you.