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Transform Your Work-Life Struggles: The Betterism Approach to Productivity

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Are you struggling to keep up with the demands of a busy workweek? Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pressure of managing multiple projects while also keeping up with personal commitments. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The struggle to balance work and life can feel like an impossible climb—like standing at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, wondering how you’ll ever reach the summit.

But what if you could make the climb not just manageable, but meaningful? What if the journey itself was just as rewarding as reaching the top? That’s the philosophy behind the Productivity Smarts podcast and the inspiring principles shared by Gerald J. Leonard and his guest, Michael Starr, a lifelong adventurer and advocate for what he calls “Betterism.” In this episode, we explore practical ways to enhance productivity and achieve peace by embracing the process of growth rather than just focusing on the destination. 

 What Is Betterism and Why Should It Matter?

Most people think of productivity as simply getting more done in less time. But there’s a problem with this mindset: it often leads to burnout and stress rather than fulfillment. Michael Starr introduces us to the concept of Betterism, a philosophy that shifts the focus from simply achieving goals to continuously improving yourself

You might be wondering, “Isn’t productivity just a corporate buzzword for working harder?” Actually, no. True productivity is about efficiency and effectiveness—about finding ways to achieve more with less effort, less stress, and fewer resources. When you embrace Betterism, you’re not just working to cross items off your to-do list; you’re striving to get better every day, both professionally and personally.

Have you ever felt that your efforts were wasted, even after reaching your goals? That’s where Betterism comes in. It’s about creating meaningful progress in all areas of life by consistently seeking ways to reduce waste, enhance efficiency, and empower yourself and others.

 The Myth of the “Perfect” Work-Life Balance

Let’s face it: the idea of achieving a perfect work-life balance is often misleading. Many people find themselves exhausted trying to meet unrealistic expectations at work, only to end up sacrificing time with family or hobbies that bring them joy. For Project and Program Managers, especially those overseeing large portfolios, the struggle to balance responsibilities can feel never-ending. 

What if the solution lies not in finding balance, but in finding better ways to approach your tasks? Starr’s insights emphasize that productivity isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing better. By making incremental improvements in your daily routines, you can create a sustainable approach to work and life that doesn’t leave you feeling depleted. 

Imagine climbing a mountain like Kilimanjaro, as Starr did. The key isn’t just to reach the summit but to prepare effectively, pace yourself, and enjoy the journey along the way. The same is true in life and work; the goal should be to find fulfillment in the process, not just the result.

 Begin With Empathy: The Key to Reducing Stress and Drama

One of the most profound takeaways from this podcast episode is the importance of empathy—not just toward others but also toward yourself. When you’re constantly striving to achieve more, it’s easy to become your own harshest critic. However, Starr emphasizes that empathy can be a game-changer for your productivity and peace of mind. 

Have you ever caught yourself in a cycle of self-blame for not doing enough? What if, instead of criticizing yourself, you paused to consider why you might be struggling? Empathy allows you to take a step back, understand the root cause of your stress, and then address it with clarity rather than frustration. 

Empathy isn’t just about being kind to others; it’s also about setting wise boundaries for yourself. When you’re empathetic, you recognize that some things are beyond your control, and that’s okay. By focusing on what you can change and accepting what you can’t, you’ll find it easier to manage expectations and reduce the mental load that comes with juggling too many responsibilities. 

 Habits and Routines: Your Autopilot for Success

Think about a time when you faced an overwhelming project. Did you have a routine in place to help manage the workload, or did you find yourself “firefighting,” constantly reacting to issues as they arose? Starr discusses the importance of establishing habits and routines as a form of autopilot that keeps you on track even when life gets chaotic.

Could refining your routines be the answer to gaining back control of your time? When you establish well-defined processes, it reduces the need for constant decision-making and frees up your mental energy for higher-level tasks. For example, implementing a daily check-in with your team or setting aside a specific time for focused work each day can drastically reduce the need for last-minute problem-solving.

Starr shares a valuable insight from his time managing a production line: by continuously improving small processes, his team achieved a 60% increase in productivity over two years. The key was asking a simple yet powerful question: How can we make this easier? 

 The GPS for Peace and Progress: Aligning Your Actions with Your Values

For many busy professionals, the hardest part about being productive is feeling like they’re losing touch with what truly matters. Whether it’s spending time with loved ones or pursuing personal passions, the guilt of “not doing enough” can be overwhelming. Starr’s concept of using a “GPS for Peace and Progress” involves aligning your daily actions with your core values or convictions.

What if you could navigate your productivity like you navigate a road trip? Just as a GPS helps you stay on course, having a set of guiding principles can help you make decisions that support your long-term goals without compromising on your values. Starr encourages his coaching clients to develop a list of 10 personal convictions that serve as a moral compass, ensuring that their actions are always in alignment with what they deem most important.

For instance, if one of your convictions is to prioritize family time, then consistently working late hours without addressing the root causes isn’t sustainable. Instead, by using your convictions as a GPS, you can make strategic adjustments, such as delegating tasks or automating certain workflows, to ensure that work doesn’t overshadow your personal life.

 The Role of Language in Shaping Our Reality

Did you know that the words you use can directly impact how you perceive your reality? Leonard and Starr discuss the concept that language can either empower or limit us. Words carry energy, and repeated use of negative language can create a self-fulfilling prophecy of stress and failure. Conversely, adopting “golden keys” in your vocabulary—words that encourage positive action and improvement—can boost your mindset and lead to better outcomes.

Have you ever paid attention to the language you use when describing your workload? Words like “overwhelmed,” “burnt out,” or “stressed” can reinforce a negative state of mind. Instead, consider using words that promote a sense of control and possibility, such as “focused,” “prepared,” or “strategic.” Small changes in how you speak about your tasks can shift your mindset from feeling burdened to feeling empowered.

 Embracing Alternate Realities: Seeing Challenges as Opportunities

Starr introduces the idea of “Legitimate Empowering Alternate Realities” (LEAR), where changing your perspective on a situation can open up new possibilities. This mindset shift encourages you to see obstacles not as barriers but as opportunities for growth. For example, instead of viewing a tight deadline as an impossible challenge, you might see it as a chance to test your ability to prioritize effectively and deliver results under pressure.

How often do you find yourself trapped in a negative narrative about your work? What if you could reframe those thoughts to see your challenges as stepping stones to success? In the same way that Starr chose to view his preparation for Kilimanjaro as part of the journey rather than just a means to an end, you can find fulfillment in the process of overcoming your daily hurdles. 

 Overcoming Resistance: Why Small Wins Matter

It’s easy to feel discouraged when facing a long list of tasks or an ambitious goal. The key is to focus on small, manageable wins that create a sense of momentum. As Starr shares, even climbing a mountain like Kilimanjaro is about taking one step at a time and celebrating the small victories along the way.

Are you setting yourself up for success by acknowledging small achievements? By breaking down large goals into smaller, actionable steps, you can build confidence and reduce the resistance that often comes with tackling complex projects. The process becomes less daunting, and you’ll find it easier to maintain motivation.

 The Power of Intentionality: Living with Purpose in Every Task

Being productive isn’t just about efficiency; it’s also about intentionality. Starr emphasizes that the true value of productivity lies in aligning your actions with a sense of purpose. Whether you’re managing a project, coaching a team, or spending time with family, being present and intentional can turn even mundane tasks into meaningful experiences.

What would happen if you brought intentionality into every aspect of your life? Instead of rushing through tasks just to check them off a list, approach each activity with a clear understanding of its purpose and impact. This shift in mindset can help you feel more connected to your work and more satisfied with your progress.

Call to Action: Take the First Step Towards Betterism

If there’s one thing to take away from this podcast episode, it’s that productivity is not just about reaching the top of the mountain; it’s about how you climb. By embracing Betterism, starting with empathy, refining your habits, and living intentionally, you can transform your approach to both work and life.

So, what’s your next step? Begin by identifying one area where you can make a small improvement today. Whether it’s setting a new boundary, refining a routine, or simply changing your language, start

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