Adventures in Internet Marketing with SEO Chick Extraordinaire

Experts say that every one one of us has an “efficiency zone”.  The zone is the mental state where we find ourselves accomplishing a great deal at a rapid clip, although it feels natural and comfortably paced.  It is a zen-like state in which our true productivity potential is released.  For example, when motivated with a specific benefit, such as a high score on a school test, I’ve been able to complete and comprehend a book in record time.  The efficiency zone is available to any person, of any trade or craft.  A carpenter could go into it while nailing shingles on a rooftop, developing a rhythm naturally and doing a fine job at a fast clip without even realizing it.

I am on a personal quest to become aware of when and how I get into my efficiency zone.  I know, intellectually, that my time is valuable and that I am worthy of great things.  Now, my goal is to tap into the zone and apply it to all areas of my life.  One of my favorite sayings is “Gittr Dunn” (I’m from the dirty south – can you tell?) It’s says it so perfectly and with so much American cultural flair

I believe that if we could all live in our efficiency zone all of the time, the world would be more productive, television would suffer massive ratings shortfalls and we would all be happier.  Amen!  I actually believe that as humanity evolves, we will be able to live more in this kind of self-directed, focused state of existence.

Unfortunately, in today’s world of easy overwhelm, we don’t always get access to that zone.  Most of the time, in fact, we are clearly operating far from outside of any influence it might have.  We spend our hours in different frames of mind, most of the time, divorced from the sensations of true efficiency and productivity. 

Being the motivated person that I am, I decided to come up with a plan to tap into that zone when I really need it.  You’ll have to help me test these methods out – they are not foolproof by far, but they do offer what I feel is a better chance of operating in that powerful state. 

1. First, I observe the circumstances surrounding me immediately before and after I hit the zone.  By replicating them later, I stand a better chance of finding that mental state again.  Since human beings are creatures of habit, we are readily influenced by our surroundings.  You may notice that certain preparations or settings help you to slide into this great time management/efficiency mode as well.  Some ideas include a quiet space, relaxing music playing at a very low volume, a glass of water nearby.
2. Second, I catch myself if I start to drift and push through when I find myself not in the zone.  It’s a balancing act though – one must know how to observe resistance from an objective viewpoint.  Are you resisting because you are drifting, or is your sub-conscious trying to give you a hint about the direction you are taking?  If you are indeed drifting, bring yourself back into the present and make yourself start the task.  Even if you start out slowly and awkwardly, as the minutes pass you just may slowly transition “into it.”  Perseverance can land one in the zone.
3. Finally, once I feel myself in the zone, I’m going to ride the wave with enthusiasm and enjoyment.  These spells of absolute efficiency are rare treats and I want to maximize the experience as long as possible.  If I begin to notice that I am suddenly sailing along in my work, I’m not going to pause to think about why or celebrate with a cup of yerba matte away from my work area.  Instead, I’m going to keep going down the line until it’s time to get off the wave!

I think it’s true that once I interrupt my time in this powerful time management efficiency zone I find myself unable to recapture that same mental state again.  So my promise to myself is to do my best not to squander an opportunity.  Yes, I’m going to use the feeling and its power when I am in the zone to further my goals.

I encourage all of you to do the same – working in the zone can supercharge your work efforts and dramatically decrease the amount of time necessary to accomplish tasks.  By trying to replicate context, persevering and taking full advantages of opportunities when they are present, finding and using your efficiency zone is much easier. 

And then you can get down to the beach and go surfing faster, as is the case in what  I want to be doing!

Please share your experiences with working in the zone with me here on my blog!  I’d love to hear what works for you and what kinds of miracles can be created when you can tap into the Gittr Dunn – Gottr Dunn Zone