I would like to introduce you today to  3 powerful elements of productivity. These are the cornerstone of productivity without which one cannot be productive, and here they are:

1.    Knowledge
2.    Action
3.    Consistency

I call this the Productivity Triangle, and if all 3 elements meet in a person, he/she  becomes truly productive. But if one element is missing that’s when un-productivity kicks in.

So how do these 3 elements work?

Knowledge

Say, “O my Lord! advance me in knowledge (  Surah Taha, Chapter #20, Verse #114)

It all starts with knowledge. Understanding what you need to do, and how to do it. One of the top reasons for people to procrastinate on a project or task is that they do not know how to do it. And they are worried to approach this learning curve out of fear that they may never understand how to do it.

Here’s some good news though: Knowledge can be attained in a number of ways, and I’ve yet to meet someone who has put their mind onto something and failed to gain knowledge in that area. But the key factor here is action, you need to put effort in to gaining knowledge.

Here are top tips to gaining knowledge:

1.    Research online/offline: Al-hamdulillah, the information world is in our finger tips these days and this is a blessing of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) upon us all. I’ve found myself if I lack knowledge in a field, I would firstly go to the Library and pick as many books on the topic as I can, I’ll read some of them and scan through others, then I’ll research online or listen to further audiobooks/podcast on the topic and within a few weeks/months, that knowledge gap would be filled with the permission of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala).
2.    Ask an expert/someone who has done it before: If there’s something new you need to learn, then know that there’s a teacher out there who’s ready to share his/her knowledge with you. And trust me, no matter how “important” this person is, you’d be surprised how they would love to pass their knowledge to you. Approaching them through associates or friends can be a good start, or a direct e-mail and cold calling can sometimes work. The most important thing is to be persistent until you get what you need from them.
3.    Make dua: Knowledge is a blessing of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) upon you, and it’s enlightening. So if you’re stuck or find yourself not knowing much about a subject and really need to learn about it, ask Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) for help and try some of the above methods  to gain what you desire. A word of caution here: Make sure you seek beneficial knowledge,  that is knowledge that will be beneficial to you either in this world, or hereafter, or both preferrably!

Action
The value of knowledge without action is zilch! In fact, this brings about the wrath of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) – may Allah protect us.  Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) described those who had the knowledge but did little action  as “those who incurred His anger” in the opening chapter of the Quran. So let’s not be one of them.

But here’s an important point: in one hand we need to remember that we must take action upon the knowledge that we learnt in order to be productive, but we have to understand here that Action/Ability or Skill comes from Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) first and foremost, since without his permission you can’t do anything. That’s why again in the opening chapter we say: “You alone we worship and You alone we seek help from”. So we want to worship Him, but we can’t worship Him without His permission, and this is true servitude to Allah.

When you realise that everything you do, you’re doing it with the permission of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala), you’ll be humble in your approach, will seek perfection in all your actions, and you’ll be sincere in what you do.

Also, action starts with you taking the first step. Again, those of us who procrastinate, here’s a killer-productivity technique: Start working on a project/task for just 10 minutes and watch yourself drift to 30-45 minutes. Give yourself a 5 minute break and then start again for ‘just’ 10 minutes. I always say that our ‘nafs’ and self is like a baby, and we have to treat it that way; a bit of encouragement, a bit of scolding, a bit of prize and it’ll get a long just fine.

Consistency
So, you’ve gained the knowledge, you’ve taken action and after a few days, you flop. You can’t be bothered and you’re not productive anymore. 90% of the productivity complaints is regarding consistency. People normally have no issue new gaining knowledge or taking action, but being consistent that’s when they find it hard.

I’ll admit, this is the hardest stage and there’s no easy answer, but here are some helpful advice:

1.    Start small and grow slow – It’s tempting when you’re super excited about a project to jump into it with BIG action and BIG tasks only to find yourself overwhelemed a few days after. Why not start small, build small, and grow slowly over the years? Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said that the most beloved actions to Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) are those that are consistent even if they are small.
2.    Break it down – Some of the reasons why it’s hard to become consistent in your action is because the action is HUGE or takes a number of tasks to achieve. Try breaking it down and see if there’s better ways of doing it: can you eliminate some steps? can you delegate some parts?. As the Chinese proverb goes: A journey of 1000 miles starts with one step. My only addition to this is: KEEP WALKING!
3.    Check your Intentions – Sometimes when you fail to be consistent on a project, it might be a sign that perhaps your intentions are not pure and sincere. For example, if you’ve tried many times to memorize the Quran and failed, check your hearth, check your intention, who are you doing it for. Normally, when our intentions are pure and when our goals are bigger than ourselves, it’s easier to be consistent inshaAllah.
4.    Ask Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) for help – I swear upon the One who created me and you, you cannot be consistent in any task, project, endeavour you’re in except by His permission. So ask Allah for help in all your matters and ask Him to that He makes you consistent. Most importantly, ask Him to be consistent in your Deen and religion, so that you’re constantly worshipping Him to the best of your ability and improving yourself and those around you.

Source: www.productivemuslim.com

1. Knowledge:  Wasted when not taking action with it.

2. Actions:  Wasted when we do anything without sincerity. Intentions count.

3. Wealth:  Wasted when used on things that will not bring us âjr (reward). We waste our money, our status, our authority, on things that have no benefit in this life or in âkhirah (The Hereafter).

4. Hearts:  Wasted when empty from the love of Allah, and the longing for Him/Her, and devoid of peace & contentment.

5. Bodies:  Wasted when we don’t use them in ibâdah (worship) and service of Allah in serving humankind.

6. Love:  Wasted when our emotional love is misdirected, not towards Allah, but towards something/someone else.

7. Time :  Wasted when not used properly, by not doing what is righteous.

8. Intellect :  Wasted on things that are detrimental to society and the individual, not in contemplation or reflection.

9. Service:  Wasted when in service of someone who will not bring us closer to Allah.

10. Dhikr:  Wasted when it does not have an effect on our hearts.

from QuranClub

This from ProductiveMuslim

When you’re at the beginning of your career level (or at any point in your career, job, volunteer organisation), sometimes we aspire to certain positions not for their monetary or power values but due to our belief that we can achieve much more, or that we can do more at those positions which would make a difference.

Yet, there seems to be a law of Allah running in the Universe which says that everything starts small and will grow given the right factors and conditions. This seems to apply in anything you do, any project you participate in. If you jump straight ahead to the top position, without understanding the ground work of things, or how things develop, you won’t be able to contribute as effectively as if you know the organisation/project inside out.

The above thought might be a demotivator to some people, who really don’t like the idea of making “their way up the ladder”, thinking it is slow and painful process. Yet, my answer to them is that yes, it might be slow, but which is better: you heading to the top position and messing it up, or working your way up slowly but surely and building relations, information sets, and procedures along the way that help you lead the organisation/project effectively later on.

Having said, there’s a method to “speed up” you career ascension, and this is to ask yourself at every level of the organisation, whether you’re a leader, a follower, or a soldier, ask yourself: “What can I contribute?”. People who ask themselves this question will be easily noticeable, as at each level they’ll be enthusiastic, eager, and selfless. They’ll get promoted quickly because they’ve proven themselves that they can take more responsibility and can give more than they take.

Living by “What can I contribute?” is a powerful lifestyle and can be implemented in all areas of your life: “What can I contribute to my family?” “What can I contribute to my local Masjid” “What can I contribute to Islam?” Keep on asking yourself this question, and your attitude towards life in general will change bithniAllah! .

Once a person came to Hadhrat Ali Radhiallaho Anhu and questioned him, “What shall I gain; knowledge or wealth?” Hadhrat Ali Radhiallaho Anhu answered “Gain knowledge because it is more beneficial then gaining wealth”. The person then asked for some benefits of gaining Knowledge over wealth, Hadhrat Ali Radhiallaho Anhu replied:

.  Knowledge is the inheritance of the Prophets (alayhisalaam), and wealth is the inheritance of Fir’awn (Pharaoh) and Qaroon,

.  The more knowledge you gain, the more beloved you become in the eyes of people and the more wealth you gain, the more people hate you out of jealousy.

.  As time passes, the value of money decreases and the value of knowledge increases,

.  Wealth needs to be looked after, whereas knowledge protects you,

.  You will always fear the theft of money, but knowledge cannot be stolen from the heart,

.  On the Day of Judgement, Allah Taa’la will ask you two questions regarding your wealth; how it was earned and how it was spent. These are two separate questions regarding Wealth whereas one question regarding knowledge will be asked: How much you acted upon it,

.  Knowledge helps you gain money but money cannot buy you knowledge,

.  Excess money brings pride.

THE YOUNG SCHOLAR
———————-
There was a young man who went overseas to study for quite a long time. When he returned, he asked his parents to find him a religious scholar or any expert who could answer his 3 Questions. His parents were able to find him a Muslim scholar. This was what they had discussed:Young man: Who are you? Can you answer my questions?
Scholar: I am one of Allah (SubHana Wa Ta`ala’s servants and Insha-Allah (God willing), I will be able to answer your questions.
Young man: Are you sure? A lot of Professors and experts were NOT able to answer my questions.
Scholar: I will try my best, with the help of Allah (SubHana Wa Ta`ala).
Young Man: I have 3 questions:
1. Does God exist? If so, show me His shape.
2. What is Taqdeer (fate)?
3. If Shaitan (Devil) was created from the fire, why at the end he will be thrown to hell that is also created from fire. It certainly will not hurt him at all, since Shaitan (Devil) and the hell were created from fire. Did God not think of it this far?

Suddenly, the Scholar slapped the young man’s face very hard.

Young Man (feeling pain): Why do you get angry at me?
Scholar: I am not angry. The slap is my answer to your three questions.
Young Man: I really don’t understand.
Scholar: How do you feel after I slapped you?
Young Man: Of course, I felt the pain.
Scholar: So do you believe that pain exists?
Young Man: Yes.
Scholar: Show me the shape of the pain!
Young Man: I cannot.
Scholar: That is my first answer. All of us feel God’s existence without being able to see His shape… Last night, did you dream that you will be slapped by me?
Young Man: No.
Scholar: Did you ever think that you will get a slap from me today?
Young Man: No.
Scholar: That is Taqdeer (fate) my second answer… My hand that I used to slap you, what is it created from?
Young Man: It is created from flesh.
Scholar: How about your face, what is it created from?
Young Man: Flesh.
Scholar: How do you feel after I slapped you?
Young Man: In pain.
Scholar: Thats it. this is my third answer, Even though Shaitan (Devil) and also the hell were created from the fire, if Allah wants, insha-Allah (God willing), the hell will become a very painful place for Shaitan.