THAT’S the lesson we can learn from that gospel episode where Christ, preaching in the synagogue in his hometown of Nazareth, left the people more in disbelief than in amazement. (Lk 4,16-30) “Is this not the son of Joseph?” they asked. To which Christ could only say, “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place.”

But Christ did not make a big issue out of this. He just talked a little about similar cases in the past when those, who believed in God-sent prophets, received favors of healing from above rather than those who did not believe the prophets whom they regarded as just one among them. And after this, Christ moved on to continue with his mission.

If we want to follow Christ and to be faithful in our Christian identity and mission, we should expect also be regarded in the same way Christ and the prophets of old were regarded. But this should not deter us from pursuing what we are supposed to do. We just have to move on and not mind so much whatever sting some misunderstanding we can encounter along the way.

This should be the attitude to have in this life. We have to learn to be accepting of whatever fate, situation, condition and circumstance may fall on us, whether it is favorable or not, advantageous or not, but also having the mind of moving on to pursue the ultimate purpose and essential goal in our life here on earth.

That way, we avoid creating unnecessary problems for us as we keep the necessary focus in our life. We have to learn how to suffer when bad things come our way, as well as how to avoid getting spoiled when we are favored with good things. We have to learn how to be accepting of these.

But we should continue to move on, making the pertinent plans, strategies and resolutions, and using the appropriate means. We should not stop at any point even if we face what may seem to be an impenetrable wall.

Yes, there will be predicaments where no more human solutions can handle. But with our will, with our prayers, with our faith God in God in his providence, we also know that nothing is impossible. As they say, where there is a will, there is always a way.

To be avoided is to rot in some self-pity when bad things come or to get self-satisfied when good things come. We have to move on, knowing that the ultimate goal is something that can never be reached definitively as long as we live. It can be reached only in the afterlife.
We should try to do everything for us to be able to engage ourselves with everybody else. To be sure, it would greatly help if we develop our social skills, if we keep an open-minded outlook, if we show warmth towards all, with a smiling friendliness to boot.

For this to happen, I imagine that what we need to do also is to forget ourselves and to adapt the mind and heart of Christ instead. That way we can be full of mercy and compassion, patience and understanding. We don’t waste time getting entangled in our unavoidable differences and conflicts among ourselves as well as in our own personal problems.

We have to find ways to foster interaction among ourselves. We don’t wait for these opportunities to interact with others to come. We look for them. We create them. That is why we need to be inventive and creative also.

Productivity isn’t just about working harder; it’s about working smarter. Enhanced efficiency, reduced stress, and improved outcomes are the desired results. This article explores practical strategies to boost your productivity, focusing on time management, task prioritization, and mindful work habits.

I. Mastering Time Management: The Foundation of Productivity

Prioritize tasks strategically; don’t just cram your schedule. Focused effort on key priorities maximizes output and leads to a more productive life. Several techniques can significantly improve your time management skills:

– Time Blocking: Scheduling dedicated time blocks for tasks minimizes disruptive context switching, fostering deeper focus and greater efficiency. This leads to improved overall productivity and reduced stress. For example, dedicate 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM to writing, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM to emails, and so on. Be realistic about how long tasks take and build in buffer time.

– Pomodoro Technique: Employ the Pomodoro Technique which is taking 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break. This technique leverages the power of short, intense focus periods, preventing burnout and maintaining concentration. After four Pomodoros, take a longer break (15-20 minutes).

– Eat the Frog: Conquer your most daunting task first; this early win builds momentum and clears mental space for the day ahead. Getting this out of the way creates momentum and frees up mental energy for the rest of the day. This approach reduces procrastination and boosts overall efficiency.

– Two-Minute Rule: Handle any two-minute task instantly. This prevents small tasks from piling up and becoming overwhelming. This simple rule can dramatically reduce your to-do list clutter.

II. Prioritizing Tasks: Focusing on What Matters Most

Not all tasks are created equal. Prioritize effectively—importance and urgency are key to maximizing productivity. Several methods can assist in this process:

– Eisenhower Matrix (Urgent/Important): Use the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks by urgency and importance (Urgent/Important, Important/Not Urgent, Urgent/Not Important, Neither). Focus on the “Important but Not Urgent” quadrant to prevent crises and proactively manage your workload.

– MoSCoW Method: Prioritize tasks based on Must have, Should have, Could have, and Won’t have. This method helps clarify essential tasks and those that can be deferred or eliminated. This is especially useful for project management.

– Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule): Focus on the vital 20% that delivers 80% of your results.

Focus your energy on these high-impact activities to maximize your return on investment (ROI) in terms of time and effort.

III. Cultivating Mindful Work Habits: Enhancing Focus and Efficiency

Beyond time management and prioritization, mindful work habits are essential for sustained productivity. These habits promote focus, reduce stress, and improve the quality of your work:

– Minimize Distractions: Minimize distractions—social media, emails, and non-essential meetings—to enhance focus. Create a dedicated workspace free from interruptions. Consider using website blockers or noise-canceling headphones.

– Group Similar Tasks: Batch similar tasks to reduce context switching; for example, handle all emails at once. This streamlined approach minimizes mental load and boosts efficiency. This reduces mental overhead and improves efficiency.

– Take Regular Breaks: Short breaks throughout the day are crucial for maintaining focus and preventing burnout. Take regular breaks; step away, stretch, or relax. Regular breaks enhance cognitive function and improve overall productivity.

– Delegate When Possible: Delegate effectively to free up time for higher-priority tasks requiring your expertise. Effective delegation is a key productivity booster.

– Regular Review and Adjustment: Regularly assess and adapt your productivity system- personalization is key. What works for one person may not work for another. Experiment with different techniques to find what best suits your work style and preferences.

IV. Conclusion: A Sustainable Approach to Productivity

Productivity isn’t a destination, but a continuous journey of refinement and adaptation. By consistently implementing these strategies – mastering time management, prioritizing tasks, and cultivating mindful work habits – you can achieve a sustainable level of productivity that enhances both your professional and personal life. Remember that consistency and self-awareness are key to long-term success. Boosting productivity is a personal journey. Experiment with different techniques. Adapt strategies to fit your unique workflow. Find what helps you focus and achieve your goals. The most effective system is the one you consistently use.
————–
If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts on the column, feel free to send an email to jca.bblueprint@gmail.com. Looking forward to connecting with you!

In the Waray-Waray tongue, we say “timbang-timbang han presyo ngan gasto”—we weigh the cost and the price. But what of the cost of corruption? It is not just in pesos lost, but in dignity denied. The Filipino, resilient as he is, learns to make do. He learns to smile through broken systems. But should resilience be a requirement for survival?

There is a road in every Filipino town that never gets fixed. A dike that never got fixed. A bridge that remains half-built. A classroom with no chairs, no chalk, no teacher. These are not mere accidents of governance—they are symptoms of a deeper malaise. Corruption, that silent thief, does not always wear a mask or wield a gun. Sometimes, it wears a barong, smiles in campaign posters, and speaks of “public service” while pocketing the future of the people.

We often think of corruption as a distant, abstract evil—something that happens in Manila, in air-conditioned offices, in the halls of Congress. But corruption is not just a political issue. It is a moral wound.

The people who toiled fairly, consistently are never getting get paid accordingly. They never get promoted nor do they won searches for the best fit of a very important job. The best, the brightest will be defeated by the nearest to the real source of power.

As the flood hits Quezon City last night and Low Pressure Area threatens Virac today, we can expect destruction and despair. We can expect problems again, while the politicians dole out food packs, they will get their picture emblazoned on social media, righteous and sacrificing. They are actually distributing pre-positioned government goods or maybe, profits from the business derived from the commissions they have got.

For good natured, law abiding citizens, these are simply sad because the systemic robbery, robs them of hope. They rob them of fair chances and break the universal law of good begets good life, it now became corruption begets good life. It leads them to question whether God is watching or punishing. Is it that the slow path to redemption makes the sight of the same a model for backsliding the good to be bad because the bad wins?

In all, corruption is a moral wound, It hurts the economy, it hurts the merit selection, it taxes the soul. Sadly, the road to redemption is obviously long ahead. But Indonesia is making double strides and we are doing baby steps towards a better society. We are seeing how Indonesia are attacking corrupt officials we are witnessing the shaming of the people involved in the scheme and it is a good sign.

All said, we must express our disgust and anger to a system that hurt the present and the future. We pray for the healing of the moral wound that can became abscessed, deep and cancerous if we do nothing.