Ep 032: Are You Wasting Your Effort? How to Focus on Work That Pays Off Forever

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About 80-20 Productivity Deep Dives

80-20 productivity deep dives is a series on 80 20 Productivity where Anthony Sanni discusses concepts and phenomena related to the 80-20 principle and explores how these concepts can be used to help you do more by doing less.

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Episode Summary

Learn how to maximize your productivity by focusing on generative effort—the work that keeps paying off long after it's done. In this episode, I break down the differences between terminal and generative effort, share insights and offer actionable tips to help you build assets, streamline processes, and create a lasting legacy.

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The Vital Few (TVF) Timestamps:

1. [00:00] The Two Types of Effort That Define Productivity

2. A powerful framework to transform how you approach work and results.

3. [00:19] Generative Effort: The Work That Keeps on Giving

   1. What makes some efforts continue to create value long after they’re done?

4. [04:34] Terminal Effort: Are You Stuck in a Productivity Trap?

   1. The kind of work that ends as soon as it’s completed—and why it’s time to rethink it.

5. [06:38] Why Generative Effort Is a Gift to Your Future Self

   1. How prioritizing the right kind of effort aligns with your long-term goals.

6. [07:59] What Are the 6 Categories of Generative Effort?

   1. From building assets to creating a legacy, these categories will change how you allocate your energy.

7. [21:18] Is Your Effort Building or Burning Value?

   1. Key questions to identify whether your tasks are setting you up for lasting success.

8. [24:20] How to Shift More Time Toward Generative Effort

   1. Practical strategies to rebalance your day for compounding results.

9. [24:41] Final Thoughts: Are You Ready to Work Smarter?

   1. A challenge to focus on work that pays off far beyond the present moment.

Get up to 45% off Magic Mind special bundle of performance shots and sleep aid - valid only for January. Go to https://magicmind.com/anthonyjan

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Notes and References

1. Greg McKeown's Essentialism: Inspiration for the concept of generative vs. terminal effort.

2. Past Episodes Mentioned

   • Future Self Connection: Link to the referenced episode.

3. Force Multipliers Episode

   • Reference to Lancaster's Law and exponential teamwork effects.

4. Mini-Course: Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting

   • Free resource for listeners: https://anthony-sanni-company-international.thinkific.com/courses/goal-achievement-free-mini-course

5. Book Mention: The Law of The Vital Few