Productivity got you puzzled?
Follow the 4 P’s of Productivity and you’ll be on your way:
- Plan
- Prioritize
- Prime
- Produce
Here’s the break-down:
Plan
1. Make a schedule, not a To-do list.
You will reduce stress by identifying what needs to get done at exactly what time.
Google Calendar or plain old pen and paper works either way.
2. Plug in your tasks according to your most productive hours.
Whether it be 5 am, or 10 pm – Do what needs to be done when you’re most alert.
3. Before going to sleep, write down one goal you would like to achieve the next day.
This will increase accountability.
Prioritize
1. Learn to say “no”.
Every time you say “yes” to something, you’re simultaneously saying “no” to an infinite number of other things. Use the saying, “If it’s not a “HELL YEAH” then it’s a “no”, as a litmus test.
2. Do the hardest task first.
Your will-power is a limited resource. Complete the hardest tasks when your will-power is most abundant.
3. Check Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc… no more than twice a day.
Trust me, the world will not end. Try the google chrome extension, StayFocusd[1].
Prime
1. Turn off all notifications.
You’re in control of your phone, don’t let it control you.
2. Find your productivity-inciter.
There are certain activities that prompt productivity – making tea, exercising (see below), meditating…. Figure out what works for you.
3. Exercise.
Exercising actually gives you energy rather than strip it away.[2]
Produce
1. Use the Pomodoro Technique[3] – 25/5. 25 minute work session, 5 minute break.
You will prolong and maximize the effectiveness of your productivity session.
2. Write down any distractions
Grabbing a snack is not the most important thing in the world right now. Writing down distractions helps you stay on track during work sessions and reminds you of what needs to be done during break sessions.
3. Touch things only once.
Just get it done and out of the way. (Unless the task requires careful editing and reflection)
4. Do it in the next 3 seconds or you will never do it at all.
This especially applies to tasks that can be accomplished in under 10 minutes.
[1] https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/stayfocusd/laankejkbhbdhmipfmgcngdelahlfoji?hl=en
[2] http://www.webmd.com/diet/20061103/exercise-fights-fatigue-boosts-energy
[3] http://pomodorotechnique.com/
The Improvement Movement 