The Whys of Productivity: Minimizing Capture Locations
Every system out there, particularly those that are dependent on a specific format and/or planner, advocate putting everything in one place. Some systems insist that the only place to put things is in their product; GTD advocates a more realistic approach: minimizing how many places you put stuff. Looking at this from a practical standpoint, it makes sense that the fewer places you put things, the fewer places you have to keep track of.
The Whys Of Productivity
Throughout all the years that I have been writing about productivity and researching productivity, I see a lot of articles on the "how". But knowing how to do something isn't enough if you want to expand on it. As a math teacher, I know it isn't enough to have students memorize formulas. They have to be able to understand why a formula works if they are to be able to apply it. As I was considering this, I decided to revamp and expand a series on the "Whys of Productivity". Over the next few weeks, I will look at the similar basics to several productivity systems and dig down into the "whys" behind each method.
The Value in Unplugging
Is there any value in unplugging?I have a confession to make: I design software and databases by writing on a window with a dry-erase marker. I also do my podcast outlines and about a quarter of my blogging on paper. Some of the best fiction writing I have done has been in my notebook, scribbled while sitting in a coffee shop.This may come as a surprise to those who know me well. I practically hyperventilate when deprived of my phone for more than a couple hours, and my laptop travels with me on vacations. I also usually have my tablet with me as well.Even though I work in technology, and even though I do things "by hand" at times, I still find it hard to unplug. But I had a lesson a few weeks ago that has me thinking about it.
Tips for Personal Holiday Greetings
It used to be that people sent cards at the holidays as a matter of social norm. Now with social media, most people don't send holiday greetings. After all, it is much easier to click a few times or to post once and let others see it when they may. I view social media like a book - you don't know what it contains unless you actually make the effort to open it and read it. Since the point of holiday greetings is to let people know you are thinking of them, I think the social media model is not the right one for the purpose. Does a general "I'm thinking of all you people at this time" really happen? Do you even really know everyone on your friends list? At the same time, sending holiday greetings to everyone you know might not be the best approach…
Minimalism Is About Getting Rid of Distraction
I recently heard on a podcast that minimalism is a mind game - that it's not about getting rid of stuff as much as it is about getting rid of distractions. I've never heard it phrased that way before, but it clicked. I've dabbled with simplicity for years. In fact, my long-time readers will remember when this blog was called "simple productivity" - and focused as much on simplifying as it was on productivity. But minimalism? I could never get behind having 100 items in my life or 30 pieces of clothing or a single pen (a single pen? I'd get the shakes from withdrawal!) And when you look at minimalism as a mind game to eliminate distractions, it becomes clear why no one person's minimalism will be anothers - just like productivity systems.
Some Thoughts On Attention
I recently listened to the TED Radio Hour on Attention. And then I listened again, paying much closer attention. What I heard has given me a lot of food for thought.
Make a Breakfast Buffet
We’ve talked about minimizing our breakfast choices to save on decision fatigue. But there is another step you can take to limit decision fatigue while not forcing yourself to eat the same thing all the time Assemble a breakfast buffet including protein, good carbs and some fruit. By having these things ready to go (perhaps even packaged?) you can give yourself a choice while also giving yourself a great start.
Simple Tools for Big Productivity Gains, Part One
What are the simple things you do or use every day that make a huge impact on your productivity? In July we are going to be looking at some of my favorites. Today we begin with my morning routine and mini-habits.
