Productivity Tips For Getting Things Done
- Thread starter seoshark
- Start date
TheArticleMan
Power Member
- Aug 18, 2011
- 590
- 299
Here is what I do:
I write a word document the night before of the things which I need completed for the following day. As I complete my work during the day I remove it from my document.
I do the same every night and that way I always manage to stay on track and keep focused. It is easier to break down your work into small chunks rather than one big pie.
Cheers.
I write a word document the night before of the things which I need completed for the following day. As I complete my work during the day I remove it from my document.
I do the same every night and that way I always manage to stay on track and keep focused. It is easier to break down your work into small chunks rather than one big pie.
Cheers.
phracktl
Regular Member
- Sep 2, 2012
- 218
- 154
For IM days Ive formed this little routine:
1. Prepare lunch the night before/ decide on where to eat out - so im not having to think about that. 20 minutes "yoga" - or my crappy version of it
2. Top 10 "to do" - ranked along the lines of the Eisenhower matrix, ie. important and-or difficult || urgent
I write it on a post-it note and put it on the screen so i cant avoid them
3. Work in pomodoro style bursts (30 minutes)
I dispatch the easy urgent ones first pomodoro - for quick wins
Have proper 10-15 minute breaks away out of the "home office" between work sessions.
Also a proper lunch break (maybe even a siesta too, after wine and work going well)
4. Focus on one task at a time. Resist distraction (emails, personal calls, bhw & interwebs) - switch everything not relevant off. I use "Self Control" on Mac. There'll be a windows equivalent no doubt)
5. End of day review & write new Top 10 list
Rinse & Repeat
When programming or writing I work only after 11pm. I get too wrapped up into it and just tap away till the early hours with no method or worry of distraction from myself or others
1. Prepare lunch the night before/ decide on where to eat out - so im not having to think about that. 20 minutes "yoga" - or my crappy version of it
2. Top 10 "to do" - ranked along the lines of the Eisenhower matrix, ie. important and-or difficult || urgent
I write it on a post-it note and put it on the screen so i cant avoid them
3. Work in pomodoro style bursts (30 minutes)
I dispatch the easy urgent ones first pomodoro - for quick wins
Have proper 10-15 minute breaks away out of the "home office" between work sessions.
Also a proper lunch break (maybe even a siesta too, after wine and work going well)
4. Focus on one task at a time. Resist distraction (emails, personal calls, bhw & interwebs) - switch everything not relevant off. I use "Self Control" on Mac. There'll be a windows equivalent no doubt)
5. End of day review & write new Top 10 list
Rinse & Repeat
When programming or writing I work only after 11pm. I get too wrapped up into it and just tap away till the early hours with no method or worry of distraction from myself or others
- Mar 28, 2008
- 4,476
- 57,707
Here is my tip:
Start Before You Are Ready.
Often people spend way too much time in "research mode" and trying to
make everything perfect. Instead, FINISH IT . . . then go back and tweak
it afterward. But whatever you do, get it finished first.
Cheers! - "Wiz"
Start Before You Are Ready.
Often people spend way too much time in "research mode" and trying to
make everything perfect. Instead, FINISH IT . . . then go back and tweak
it afterward. But whatever you do, get it finished first.
Cheers! - "Wiz"
As mentioned above turn stuff off that will interfere with your concentration when working. I put phone on silent and put in another room, shut down email programs, turn off TV or radio etc.
Spend some time dedicated 100% to what you're doing and that time will be 10x more productive than if you have distractions. You'll be amazed what you can achieve without distractions and most importantly when you're in the right frame of mind. What I mean by 'right frame of mind' is that some days you're just not on the ball, heads up in the clouds for some reason.
If my day starts like that and I can't concentrate for one reason or another I go and do something else. This might be fishing for a few hours, doing the garden, washing the car, walking the dog. Anything to clear my mind, then when I'm ready I work I do. Problem is that might be in the middle of the night lol.
Spend some time dedicated 100% to what you're doing and that time will be 10x more productive than if you have distractions. You'll be amazed what you can achieve without distractions and most importantly when you're in the right frame of mind. What I mean by 'right frame of mind' is that some days you're just not on the ball, heads up in the clouds for some reason.
If my day starts like that and I can't concentrate for one reason or another I go and do something else. This might be fishing for a few hours, doing the garden, washing the car, walking the dog. Anything to clear my mind, then when I'm ready I work I do. Problem is that might be in the middle of the night lol.
Last edited:
swords12
Elite Member
- Oct 5, 2011
- 3,767
- 307
Its all about time management. You need to have a "to-do-list" and schedule of calendar of your tasks. By doing this, you can avoid unnecessary things like wasting your time in nonsense works, putting much effort on things that not that important. This is also an indication that you are a responsible and disciplined person in yourself.
schwarpitz
Newbie
- Oct 27, 2008
- 24
- 3
Use some 'tasks manager'. I use Producteev and I'd recommand it. It allows you to write down tasks, give them priority, notes and assign them to a project.
I found that writing down the tasks to be done allows me to focus on one task at once. When you are done with a task you could check it and pass to the next one.
Another general productivity tip if you are using Ubuntu, there's a program named 'SelfControl' which allows you to block websites you select for a period of time. You can focus on the work you have to do without being distracted by websites you usually visit.
I found that writing down the tasks to be done allows me to focus on one task at once. When you are done with a task you could check it and pass to the next one.
Another general productivity tip if you are using Ubuntu, there's a program named 'SelfControl' which allows you to block websites you select for a period of time. You can focus on the work you have to do without being distracted by websites you usually visit.
just-buyin-stuff
Registered Member
- Jun 30, 2013
- 94
- 48
Along with all the great ideas here another one is block the sub forums that you just waste time reading, for example the lobby. Or just don't check any forums at all during the week. Lots of people just read the constant bs on forums and never get anything done.
Furious George
Supreme Member
- Dec 13, 2012
- 1,438
- 2,188
It's always easier to hold someone else accountable for a schedule.
Get someone else to do it.
Repeat.
Get someone else to do it.
Repeat.
No prob, I left out a useful link - check out Asana - asanaDOTcom - best project management system I've found.
This is exactly what I do. I don't know why but it works wonders. +1
andre09
Junior Member
- Jul 15, 2008
- 173
- 260
One thing that has helped me in immediately getting to work in the morning:
Prepare in advance a big pot (2 cups uncooked) worth of oatmeal, so that in the morning you can just heat it up. Throw in some blue berries and walnuts (purchased at Costco), and you have a breakfast that will feed your mind. It's a delicious meal, and it will save you time from indecision. Look up the benefits of blue berries and walnut for brain function.
Prepare in advance a big pot (2 cups uncooked) worth of oatmeal, so that in the morning you can just heat it up. Throw in some blue berries and walnuts (purchased at Costco), and you have a breakfast that will feed your mind. It's a delicious meal, and it will save you time from indecision. Look up the benefits of blue berries and walnut for brain function.
andre09
Junior Member
- Jul 15, 2008
- 173
- 260
This is an awesome link. I just checked it out and I think I'm going to adopt it, over my current system of mind maps. Only thing though, is that no offline-mode could be troublesome.