5 Steps to Productivity
by Parker · 32 things on Twos
- From Zen to Done by Leo Babauta
- Have a Simple System
- “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” - Leonardo Da Vinci
- Have a simple system so you can spend more time doing and less time setting up your system.
- A simple system consists of inboxes, a calendar, lists, and a reference system.
- All you need are lists and keep as few as possible.
- One list for each context and a projects list you review daily or weekly.
- Make a habit of checking it daily.
- Don’t keep trying out new tools.
- Write Things Down
- Get into the habit of writing things down immediately, in one place, instead of relying on our brains to keep track of it all.
- You will stop forgetting things, stop losing information, and always know where things are, all the time.
- If you never lose a thing again, think about how much time and money you’ve saved.
- Plan
- “The things that matter most should never beat the mercy of the things that matter least.” - Goethe
- Be sure your projects and tasks line up with your yearly and life goals.
- Eliminate everything that isn’t working towards your main goal.
- Set 3 big rocks each week.
- Set 1-2 most important tasks (MITs) each day and focus on them early to get them out of the way and done.
- Learn to say no and value your time.
- “Never mistake motion for action.” - Ernest Hemingway
- Do
- “Much of the stress that people feel doesn’t come from having too much to do. It comes from not finishing what they’ve started.” - David Allen
- Get the first MIT done first thing in the morning, even before you check email.
- Eliminate all distractions (email, cell phone, desk clutter, internet tabs).
- If you get interrupted, write it down and get back to your task.
- Do one task at a time, don't multitask.
- When you’re done, reward yourself.
- Review
- Review your system & goals weekly.
- Go over your yearly goals, see the progress you made this week, and decide on action items for the next week.
- Do a monthly review and yearly review.