Productivity
I’ve been a student of productivity systems and approaches for almost as long as I can remember. I was a kid that needed a list of homework, projects and chores to check off. Of course I wouldn’t actually do them until the night before, but it was comforting to have them on a list. Someone really should suggested I see a therapist about ADHD. Anyway.
I’ve learned a few things about being productive with an inattentive mind:
- Three things
- Each day, write down (or update) a list of everything you want to do.
- Then choose 3 things.
- Stop doing other things. Start doing those things.
- Finish doing those things.
- The hook
- Be careful what you get hooked into at the beginning of a work period. When you’re at your sharpest, make sure you plug your brain into the most important thing.
- Pomodoro Technique
- Set a timer for 25-minutes. Work on the task without drifting off or allowing distraction.
- Take a 5-min break. Ideally walk or stretch, but this is an okay time to reply to your spouse’s text or play with the dog.
- Start another 25-minute timer and get back to work. Followed by a 5-min break.
- After four 25-minute blocks, take a longer 30-45 minute break to restore.