Posts Categorized: Productivity
Simple Filing Systems
Everyone should have their own file system to track paper information that they may need to reference at another time. In fact, most people should probably have two. If you work within an office, it is wise to setup a simple system for your own work-related information; however, I do not advise co-mingling this with […]
Read MoreYour Roles List
When you meet someone for the first time, one of the very common questions is simply “what do you do?” This query really means the following: what do you do to earn your income? The expected reply would be to explain you are a primarily a butcher, baker, or candlestick-maker, etc. Yet, this response is […]
Read MoreClean Your Inbox Too
Last week, I discussed the importance of cleaning your desk. The rule for keeping a clean desk holds true for the physical inbox on your desk too (and your email inbox as well). First, if you do not have an inbox on your desk, make sure you get one. Second, I highly recommend keeping an […]
Read MoreClean Your Desk
Remember: your desk (or general work area) is not the following: A Filing Cabinet A Bookshelf A Tickler System A Junk Drawer A Trash Can It should be used for active tasks and project! Entropy is a strong force and it is much, much easier to spend your energy making messes than it is to […]
Read MoreThe Idea Box
Ideas! Everything initially starts with an idea. To really benefit from your mental fruits, it is vital that you systematically record and archive your thoughts. Of course, one excellent way to do this to utilize a daily journal. I do highly recommend journals as a way to capture your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Another method […]
Read MoreProjects List
What is a project? Some common definitions include any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted or a planned objective requiring concerted effort. These are both true and do capture the essence of ‘projectness’; nevertheless, as a pragmatist, I feel that fellow productivity expert David Allen offers a much more practical definition in his book […]
Read MoreThe Problem With To-Do Lists
Here is the main problem with To-Do Lists: they are a potpourri of goals, projects, and tasks. They can be psychologically counterproductive as many items remain on the list at the end of the day. For example, here is an example of some items on a to-do list: Lunch with Dave Call Susan Review the […]
Read MoreA Stew Folder
I have always called this a Stew Folder; however, I have heard others refer to this same idea as a Slush File or a Temp File. If you already use a Tickler File, this concept can work in parallel with that system. Do to the amount of information everyone receives, it is common for there to […]
Read MoreThe RRAFFT Method
Clutter is the result of incomplete actions. When an item has not been fully processed, it ends up in ‘limbo’ and does not have a final use or a proper home. How can you avoid an ocean of clutter? Use the RRAFFT Method. R: Review R: Read A: Act F: Forward F: File T: Toss […]
Read MoreHow To Say No
A while back, I suggested that a necessary life mastery technique is to learn to say no. Remember: every task, project, or goal comes with an opportunity cost. This means that to achieve X you have to give up focusing on Y. Requests for assistance occur daily. Get in the habit of turning down requests that […]
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