Projects 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 MoreValues List
Question: Who are you? I do not mean your name. I mean your beliefs. What are the central values in your life? Create a list of top ten values. For example, many people list things such as God, Family, Wealth, Love, Health, Integrity, etc. Then rank this list. A Values List is useful for making decisions. […]
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 […]
Read MoreTime Boxing
Question: How do you eat a whale? Answer: One bite at a time! Anytime you decide to focus on a single task, you need to decide if it can be reasonably be finished the same day or if it will take more time. If it is the latter, you may want to consider Time Boxing. Time boxing […]
Read MoreMission Statement
The BIG Question: Why are you here? To be productive, you must have a mission, a purpose, a reason for being. Otherwise, all your actions could just turn out to be noise. Everyone is unique. Certainly, genetics is part of that; however, the real key is what you choose to do with your life. Mission Statements […]
Read MorePrepare First
“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” – Attributed to Abraham Lincoln I love the above quote as it makes clear that preparation is a key attribute of highly productive people. Of course, trial and error learning is necessary for any beginners; yet, there […]
Read MoreThe Five Productivity Choices
Productivity is the result of five basic choices. Starting a new activity:This means beginning a new habit, goal, or project to your life, such as a new exercise program. Stopping a current activity:This means completely eliminating a habit, goal, or project, such as television viewing. This step can be difficult but much needed to reach […]
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