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Welcome to Day 1 of 7 Days To Better Productivity & Time Management.
Today’s task will take about 1 hour.
We’re going to begin by identifying your very best way to work. We’ll uncover your ideal productivity style so that you’ll be able to get more done, with more natural motivation, and without willpower or tricks.
Let’s start!
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Well! I thought I like lots of projects and being involved in everything, but that may have more to do with feeling important and needed. I get very excited with new projects, new study, new anything. I come up with awesome systems, spreadsheets, schedules, etc. then lose interest.
I work better when I have fewer things on the go at any one time. Being over-stimulated gives me higher levels of stress which I don’t like. I prefer holidays with fewer things scheduled.
I most probably have a small productivity brain space (this is a revelation for me!)
I prefer to know what’s coming, but I don’t mind if I get a surprise within that context. I like planning, scheduling, charts, rosters, etc. however they do also make me feel constrained. I like structure.
Most likely enjoy a mix of routine and flexibility.
I found it hard to work out my peak and fallow times. I work best in the very early morning and very late at night, but I’m happiest at work in the late afternoon. If I’m awake I’m prone to procrastinating! It’s probably worse in the early afternoon, straight after lunch.
I don’t like busy or crowded or noisy office area. I’m lucky to have my own office with walls and a door so can block that out. What I do like is being in the office, 2 hours before everyone else starts, dead quiet except for my iPod blaring out whatever I feel like listening to. Classical, Blues, Rock, Wrestling theme music! I used to be like this with homework too.
I’m going to schedule my project work for first thing in the morning; routine every day bread and butter task in the last morning; replying to emails, telephone calls, general admin in the early afternoon; and fun stuff that is not that important but still needs to be done in the late afternoon.
Well! I thought I like lots of projects and being involved in everything, but that may have more to do with feeling important and needed. I get very excited with new projects, new study, new anything. I come up with awesome systems, spreadsheets, schedules, etc. then lose interest.
I work better when I have fewer things on the go at any one time. Being over-stimulated gives me higher levels of stress which I don’t like. I prefer holidays with fewer things scheduled.
I most probably have a small productivity brain space (this is a revelation for me!)
I prefer to know what’s coming, but I don’t mind if I get a surprise within that context. I like planning, scheduling, charts, rosters, etc. however they do also make me feel constrained. I like structure.
Most likely enjoy a mix of routine and flexibility.
I found it hard to work out my peak and fallow times. I work best in the very early morning and very late at night, but I’m happiest at work in the late afternoon. If I’m awake I’m prone to procrastinating! It’s probably worse in the early afternoon, straight after lunch.
I don’t like busy or crowded or noisy office area. I’m lucky to have my own office with walls and a door so can block that out. What I do like is being in the office, 2 hours before everyone else starts, dead quiet except for my iPod blaring out whatever I feel like listening to. Classical, Blues, Rock, Wrestling theme music! I used to be like this with homework too.
I’m going to schedule my project work for first thing in the morning; routine every day bread and butter task in the last morning; replying to emails, telephone calls, general admin in the early afternoon; and fun stuff that is not that important but still needs to be done in the late afternoon.
I found myself nodding in agreement with your post, Cherie… until I got to ‘wrestling theme music’, which amused me greatly! (I even did a google search!!). Great post! Good luck with the new routine. 🙂 Kylie ~ Community Manager
This was insightful! I realize I’m a small productivity brain space person. Too many tasks overwhelm me and I end up doing nothing!
I like routines and structure. I don’t handle surprises well. I also like flexibility in my routines.
I think I’m an early morning productivity person, but I’m not so sure, so I’ll be exploring that the next few diays.
I’m definitely a low stimulation worker. Quiet space and no distractions.
Awareness is the best way to start change, and I’m looking forward to observing closely how I work in the next few days. The hard part is to balance my needs with my kids’ needs.
You’re spot on Vanessa – today is all about becoming more AWARE of what makes you naturally more motivated and happy. As you experiment you may find some great insights. 🙂
Need clarification on your questions. I love spontaneity but am most productive in a structure. I love to flit from project to project but am most productive focusing on one at a time, and thinking through carefully what needs to get done to reach the goals. Most of your questions ask what I prefer, what I enjoy, what I like, etc. I recommend that you alter the questions to clarify that we are after productivity. Ultimately I am happiest by far after a day of producing results, even that I had to force myself, in the moment, to focus in a manner that I do not “prefer”.
You make an interesting point Art, about being happier when you’re productive. But this is chicken-and-egg territory. If you’re struggling to be productive then working in a way that you like, that feels good, that suits your preference, may be an effective way to get productivity happening. Discipline and focus are things we come to on Day 5. But at this stage I’m keen for people to find a sense of enjoyment.
Extremely helpful. I realized that I while I wanted to say I had a large brainspace capacity, I actually have a small one. Pride maybe? Pretty liberating!
Exactly the same for me Steve. I think I used to believe it meant I was less smart because I couldn’t handle as much as others, or not as comfortably. But my work quality is so much higher now. Great insight! 🙂
I prefer multiple projects, and the constant stimulation, without which I tend to lose focus and get distracted. But I’m a big planner, and need at least one list a day to work from. My energy level tops off around 1-2pm, then I slowly coast from there. I haven’t figured out my ideal work environment. I work from home, so I’m used to the pace, but I get so distracted!
NEW THING – Try going to a cafe to write when dealing with a computer-based project.
Good idea to try a cafe Stacey – I have many high-stimulation people who are super-productive there. Let me know how it works!
I have a small productivity brainspace.. I get overwhelmed when I’ve got too many projects going. I like scheduling but not a jam packed day. I like to finish tasks and move on.
I prefer to know what’s coming, I don’t really like surprises. I enjoy lists and charts, scheduling is comforting and I like structure.
MORNING is definitely my most productive time into early afternoon. always 8-1pm. I procrastinate most in the afternoon.. from 3pm on the day is done and if I don’t get anything done in the morning I usually find that I don’t know where the day has gone..
I like to be able to sit down in a quiet area and just finish the task.
I feel like I do like problem solving and longer term projects, I was good at them when I was younger. Now that I have kids I find I’m not as good at juggling multiple tasks at once. Procrastination is absolutely my biggest challenge. My husband says I get overwhelmed with tasks because I procrastinate so much trying to figure out what to do first and how to do it.. That often takes me just as long or longer then the task itself.
Ah Ginna, you’ll be pleased to know we spend an entire day on procrastination and another on perfectionism, which are often two sides of the same pesky coin!
That is perfect Michele.. CAN NOT WAIT! 🙂
• Large Productivity Workspace.
• Mix of Routine & Flexibility.
• Peak Work Time – Middle of the Day & Afternoon.
• Quit Room – Low level of activity around me.
I figured this out but now I feel like how do I fit it all in from like Noon – 5 which are my peak work hours? Also, I saw you mentioned that you realized you worked best with less goals and projects so it changed the way you worked…what I don’t understand is how you can CHOOSE to have less goals and projects and responsibilities? I think I would like less projects overall but I have so many responsibilities that it doesn’t seem to be a possibility. Will you be giving advice on how to work best for each of the 4 criteria? Thanks!
Your peak work time will be for your most challenging or most important tasks Tami. All your other work can be done at you ‘off-peak’ times.
Regarding choosing fewer goals, I have a lot of flexibility because I work for myself. But even in a job, you can do 3 projects all spread over 3 weeks, or 1 project each week for 3 weeks. The end result is the same but some people will be happier and more productive with the 1st option and others (eg me) with the 2nd.
I have friends with demanding jobs and crazy social lives and large families who love it. The truth is I would not ‘choose’ such a life because I’d be miserable. I have very deliberately created a simple life – simple work, less stuff, fewer people, less everything – because that makes me much, much happier.
I love multiple projects, but maybe that’s the ADHD. Sometimes projects drag on and I loose the love for them. I tend to choose projects that have a faster turn over and I can produce more in a shorter time frame. It could also have something to do with the fact that the longer a project goes the less money I make.
I have to have a plan for the day and if I don’t have list to cross things off I don’t feel like I have achieved anything. I may forget or get distracted from anything that not on the list but sometimes I spent more time planing what to do than doing it.
I think the afternoon is my peak work time but its also the time I aways have to stop what I’m doing and do something else.
I like a creative environment with other people I can bounce ideas off.
I wont feel so guilty about taking too much on cause it always seems to work for me.
You may be one of those people who clarifies your thinking by talking, Rebecca. I’m like that too. Sometimes I only find out what I think when I hear myself say it! 😛
I can so relate to only finding out what I think when I hear myself saying it!! My husband doesn’t quite “get it”, but some friends do. Just gotta write or talk until I find my truths!
Very informative. I like to “juggle” — I love having multiple projects happening and switch between them. But I have found that too many projects causes stress. So it’s a balancing act that I’m still trying to identify the “sweet spot” on.
I am like you, Michelle, in that I like routine, but I like having some flexibility built in.
I am DEFINITELY a night person. I really get humming around 9pm.
I prefer some noise. I find that if I’m in an area that’s too quiet, my mind wanders and I find it hard to stay focused. Having some noise or distraction forces me to focus on the task at hand.
I’m going to stop fighting my natural inclinations! I will do the mindless tasks first and save the meatier projects for the afternoon/evening.
Thanks so much for doing this! I am excited to learn more!
It really is a balancing act Kim, and the sweet spot can change over time. But when you know to look out for your natural inclinations you can notice what works and adapt your schedule over time.
Well, I learned that I enjoy freedom, and being self employed I have that. However I do tend to procrastinate early in the morning, I find that I have to have a clean kitchen before work can begin! I find that late morning is my time to be productive! I enjoy the feel of an office, but get more done when I have quiet time. Need to remember to power up during my peak hours, and focus! Procrastination is always an issue, but I think that’s normal with everyone.
Procrastination may become less of an issue over the course of this week Geri… 🙂
I agree with Lynn Priestley Design below, I am in the middle, I used to think my most productive time was in the morning but lately I have been wasting my mornings on non-work things and need to get my brain more organized.
That’s a good insight Lynn. If you know the mornings aren’t good times you can use them for the necessary trivia of the day and be ready to power up later!
Will try some changes and focus on important work first thing in the morning, and get better at structuring my day
I’d love to know how that experiment works, Debbie. Please let me know!
Was quite surprised that when I really thought about it, too many projects make me feel overwhelmed and immobilised. I need more structure than I think I do and actually work best in peace and quiet when I need to concentrate and focus. So the results were quite a surprise to me as I always tend to think of myself as someone who thrives on lots f stress and high activity. Maybe I’m changing as I get older, or maybe I am just more honest with myself and open to other ways of thinking.
LOL Debbie I’m just the same. I’d always worked ‘well’ in a busy office with tons of projects but when I changed it up I found the QUALITY of my work went through the roof. Huh! 🙂
You sound just like me Debbie. I also thought the same of myself and was surprised with my results. Helps me to realise why nothing gets done, I’m suffocating myself!
You sound just like me Debbie. I also thought the same of myself and was surprised with my results. Helps me to realise why nothing gets done, I’m suffocating myself!
I prefer a few projects at a time and being a self employed bookkeeper, this means that I only like a few of my clients work on the go at once, focusing on one task at a time.
If I have too much going on at once, then I soon feel overwhelmed and it leads me to proscratinate as I’m not sure where to start.
I love routine, but running a business from home whilst being a full time mum to three small children means that I need to be flexible according to the needs of my family and my clients.
I am a night owl and can work much better in the evening and at night, after 9-10pm.
I am at my happiest and enjoy working most in the afternoon when my two eldest are at school and nursery and my little one is taking her nap, I get around 2.5 hours.
I can easily proscratinate whenever I want – it is a huge issue for me. My main three issues are wanting to watch tv programs that I know are recorded from the night before, wasting time on facebook and deciding to go out during the day shopping or visiting friends or family instead of coming home and cracking on.
I need peace and quiet as my work involves concentration, hard to get but when I do get peace and quiet, I work so much better.
At the moment I am working every day and thinking about my procrastination which is a MAJOR issue for me. I am going to set aside one or two evenings and one day per week when I am not going to allow myself to work so that I can save my tv programs and facebook time for one evening a week and have one day per week when I go out for the day and get everything done that I need to get done.
I also need a loose plan of the week when I decide when I work on clients work, when I work on marketing, when I catch up on my own admin, issue invoices etc.
Thanks for todays task, going to sit down now and have a think about what nights and day I am going to take off 🙂
It’s worth taking a little time to experiment and figure it out Terri – you can get so much more done when you work WITH your natural instincts. 🙂
Great good to think about, I too fall somewhere in the middle
Which means a little experimentation could bring a big change in productivity for you Katie! 🙂
I’m in the middle, I think…like the variety of a few projects but not too many so as to feel overwhelmed. I do like a routine with flexibility for some spontaneity. More productive in the day – but real life work takes the choice away. peace and quiet are my best friends! Committing to a daily goals list is something I’d like to re-establish in my life. Planning for ten minutes at the beginning of the day. Written goals always work well for me.
That’s great Lynn – we’ll look at those goals and priorities from Day #2.
Catering to your most productive time of day is so important – especially for morning people. Miss that window & there goes your day!
You’re so right Miriam! Later-in-the-day people can probably get away with wasting more time in that way.
I am a later-in-the-day person (esp in winter)…I really want to be a morning person but the cold makes this sooo much harder x
Karen Fearby I tried to be a morning person FOR YEARS. Decades in fact. It just never took.
Get Organized wizard. By the way this took me about 7 minutes..
Small brain space (runs at a hammer pace sometimes.. )
Happiest when I was a BA student. Immersed in work, closed door, and then had social times, connection, education & fun. Most stressed recently when I had multiple projects in & outside of work.
A mix of planning and spontaneity. Mix of routine and flexibility.
Like to have a plan but also need to find time to fulfill my creativity (write).
Best in the morning. -> Use this time for tasks.
Need a quiet room (door does not need to be closed). Do not like loads interruptions. I am a sociable introvert I discovered recently.
Good insights Nualan. If you only took 7 minutes then you may want to think a little deeper for more insights – who knows what else you might find out. Totally up to you!
hmm.. didn’t take me too long to figure all this out.. I prefer a few projects with a plan in place but need to be able to change in an instant.. not a morning person.. brain kicks in from about lunch time and I work better with some stimulation but tend to get distracted when there is too much.. think I need to try and prioitise my massive to do list so that I am not trying to get it all done at once and look at how I plan my day better.. think some daily planning and to do listing needs to be done so that I can start to work on it..
Donna you’ll probably work well by getting the day’s trivia out of the way before lunch and the challenging stuff after.