Reading Time: 3 minutesEach generation thinks of itself as superior to all that came before. More modern, more sophisticated, more knowledgeable, and dealing with much more complex issues than any in the history of humanity. We tend to consider productivity a Modern concern and development. We talk about how, in our modern age, people face all kinds of …
Reading Time: 4 minutesAll time blocks are not the same. As our quote today says, “One unit of time is very different from another unit of time…all hours are not created equal.” Mind Management, Not Time Management, by David Kadavy. Our energy levels and mental states vary by the hour and the day. I am better at some …
Reading Time: 3 minutesIn productivity writing, “limiting beliefs” are often perceived as something negative to be overcome. For example, one writer, Ben Brearley, indicates that in time management, limiting beliefs “really damage productivity.” While it’s true that we can hold ourselves back with limiting beliefs based on negative self-talk and fear of failure, I believe there’s a flip …
Reading Time: 4 minutesUsing computer applications can help you to be more productive and to live an intentional life. I use mind mapping in the MindNode app to think graphically through my blog post topics and make decisions. I use my calendar and task manager apps to help me plan my week and remember events and tasks when …
Reading Time: 3 minutesDefinition of an Ideal Week An Ideal Week is what your week would look like if you had 100% control over your time. It’s intended to be a template for how you’d want a typical week to look. It can be very complete and detailed or not. Some people have very complex and busy schedules. …
Reading Time: 4 minutesI typically do a daily plan each morning as a part of my morning routine. I review my calendar, task manager, and project list and answer three questions in my journaling app. What are my three main tasks today? What is my number one priority today? And what is my plan for today? Based on …
Reading Time: 7 minutesDuring the Past Three Years, I’ve Modified My System Recently, I went to a local motel and processed my quarterly review and planning session. For those of you who know David Sparks’ roles-based productivity system, as he discusses in the Productivity Field Guide, the quarterly review and planning session is a crucial part of his …
Reading Time: 5 minutesMaking a list can often make a job easier, reduce the number of decisions we must make, and ensure we don’t make mistakes. It’s true that using lists can quickly earn you the title of “nerd,” but who cares if it makes your life better? And besides, many of us who regularly use lists are …
Reading Time: 5 minutesLately, I’ve been hearing a mantra about the relative merits of using analog tools versus digital tools, “Use digital for efficiency; use analog for meaningfulness.” It is stated as though it’s an established truth. I’ve read it and heard it repeated on two popular podcasts. The source of this advice is Chris Bailey, writing In …
Reading Time: 4 minutesWhen David Sparks (aka MacSparky) started writing about Apple tech, he was a full-time litigation lawyer. He did his “MacSparky” work of writing books, podcasting, and blogging in his spare time. As MacSparky grew, he left his law firm and started his own practice. He did so with the intention of spending about half his …