I've got a little secret to share with you today, and trust me, it's not a super-secretive, classified government conspiracy (although that would be pretty cool, right?). No, it's something way more down-to-earth: how I manage to stay productive nearly 97% of the day. Yeah, you read that right, 97%. I mean, who needs sleep anyway, am I right? Kidding, of course.
1. Scheduling Zen and the Art of Procrastination Prevention
First things first, it's all about the schedule. Where my focus goes, there my time also goes, and I don't want it going down the black hole of endless cat videos on the internet (unless it's a cat productivity seminar, in which case, sign me up!). So, I craft a schedule with breaks that let me stretch, walk around, and get some fresh air. Then, I dive into the magical world of beats – Lofi or my personal favorite, 40Hz Binaural Beats. Neuroscience says they help me reach that elusive flow state, and hey, who am I to argue with science?
Oh, and let's not forget Parkinson's Law. Give yourself less time than you think you need to finish a task, and suddenly you're like a caffeinated squirrel on a mission. I like to keep it short and sweet because nothing lights a fire under your behind like a tight deadline. After I conquer a task, I review, refine, and bask in the glory of completion.
2. The Zen of Minimalism (No, We're Not Decluttering My Chakras)
My desk, my sanctuary. I don't want it cluttered with distractions and remnants of past snack attacks. I'm all about minimalism – clean desk, clear mind. Distraction-free is the way to be.
3. Digital Workstation Wizardry
Social media apps? They go straight into a folder, out of sight and out of mind. You see, when you're in the zone, the last thing you need is a tempting notification from Twitter or the allure of a trending YouTube video. By tucking these distractions neatly away, you're essentially telling your brain, "Not now, Twitter, I've got work to do!" It's a simple yet effective way to maintain your focus.
When I work on my Windows desktop, I hit F11 and bam! Full-screen focus mode. No distractions, no mercy.
Now, let's talk about the crown jewel of my digital workstation: dual monitors. If you're not using them yet, you're missing out on a game-changing productivity boost. Here's how it works:
Imagine you're working on a complex project. On one screen, you have your primary document or task. On the other, you're conducting research or referring to additional resources. With dual monitors, you can seamlessly switch between them, saving precious time and mental effort. No more toggling between tabs or windows – it's like having a personal assistant who always knows where your important documents are. Whether you're a writer, designer, programmer, or just about anything else, this setup is a multitasking dream come true.
4. The Power of the Almighty Notebook
Every superhero needs a sidekick, right? Well, my trusty sidekick is a notebook. It's always open, ready to catch any brilliant ideas that pop into my head or problems that need solving. No, it's not a coloring book with crayons and unicorns – it's a no-nonsense idea catcher. Trust me; it's a game-changer when you're brainstorming or trying to remember that genius thought that struck you during your morning shower. Take this video. I'm sure by now you've learned a few interesting things and after you've watched this video you might have forgotten them. I would've written down an idea or two because I want to research more about it and maybe incorporate it into my own life.
5. Fasting, Feasting, and Fitness
Now, let's talk about diet and exercise – the fuel for my productivity engine. I'm a fasting enthusiast. I skip breakfast and dive straight into work. It's like my secret weapon against morning grogginess. Plus, I get to enjoy a guilt-free lunch.
And then there's exercise. I don't aim to become the next Arnold Schwarzenegger or Usain Bolt. I work out because it makes me feel good and keeps me sane. Weight training three times a week, a bit of jogging depending on the season – in summer it's usually between 5-10km. When I'm feeling overwhelmed, a good jog clears my head. whenever I feel overwhelmed with a task that needs doing, jogging makes a huge difference in calming me down and giving me perspective. Look when you're physically tired and spent, it's difficult to feel incredibly stressed about a task that needs doing because there's no more energy left.
