Productivity Improvement Tips and Common Productivity Traps
Over the years, I tried many productivity tools to keep up with my ever-growing to do list. I had the original Palm Pilot, Handspring Visor Platinum, and Sony Clie T-665C; but in the end, nothing beats my trusty old notebook. There’s something about the ability to quickly write, doodle, and sketch without worrying about the particulars, like the Graffiti handwriting recognition system that can’t be replicated — these PDAs (personal digital assistants) are simply too clumsy.
Common Productivity Traps
Even with the notebook, it takes a lot of discipline to maximize my productivity. Some of the pitfalls I usually fell victim to, and still having problem with, are:
- Do something immediately and forget other tasks I need to do because I didn’t bother to write them down.
- Write down a task that only takes a few minutes to complete (a mini-task), so that I have the satisfaction of crossing it off. This is actually counter-productive.
- Don’t make a note as soon as I thought of something, and then later forget.
- Try to do too many things at the same time, and invariably something goes wrong.
- Get distracted while doing an extended task.
Productivity Improvement Tips
To help me improve, I tried the following with some success:
- Before I start each day, I write down all the tasks I can think of, including the mini-tasks.
- Eliminate unnecessary tasks.
- Tackle the more time-sensitive and smaller tasks first.
- As soon as a thought pop into my head, I take note (I forget easily).
- If a mini-task comes up, I try to do it right away and don’t bother to put it in my notebook.
- Don’t start something if I know I don’t have enough time to do a good job — e.g., don’t read comments on my posts unless I have time to answer them, or don’t read a post on another blog unless I have time to finish the post, etc.
- Group related tasks into one extended tasks — e.g., don’t check email every 10 minutes, just do it once in the morning, at noon, and in the late afternoon.
- Don’t try to do more than two things at once.
What are your favorite productivity tips?
Author
Andy is a 30-something New Yorker who turned his financial life around. He took charge of his finances, got out of debt, and is now working his way toward financial success. He is the owner of Money Destiny and the publisher of WorkSaveLive.com.
Leave a Reply
Disclaimer and Stuff
I write about things that have (and haven't) worked to improve my family's financial situation. What works for me may or may not work for you, and you should always consult a financial advisor before making important financial decisions.
In accordance with FTC guidelines, I state that I have a financial relationship with companies mentioned in this website. This may include receiving access to free products and services for product and service reviews and giveaways.
Any references to third party products, rates, or websites are subject to change without notice. I do my best to maintain current information, but due to the rapidly changing environment, some information may have changed since it was published. Please do the appropriate research before participating in any third party offers.
For additional information, please review our legal disclaimers and privacy policy.