I’ve been in the blogging industry for 10+ years.
One of the themes that has been consistent throughout is productivity.
It seems that we can’t get enough of all the tips, content and advice about getting more done. Or maybe it’s not about getting more done. Maybe we really want to get the right things done. At least the things we consider most important.
But obviously people struggle with it. It’s one of the most common blogging topics on the Web.
I’m not saying I’m the most productive or successful person. But I’ve been comfortable and happy with my professional and personal life for a long time. I think a big part of that is a few things I’ve learned about productivity.
Some by choice. Others by necessity, such as having a child a few years ago.
Here are my best productivity tips…
1. Rod Stewart’s Secret
I kind of laugh every time I think about this, but several years ago I read Rod Stewart’s autobiography. It was really entertaining, as you might imagine. But there were some really great lessons. One was a story Rod told about his father who told him that every person needs a vocation, a sport and a hobby.
Just one of each.
I would say you could add family to that mix. And you could combine your vocation with sport or you could combine sport with your vocation. But the main idea is to simplify your life, as Cal Newport often puts it.
2. Northstars
Jim Collins calls them BHAGs. Others call them simply, goals. I’ve read and heard others call them northstars.
Basically, the idea is to have something guiding all decisions.
There is a popular television show right now called Yellowstone. In the series, Kevin Costner’s character works to maintain his family ranch. All his decisions are made with that goal in mind.
When Garth Brooks finished his second album, No Fences, he went to the staff meeting before release and put the album, Rumours, on the table, which had sold nearly 20 million copies. The point Garth was making was that the goal for his new album was to sell as many as Rumours. Certainly ambitious, but a northstar for all involved in making decisions relating to the album.
We often go through life drift less. Making decisions without much though. When you have a northstar, however, decision making, and productivity, become easier.
3. Weekly Routines
I’m a big believer in blocking off time throughout the week. Blocking time for specific tasks on specific days. I like to have my week planned out as best as I can so that I can sleep well at night. I know what the plan for the next day and next few days is. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to waste energy wondering what to do.
When you take a big goal and break it down into segments and create a schedule, you know that by following the routine that you’re likely to get to your goal.
Is it a guarantee? No. Are there hiccups. Yes.
But the only other option is to float through the week with no thought or focus.
4. Annual Routine Audits
Every year, at least, I audit my schedule. I go back to thinking about my northstar. I audit my routines and see if changes need to be made to my schedule. New opportunities may have come up. I may have fallen into some bad habits that aren’t getting me to my northstar.
I find that doing this annually provides enough time to commit to a routine while also making sure that not too much time is wasted.
5. Small Rewards
I’m a believer in the idea that it’s good to work about 45 minutes followed by a short break. Nothing major. Just something to ease the mind for a few minutes. Then it’s right back to the task on the schedule.
I find that small rewards work well. Let’s say I’m writing a blog post. I may plan to write the entire thing in about an hour. Then I’ll have a video on YouTube saved for watching once it’s done. Just a five minute video or something. A little reward for the hour’s worth of work I’ve done.
It’s really easy these days to “reward” yourself all the time. That can be a good thing, but for productivity, it’s a distraction.
6. No Social Media
The number of negatives is really adding up when it comes to social media. The bottom line is simple – don’t do it. Delete the apps from your phone. Delete your accounts.
If you truly believe you need social media for your job, only use it during work hours and only do so from your laptop if at all possible.
If you’re still fighting me on this one, then you’re not ready for full productivity.
7. Unplanned Events
Unplanned events will happen. Not every day. But most days and certainly a couple times per week. This can really throw your entire “plan” off for the week and tear apart your hope for productivity.
Schedule time for unplanned events. Start with one hour a day. If you need more, schedule more. If you think you can get away with less, try it.
But put time in your schedule for the unexpected. You likely won’t know what it will be, but you can bet that something will happen.
Worst case, you have at least some time for it. Best case, you have more time for work or for whatever.
Conclusion
Like most things today, there are answers for productivity. If you’ve identified it as a real problem then you’ve taken the first step. But the biggest step comes next. That is seeking and finding information and then trying the information for yourself. And seeing if it works.
Hopefully these tips can work for you as they’ve worked for me over the last 10+ years.