October Periodically Productive

Welcome to Periodically Productive - a monthly reflection on how I'm making time for the causes that matter to me. Delivering significant changes to my world as a disabled solo parent comes with its challenges. But I'm always learning new ways to make the most of my time and energy - and I want to share that with you! I can't imagine I'll ever find the productivity hack that means I can hustle 24/7. But together I hope we can be periodically productive.

October

How is it October? Its around now I start wondering how on earth I'll achieve what I aimed for in January. Even with that thought in mind, I'm trying to keep what I've learnt (and shared in previous newsletters) about rest in mind. I'm still focused on the mini adventures recommended by productivity guru Laura Vanderkam - particularly with Halloween nearly here! I hope you can find the time to enjoy some of the Autumn season.

Something to try

Planning is a vital part of being productive - but have you every tried planning your day around when you get most done? Like me you may have divided people into morning and night people. But I've found the work of Dr Breus useful for lifting the lid on a bit more nuance around when I feel the most energetic and can be the most productive. Why not try his quiz to see if you are a bear, lion, wolf or dolphin!

Something to listen to

A call back to earlier in the year and a fantastic series from @amazingif . Their summer sprint series is full of gems for all things personal development but there are THREE episodes I particularly wanted to share with you here. Each episode comes with a short worksheet and a link to more long form content - if they spark your curiosity I really recommend you follow up with more!

My three recommendations are their sprint episodes on time management , energy and Work / Life fit .

Something to read

Did you see my review of "Tranquility by Tuesday" by Laura Vanderkam?

Tl;dr

"Tranquility by Tuesday" by Laura Vanderkam offers practical, data-driven advice on managing time outside of work, emphasizing the importance of planning rest and hobbies to enhance joy and wellbeing. I’ve genuinely found the advice really impactful - especially on forming habits and creating memories. I’d love to see more on guidance on negotiating the necessary changes at home and work to implement these strategies. Hopefully that will be Vanderkam’s next book!

A quote from me to you

The end of the year is suddenly in sight and the long list of changes I was hoping to see sometimes feel like a reminder of failures! This quote encourages me to maintain momentum and keep me fighting!