On (Selfish) Productivity

There it is: 2024.

While some folks will start attending fitness classes and shredding pounds after the holiday season, others might decide to review their current efficiency and personal productivity.

Tasks seem to be only stockpiling more each year and while technology can help, it does so to a certain extent. We still need to choose what is not worth our precious?time.

This year(as many before), I start with the following four components to reviewing my current work and life goals:

1) Prioritizing tasks

There are many ideas, methods, and tools to help one be more productive but I personally find Eisenhower's matrix very easy to use and adapt to any situation. Below is a link to the presentation I drafted years ago that helps you get the basics you can build on.

https://www.slideshare.net/Solomika/productivity-101-matrixeisenhower

2) Decide on Projects that are worth developing by testing them

When you are done with the basic structure and would like to progress to the testing and shaping of your go-to plan I would kindly advise you to think about utilizing the Sprint Methodology - here's a handy todo list I drafted some time ago

https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/test-your-idea-within-5-days-solomiya-zahray/

based on the book of Jake Knapp, John Zeratsky,?Braden Kowitz "Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days"

3) Setting up my "12-week year" plan

Let's face it: a 5-year plan is gone. A 2-year plan also. A 12-month plan still exists but is a risk to it, especially considering the current geopolitical situation. Therefore, I am utilizing a 12-week plan. It makes me focus and creates clarity on things that matter most, and organize accordingly. While it does not apply to all aspects & goals and projects, it makes sense in many work environment related projects.

You can read more about this concept in the book "The 12 Week Year" by Brian P.Moran, Michael Lennington.

4) Am I taking time to turn off and reboot?

Setting clear boundaries helps you feel like a healthy and happy human being, contributing to a clear head with bright ideas.

Relax by doing some other activities that are significantly different from what you do at work, as it helps you switch off and relax. Leave your phone untouched for a while. Take a walk, hike, run. Watch the birds. Talk with people while looking into their eyes. Form real human bonds.

I am most productive when I have some balance in my day. How about you?

#personalgrowth #productivityhacks #personaleffectiveness #planning #progress #professionalgrowth #growth