"Don't manage time, learn to manage yourself." Steven Covey
How to be and stay highly productive? Here are some key concepts that have worked for me. It's not the amount of time you put in, it's the quality of time.
ONE THING AT A TIME:
Focus one thing at a time. Work on one project, one map at a time. Don't spread yourself too thin across many activities. Work on one thing till it gets done.
NO MULTI-TASKING or INTERUPTIONS:
Work without being interrupted. Don't multi-task. I don't know when or how being a multi-tasking became so popular but its one of the worst things you can do. The highest flow of productivity comes when you work without realizing the time flying by which happens only when you are focused. Multi-tasking and interruptions disrupt that flow and it often takes up to 15-20minutes to get back in the zone.
HOURLY CHUNKS
Work in 1-2-3 hour chunks. It's said that energy and focus tends to go down after 90 minutes. Work straight through for 90-120 minutes without distractions. Then rest.
REST:
Take breaks every 2 hours. Take a 20-30 minute break and when you do, don't do anything else but rest. Let your mind relax. Don't check emails, forums or work on anything else. Walk away and relax.
ENVIRONMENT:
Control your environment. Figure out when is the best time you can get work done and not be interrupted. Figure out when is the time you are most productive and design a routine around that. Everyone is different so if its from 1am-3am, then design your day around so you can focus on that.
It took me a little bit to find my time, but once I did my productivity went through the roof. My time is early morning between 8-11am.
ROUTINE:
Set a routine for yourself of when and how you will work. For example my routine in the morning when I don't have class is
Wake up at 6:30am,
Coffee, Stretching, Reading
Work on my highest valued project for 1 hour
Breakfast
Work on my highest valued project for 2-3 hour
Workout
That is my morning routine. I found that I am extremely procutive during that time and I produce results.
It may take you some time to find your rhythm and flow. Once you do, your productivity will go through the roof.
Remember less is more. Focus on fewer, more essential tasks and do what you love.
I heard of the while back, I will need to find it again and get back to
listening to music while I work. I agree. It helped me to listen to music
with no vocals as well.
I love listening to Sigur Ros. Have you had a chance to listen to them?
Thanks for suggestions Keith, I'll definetly check them out.
I've been fighting in mma since 98 only to take a break over last few years
to focus on school. My last fight was in 2007. Its addicting.
If you have any questions let me know, I'll do my best to help you out.
Thanks Keith.
keith
19 Jan 2009, 03:29
Well, I just had to comment on this article as well. Thanks for delving
further into this topic and I'm glad you found your most efficient time. It
really is a satisfying experience.
I wanted to quickly tell you a music band that helped me a lot from time to
time when it came to focus and reflection on my study. Do look into
"Godspeed You Black Emperor". Their music could be classified as
classical/experimental.
Instruments range from Violins/Cellos/Guitars/Drums/and Ambient Sound
Effects. Song lengths, on average, are around 15 minutes with absolutely
no vocal singing (With an exception here and there).
Looking forward to your next article.
Thanks Alex.
Ps.
I see you are a fighter! Haha, very interesting. I'm definitely going to
take a look at your home gym article. That is one area I am especially
weak in right now. Thanks again, and farewell.
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