Mostly Productive

Recognizing and embracing a natural productivity cycle has been a valuable way to be grateful for different types of productivity. In this episode, explore the idea of the "productivity cycle".

When making plans for any horizon, I prefer to plan the path and not plan for all the details. In this episode I expand on this core concept.

I love how journaling helps capture a moment in time and the opportunity to reflect and speculate. These same entries, later, offer a series of little snapshots that can uncover interesting patterns when reviewed.

I've found there are some useful benefits to separating the project, the goal, and the reward when making progress in life. In this episode, I use a fresh example from my life to share the core concepts of this approach.

Ever feel like your task list lacks meaning and just seems to keep growing? 

Let's discuss some things that can help bring more effectiveness to something as simple as a task list.

Accumulating information can end up being a big time waster...in this episode I dig into this "information insurance" and put time back in my day.

Don't waste your energy on too much Information Insurance

Part of being productive is rolling with the punches--even the big ones. For me this process includes some repeatable structure, to help aid in the recovery. 

In this episode I discuss my method of reviewing, responding, and reorienting when faced with a challenge that could otherwise knock me down. I use a recent real-world example that put this to the test!

Shortening my stride...when running and elsewhere in life.

I find it to be a challenge to try to plan simultaneously for a close horizon (tomorrow) while planning for next year. In this episode I chat about the method and frequency I use for various planning horizons.

• Follow the yellow brick road...
• Be more concrete in what planning means.
• Planning for the year
• Quarterly check-in
• Weekly planning for a 2-week horizon
• Day planning
• Task planning (limiting this!)
• Time frame summary & considering other "special" horizons
• Planning for the very long term
• Planning and fiscal periods
• Project-based planning horizon
• Review of all horizons--including "structured" and "special"

Planning for things you don't like

Use embarassingly achievable targets (to accomplish more)

The idea of being "mostly productive" is to find the productivity that comes along with focusing on what's most important to you.

Set your target, respond to the setbacks, and simply be, "mostly productive" on your journey in life and your career.