Productivity
Like most mid wits i'm a sucker for Productivity Porn. I've been to the productivity olympics. 100's of hours trying to squeeze more out of my time.
I also had a hippie phase or two. Living the slow life off-grid, no schedule, no goals, and very little to my name.
Hippies aside, a question most people seek an answer to is "How do I get more things done?"
The best reason to get more done, is so you can live a better life. Regardless of how you define better everyone wants more of something.
Most people either want to earn more money or have more free time.
Let's assume you've got a good idea that you're working on, or you're in a job you like. If you thought about leaving your job for a long period, consider changing.
Than I think the way you get more done is very simple.
Motivation
- What you work on is the most important thing. More than hard work.
- Separate thinking from planning. Set time every week to do both.
- Develop good taste. Good taste is rare, but it can be learned.
- Be around ambitious people. Ambition is contagious.
- Accept that you will lose motivation for periods. Wait for it to pass.
Prioritization & Calendar
- Everything is a project. Keep lists for projects and tasks. Review and cut often.
- Create goals for all parts of your life. Read them daily.
- 3-4 hrs of focus time daily when you have the most energy.
- Avoid most meetings. If required, don't take 1 hr meetings. 15 minutes, or 2+ hrs.
- Accept that there is a limit. Find ways to off load things you don't do good.
Exercise & Sleep
- Do hard things. 1 major hard challenge per year.
- Nature rejuvenates the soul. Spend more time outside then indoors.
- Lift heavy weights 4-5 times a week.
- Do lots of cardio. The best way to do cardio is by doing sports you love.
- Clear your mind before bed. TV is not clearing your mind, it's distracting it.
Nutrition
- A couple cups of coffee in the morning. Make it by hand.
- Eat a high protein and low carb diet. Drinks lots of water.
- Avoid sugary, refined, or ultra-processed foods.
- Take time to eat with people. It's wonderful.
- Avoid depresents: alcohol, weed, etc.
Minimalism
- Cut more than you add. The simplest solution is often the best.
- Make more than you consume. And consume only what is necessary.
- Live out of a backpack for 1 year. Be able to do this at any time.
- Purge your personal belongings every season. Don't store anything other than cherished memories.
- As soon as you can, pay to have chores done. Cleaning, yard work, errands, food, etc.