It’s officially British Summer Time and I am already missing my hour. So much to do and so little time. This week’s catch up is about productivity and getting stuff done. Yes, it could be argued I read more about getting stuff done than doing it…
Multi-tasking
Mind The Science Gap has a great post about multi-tasking. It caught my eye with the opening line, “While you are reading this post how many other programs do you have open? How about tabs.“
Err, well right now typing this, 3 windows of Firefox with at least 15 tabs on each, Opera with 24 tabs, Gimp, Logo Creator, Thunderbird, Notepad and Word – actually quite a quiet session for me… Chrome and Excel are missing. All is not lost. As someone who spends a LOT of time surfing and an ex-gamer, I apparently can process pages in 2 seconds before moving on… We can train ourselves to multi-task. Meanwhile, I’m busy training myself NOT to!
I do have a reason for all those windows and tabs – I’ve been decluttering local business listings this week. I’ll be honest though, my laptop always has that much open. I promise myself I’ll comment on that blog later, or bookmark that for reference etc. etc. Then they sit there till I restart!
Project Management
Michele Shaeffer had a great video over on her blog this week, real old school – a project planning board.
It reminded me of several jobs I’ve had, admittedly much more colourful! I also remember the screams and gnashing of teeth from the old-timers as such tasks went digital over the years. I am old school though, much prefer a pens and paper to-do list and a proper diary. Will I put up a board in my back room? We shall see!
Time Management
Fellow Biztopia challenge participant, Leanne had a guest post from Holly Worton on her Juggle It All blog that caused me to stop and think a bit. Time management issues often have underlying issues and Holly outlines 3 questions to get to the bottom of it.
I have major issues with the declutter the desk part – always have! So, I’ve got a bag and thrown it all out…
Do I feel better?
Naked is how I feel right now. Great post and a useful questions to ask yourself.
Time Saving Apps
On Life Hack this week was a post explaining how the Active Words app can save you time. From opening screens and pre-populating text, to using it with Evernote, it sounds really nifty.
However, I need a restart to install the thing and right now can’t bear to close all those windows and tabs… I think throwing some clutter out was enough for one week! I will install when I restart later (laptop is screaming for a restart) and let you know how I get on with it.
No!
Just can’t say no? The Buffer App blog has a scientific guide to saying no. Outlining a recent study from the Journal of Consumer Research, it is actually quite interesting. They discovered the right words make it easier to say no.
Which won, I can’t or I don’t? Have a read and find out!
Over to you…
Do you have any productivity or time saving tools and tips to add?
Sunday Catch Up - Who Stole My Hour Edition by Jan Kearney
Well, all I can say is it’s one hour less in which to eat Easter Eggs. But I do so resent losing that hour.
As for what windows I have open right now, well I’m a novice compared to you Jan! 1 email, a backup, 2 browsers (3 and 15) and 5 Excel.
My son looks at my PC in despair and says he doesn’t know how it gets anything done!
I feel lost without my stuff open, although I am better at not popping in and out of email than I was. FB, G+ and the rest wait till coffee breaks. The laptop is screaming at me for a restart after having all that stuff open all weekend too, Joy – I’ll do it later 🙂
Hi Jan,
Great post and references, as always.
Productivity is one of my weakest points… I get distracted a lot, on things which don’t contribute to what I am doing. Plus I do a lot of multitasking believing that by giving attention to many things at once I will have a better chance to move forward fast. In fact, it slows me down big time. So I guess focus is important after all. At least with small one-day projects. Can I do it? I don’t know, but will have to try if I am to change the way I work and the results I get.
One thing I would like to add – I’ve recently found a great free application to help manage my tasks called Astrid (www.astrid.com). Very simple to use, great interface. Just wanted to share, but you probably know about it.
Warm wishes,
Galina
You snuck that post of yours on without me spotting it in my feed or Facebook, Galina!
I’m a bugger for multi-tasking, old habits die hard. I find it difficult to concentrate on 1 thing for extended periods, so I have a 45-60 min rule then a break or swap to something different to recharge the brain!
Hi Jan, look forward to reading the recommended posts thanks for sharing.
Whatever happened to the good old-fashioned egg timer productivity phase? Give yourself 30 minutes on the timer and go to work. When the timer sounds off, on to the next.
I never understood this productivity tip as it doesn’t make much sense for being productive if you aren’t finished with the task in 30 minutes. What good was the timer?
I get done what I get done. That’s my idea. Do as much as you can with the time you have and don’t fret on the other things. If you really want to make up for lost time, the best thing to do is HIRE the work out. Plain and simple! 🙂
Can’t work the egg timer method either, Bonnie – although I do have a short attention span lol I tend to break after 45-60 mins, just a short one you know, stretch out or pop the kettle on. Then back to it if it’s a long job or switch tasks if it’s finished – reading instead of typing. I’ll set an alarm if it’s a job I’m not fond of – the break is my reward lol otherwise it’s when my body says, ok need to stretch 🙂
Lovely collection of tips and info Jan, I liked the article about saying ‘no’. I saw a video recently about time management and it started off by advising you to think that we have an abundance of time – it’s just a question of how we use it. I find that really helpful as it stops me feeling so frustrated that I don’t have more – it’s the great leveller!
I wish I did have an abundance of time… Although, after today the how you use it part has hit home. 7pm and just sitting down to bash some of this stuff!