6 Productivity Tips.

[Brad Gosse]

People often ask me how I can be so productive. I usually remind them I am child free so that gives me WAY more time than most.

But it got me to thinking about what habits I have adopted to make me more productive so I am sharing them here.

Most of this applies to writing and product creation. Feel free to add your own

1. Cancel your television service.
I have been without TV for a long time. In fact I am on a media diet lately. I still watch shows (downloaded to Apple TV) but I don't let my brain consume TV just to consume. Tim Ferris pointed this out in the 4 hr work week and it made sense to me. It gives you more things to talk about at parties when you don't know the news.

2. When working on a project DISCONNECT the internet.
I shut off all non work apps and disconnect the internet. This allows me 100% focus when writing or creating. No email or IM distractions, no need to check my forum threads etc.

3. Sugar helps the idea process
If you are stuck on a problem or having a creative block have a piece of chocolate or some candy and walk away from your computer. The sugar helps your mind and getting away from the computer helps ideas flow.

4. Meditate
Crazy right? I know it sounds nuts and sometimes I fight the relaxation but it's ALWAYS worth the time. We rarely give ourselves time to rest other than sleep and this can be damaging to our minds and souls.

5. Hire a full time assistant
I know not everyone can afford this luxury but it really helps you to make sure you keep that person busy. If your business can afford an employee get one. 1. It's good for the economy. 2. By keeping this person busy 40 hrs a week your business will grow exponentially faster.

6. Build a schedule of your day in outlook/ical and stick to it.
You should schedule your time spent on forums, supporting customers and creating products. This schedule should be logical to you but more importantly you should stick to it like glue. Let those reminders signal you to stop and move on.

[Taynic Media]

Some great tips there Brad. I think I will print them out as a constant reminder. Especially that, "When working on a project DISCONNECT the internet"

Just to clarify... I will continue to breathe without it, right?

[Brad Gosse]

Originally Posted by Taynic Media

Some great tips there Brad. I think I will print them out as a constant reminder. Especially that, "When working on a project DISCONNECT the internet"

Just to clarify... I will continue to breathe without it, right?

Consult your doctor before taking on any new routine lol

[ppcpimp]

meditation and full time assistant (someone's job to hold you accountable not just pick up your dry cleaning) has worked wonders for me.

[Matt Gannon]

Originally Posted by Brad Gosse

3. Sugar helps the idea process
If you are stuck on a problem or having a creative block have a piece of chocolate or some candy and walk away from your computer. The sugar helps your mind and getting away from the computer helps ideas flow.

This is true, well I haven't tried the sugar part, if I am stuck I will turn the monitor off and go get a glass of water or something, and bam ideas hit me and I run back to the computer!

Does going in the hot tub count as meditating? LOL

[Brad Gosse]

Originally Posted by Matt Gannon

This is true, well I haven't tried the sugar part, if I am stuck I will turn the monitor off and go get a glass of water or something, and bam ideas hit me and I run back to the computer!

Does going in the hot tub count as meditating? LOL

My wife and I have daily hot tub "meetings"

[BenFranklin]

That is some great advice.

I would also say to take some walks outside to free your mind. Sometimes we just need to get outside of the house.

Or i do anyways.

[LegitBlogger]

Interesting tips. I find it very true that scheduling your time
can help you get lots done quicker and prevents poor performance.

Didn't they say...

Prior Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance ?

[Tom Brite]

Fantastic tips!

I especially like the 'turn your internet off' one which i never seem to be able to get myself to actually do!

Even harder when its wireless and someone else is using the internet and just turning it on/off on the laptop is soo easy to do and tempting!

Tom Brite

[BenFranklin]

I don't think I could stand to live without my internet plugged in.

Props to you! LOL

[Jake Trainor]

Originally Posted by Brad Gosse

4. Meditate
Crazy right? I know it sounds nuts and sometimes I fight the relaxation but it's ALWAYS worth the time. We rarely give ourselves time to rest other than sleep and this can be damaging to our minds and souls.

Everyone should take note of this. Do a search and try some out. Soon you will find a few that fit you best.

[nicholasb]

another one is stop checking stats.

if you continue to check stats non stop other than the time you waste actually checking the the stats.

checking stats before you really get rolling you will begin to doubt the system.

I actually just made a thread on this.

Brad stop by and share you expertise on this This one method incresed the success rate of my students by half

[warmlikecoffee]

I think a motivation poster is a good idea too.

Put up a picture of a goal you are working at, like a picture of a new car right near your monitor. That can be a constant motivation to make you get off your behind.

[David McAnulty]

Don't forget the 20 20 20 rule. Every 20 minutes Stare 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

It allows you to work for longer periods of time.

[Brad Gosse]

Originally Posted by nicholasb

another one is stop checking stats.

if you continue to check stats non stop other than the time you waste actually checking the the stats.

checking stats before you really get rolling you will begin to doubt the system.

I actually just made a thread on this.

Brad stop by and share you expertise on this This one method incresed the success rate of my students by half

I have a note on my screen. "Don't check the stats make the stats!"

[ripsnorta2]

Originally Posted by Brad Gosse

3. Sugar helps the idea process
If you are stuck on a problem or having a creative block have a piece of chocolate or some candy and walk away from your computer. The sugar helps your mind and getting away from the computer helps ideas flow.

Unless you are Diabetic, then it might hurt the process. Nothing drops productivity like slipping into a diabetic coma!

I'm normally a coffee person, but I do find tea (important not to add milk since that cancels the effects) helps to calm my mind and gets the juices flowing again.

[Tom Lazenby]

Great advice! A walk outside always does it for me, my eyes always feel weird when I've been inside for too long.

[Traffic-Bug]

Great list of ideas for maintaining productivity through a hard working day.