Your best tips on productivity? My only goal each day...

60 replies
Here on the WF we all discuss tactics so much... but I think most people's biggest problem is actually productivity and not implementing anything...

I would love to hear your best tips on how you stay productive.

The thing that works best for me is each morning, I identify the #1 most result-producing task I can complete that day, and then I don't do anything else until it's done.

I don't make long to-do lists because they stress me out... but I've found that when I complete that #1 task first-thing each day, I'm motivated to accomplish more and more and I'll usually stay productive for 5-6 straight hours.

I wish I could force myself to be productive for 10-12 hours each day... but I'm working on it.

Okay, let me hear your ideas please...
#day #goal #productivity #tips
  • Profile picture of the author ScottTMk
    First off thanks for posting this, I feel the same, some days I can really plough on with it, others I find myself dwindling on tasks that really aren't going to do much for me...

    I look forward to hearing some responses
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3647550].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jhrdesigns
    My tip is:-

    Don't make the 1st task of the day to check your emails or stats.

    You never know where that will lead you and may use up lots of your day.

    e.g. if you check your inbox and there are 3 emails you want to check out all of a sudden you can loose an hour watching vids and reading sales letter and you haven't got anything done.

    James
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3647566].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author NateRivers
      Originally Posted by jhrdesigns View Post

      My tip is:-

      Don't make the 1st task of the day to check your emails or stats.

      You never know where that will lead you and may use up lots of your day.

      e.g. if you check your inbox and there are 3 emails you want to check out all of a sudden you can loose an hour watching vids and reading sales letter and you haven't got anything done.

      James
      Hell yeah- I've done that way too many times. Great tip.
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3647578].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author angeliat1
      Yes, best tip absolutely! Set a routine and stick with it...checking email later after finishing several other money-making tasks.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3647905].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author John Lenaghan
        The thing that helps me the most is to "timebox" my day - set limits on the amount of time for various tasks and then stick to them.

        eg. I might give myself 15 minutes of "forum time" and once that time runs out, I'm done and move onto the next thing.

        This is mainly for stuff that I know tends to eat up my time if I leave it unchecked. Stuff like email, social media, forums, etc.

        If I'm working on a project, I don't necessarily limit the time for that, I just use the balance of my day to work on it.

        John
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3648009].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author zena lour
      Originally Posted by jhrdesigns View Post

      My tip is:-

      Don't make the 1st task of the day to check your emails or stats.

      You never know where that will lead you and may use up lots of your day.

      e.g. if you check your inbox and there are 3 emails you want to check out all of a sudden you can loose an hour watching vids and reading sales letter and you haven't got anything done.

      James
      i think my problem is that the first thing i do is check all my emails and get distracted with soo many things.
      and the next thing i know 2 hours have passed by and i havent done anything productive, and that usually puts me in a bad mood.

      gotta learn NOT to check my emails until im done with the work i needed to do that day, or maybe till evening.

      thanks for the post

      zena
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3662379].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author RightGood10
      Originally Posted by jhrdesigns View Post

      My tip is:-

      Don't make the 1st task of the day to check your emails or stats.

      You never know where that will lead you and may use up lots of your day.

      e.g. if you check your inbox and there are 3 emails you want to check out all of a sudden you can loose an hour watching vids and reading sales letter and you haven't got anything done.

      James
      That is so true, I can literally have 2 emails in my inbox that take me 2 hours to respond to and sort out, its counter productive and makes you feel like you have wasted all your day before you have even begun, then you immediately write the day off and say to yourself "oh well I will do that tomorrow instead" but really that sentence should be applied to those few emails instead.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3666754].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jhrdesigns
    Originally Posted by NateRivers View Post

    I wish I could force myself to be productive for 10-12 hours each day... but I'm working on it.
    Regular breaks helps me get longer days with more productivity. You need to break from the task for 10 - 15 mins every hour or two.

    Talk a walk down the garden or make a drink, just get up from the pc and do something different.

    James
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3647604].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author mattangelo1985
      Originally Posted by jhrdesigns View Post

      Regular breaks helps me get longer days with more productivity. You need to break from the task for 10 - 15 mins every hour or two.

      Talk a walk down the garden or make a drink, just get up from the pc and do something different.

      James
      Thank you James. I agree with you, we should have atleast 10 mins break every 2 hrs min. It make our mind calm and think other pending tasks
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3653022].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author DireStraits
    No real "magic tips", here, but I find it helps to always have a long list of stuff to be doing. I keep my list electronically, on my laptop (I use "Swift To-do List 2 Lite"), so that I can swiftly and easily rearrange and re-prioritise stuff.

    I used to force myself to get through things in a strict order, but sometimes one just hits a bit of a brick wall. Be it thinking of ideas for articles, or writing them, or doing keyword research, or whatever. Sometimes it just aint happenin'.

    The last thing you want is to end up staring blankly at your screen for hours on end. So I have always have a long, comprehensive list of stuff I need to get done at some point or other, and if I'm struggling with my main, "most pressing" task, I just jump right in and do something else and cross that off. At least that way I'm always doing something, as to opposed to nothing for potentially long periods of time.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3647620].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Ladybug
      I also keep a long list of things to do. One some days I can be more productive doing the short easy items, others days my brain is able to concentrate on the more complex items.
      Since I have been offline for several years and just now getting back into the swing of things, I find that I have to spend a lot of time playing the "hurry up and catch up" game. Frustrating, yes, challenging, yes, do I love it? Absolutely!

      Here's my blog - I am looking for ideas Pleeease.....

      kateknittel dot com/blog
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3674417].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ginandtonic
    ... but I think most people's biggest problem is actually productivity and not implementing anything...
    I completely agree. One thing that works for me when I don't want to do anything is to do that task for five minutes. I can stop after that if I want to. If I REALLY want to stop after that, I can, but by then I'm either in the flow of things, or ready to do another five minutes (then another, then another) until I get in the flow of things.

    The thing that works best for me is each morning, I identify the #1 most result-producing task I can complete that day, and then I don't do anything else until it's done.
    Great tip. I'm going to integrate this into my day.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3647622].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author halopm1
    I'm a horrible procrastinator by nature, so I always have to work extra hard to stay on task. The biggest thing that I do is to write out my to do list the night before so that I start the day off with a clear idea of what I need to accomplish. Plus I never add more than about 5 items to the list because otherwise I'll get overwhelmed and nothing gets accomplished at all.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3647994].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Ruka
    Originally Posted by NateRivers View Post

    The thing that works best for me is each morning, I identify the #1 most result-producing task I can complete that day, and then I don't do anything else until it's done.
    Hey Nate,

    I like that tip a lot, it is so simple that you can just keep it in your head and remember to do it. So easy, you can just do it without having to persuade yourself or discipline yourself.

    Something I like doing is using a timer. I set it to countdown from 50 minutes, then just work as fast as possible without surfacing for air. When the alarm goes off, I stop and break for at least 10 minutes. I find it's good for keeping my brain fresh, otherwise I work for too long at once and the effort in/results out ratio starts getting less favourable.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3648120].message }}
  • It sounds too simple to work but it really does.
    Identify what you want to get done each day. Sit down and do it. Then reward yourself by surfing the net, and spending time on this forum

    But get your backlinking and SEO work done first each day.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3648852].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author NateRivers
    These are all great tips- thanks for the replies.

    I have to admit that when I say I do my most important thing first each day, I actually do check my stats and email first, and a lot of times I do get sidetracked for hours before I get started on anything that matters.

    My new goal is to absolutely quit looking at anything else until my main task is done each day.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3648987].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author davidfstyles
    Personally when I want to put in a few productive days this is the routine I use:

    Work 50 min
    Rest 10 min
    Work 50 min
    Rest 30 min

    Repeat. I learnt that off Eban Pagan and is probably the most effective way I get myself to do some work. Give it a try and see how much you get done.

    Hope that helps,

    David.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3650390].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author NateRivers
      Originally Posted by davidfstyles View Post

      Personally when I want to put in a few productive days this is the routine I use:

      Work 50 min
      Rest 10 min
      Work 50 min
      Rest 30 min

      Repeat. I learnt that off Eban Pagan and is probably the most effective way I get myself to do some work. Give it a try and see how much you get done.

      Hope that helps,

      David.
      That 30 minutes of rest after the second 50 minutes of work is interesting... I can understand why but how does Eben explain that exactly?

      Thanks for the tip.
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3650588].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author paulie888
        Originally Posted by NateRivers View Post

        That 30 minutes of rest after the second 50 minutes of work is interesting... I can understand why but how does Eben explain that exactly?

        Thanks for the tip.
        I'm wondering about his reason for this too - it seems like 30 minutes would be a little too long for a break from productive work. I find that 30-50 minute chunks of productivity seem to work best for me, and it's pretty easy to stay in the "zone" when doing this.

        Paul
        Signature
        >>> Features Jason Fladlien, John S. Rhodes, Justin Brooke, Sean I. Mitchell, Reed Floren and Brad Gosse! <<<
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3664645].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author JRCarson
      Originally Posted by davidfstyles View Post

      Personally when I want to put in a few productive days this is the routine I use:

      Work 50 min
      Rest 10 min
      Work 50 min
      Rest 30 min

      Repeat. I learnt that off Eban Pagan and is probably the most effective way I get myself to do some work. Give it a try and see how much you get done.

      Hope that helps,

      David.
      I like that. It's stupid simple, and that's what leads to focus I think.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3650695].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Deric Yin
    I use TeuxDeux religiously -

    What deux yeux have teux deux teuxday?

    Check it out - it's free.
    Signature
    Got Dating Traffic? This has got to be the easiest way to make money. Click Here

    Get $200 EXTRA on top of 75% ClickBank commissionsFind Out How
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3650678].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Deric Yin
    Also, the "Procrastionation Killer" little tool works like magic!

    Procrastination Killer
    Signature
    Got Dating Traffic? This has got to be the easiest way to make money. Click Here

    Get $200 EXTRA on top of 75% ClickBank commissionsFind Out How
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3650703].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author celente
    I am the worlds best when it comes to goofing off and being a lazy ass bandit.

    I have cable and I do not know what reason I am addicted to news and we have a 24 hours a day channel. Do know, i just like catching up with what is happening in the world.

    But I have an alarm that goes off now at 10am...that is the alarm that tells me to turn off my TV and move my ass.

    Then this alarm goes off two hours later. I can do what I want for an hour.

    Then it goes off an hour later tmie for 3 hours work, and 1 hour break.

    I have done this for 12 months now and it works wonders. There is something in your brain when you hear the alarm and sound that says to you and your brain. Ok Brain lets be proactive and get some work done!

    Hope this helps.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3652969].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author David McKee
    I use a modified version of "Earl Nightingale's" success list, which he got from a story about a guy (I forget his name) that was a consultant to Bethlehem Steel:

    1.) Make a list of the top 6 things you absolutely must get done. Be ruthless with this list and eliminate ANYTHING that is non-essential, or even borders on the "not absolutely necessary". Put these in the their order of importance.

    2.) Now make a second list with just the first item from the first list - DO THIS! Do not skip it because it seems unnecessary, but actually use pencil and paper (not your computer) and WRITE it.

    3.) Read this single item out loud. You have now activated your brain in three places (Reading, Writing, and Hearing).

    4.) Now do that thing.

    5.) When you are done, go back to the original list, cross of item 1, and proceed on to item 2, repeating everything from points 2-4.

    You will most likely not finish all 6 items in your work day, if you do, it means you did not really challenge yourself with truly important work - so reevaluate what you put down on the list. Anything on the list, if it is still important goes on the next day's list

    All of the less important stuff? That should be delegated/outsourced to others.

    You see, you cannot possibly get things done faster by any other method, this is a proven success accomplishment method. It works every time I use it, and my results are always less than they could have been when I don't.

    -DTM
    Signature
    Are you an affiliate marketer? My site has tons of free stuff and 14,000 pages of Clickbank research. www.affiliatesledgehammer.com
    Buy a Freedom Bulb! Don't let the government tell you what kind of light bulb you can use!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3653154].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author NateRivers
      Originally Posted by David McKee View Post

      I use a modified version of "Earl Nightingale's" success list, which he got from a story about a guy (I forget his name) that was a consultant to Bethlehem Steel:

      1.) Make a list of the top 6 things you absolutely must get done. Be ruthless with this list and eliminate ANYTHING that is non-essential, or even borders on the "not absolutely necessary". Put these in the their order of importance.

      2.) Now make a second list with just the first item from the first list - DO THIS! Do not skip it because it seems unnecessary, but actually use pencil and paper (not your computer) and WRITE it.

      3.) Read this single item out loud. You have now activated your brain in three places (Reading, Writing, and Hearing).

      4.) Now do that thing.

      5.) When you are done, go back to the original list, cross of item 1, and proceed on to item 2, repeating everything from points 2-4.

      You will most likely not finish all 6 items in your work day, if you do, it means you did not really challenge yourself with truly important work - so reevaluate what you put down on the list. Anything on the list, if it is still important goes on the next day's list

      All of the less important stuff? That should be delegated/outsourced to others.

      You see, you cannot possibly get things done faster by any other method, this is a proven success accomplishment method. It works every time I use it, and my results are always less than they could have been when I don't.

      -DTM
      Interesting that he says that if DO get everything on your list done in one day then you didn't pick very important things...

      that is one of those harsh truths, some the most important things looming over my head would definitely take more than one day.. but I never start them because of the same reason... F.
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3661618].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author bettersocial
    I've been down this road before - losing hours doing practically nothing.

    Thankfully, I'm a little older now, a little more mature (only a little, mind you), and have come to grips with my tendency to drift off.

    I've got my routine down to a science by now.

    Here's what I do: before going to bed, write down on a piece of paper - a sticky note, a diary, or a legal pad..anything will do - all that you want to do the next day, along with the expected time you'll take to do it.

    My list, for instance, looks somewhat like this:
    - Write 2 articles for XYZ niche - 60 minutes
    - Keyword research for XYZ niche - 45 minutes
    - Twitter marketing - 30 minutes

    and so on.

    When you wake up in the morning and have this list starting at you, I daresay it gives some structure to your day. Some structure and order is the only thing you need at times to get things done.

    Another great productivity tool is RememberTheMilk.com - a neat To-Do list and calendar. Much better and easier to use than anything else I've found online.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3661855].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author laurarussell49
      As for me, I establish a routine of planning my week and my day.

      This will allow me to have my most productive week all the time.

      I start my day with an extra 15 minutes early to do this planning everyday.

      I write down the top 1-3 important things I must do that day.

      And most importantly, set and reach my Goals!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3662236].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author JerryJerry
        Just wanted to thank you all for some great points and information on this most important of skills to get where you want to go! There is so much to be said for making a plan and sticking to it and being consistent with that daily. Brilliant info on the forum. Thanks again!
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3662318].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author panduari
      Originally Posted by sashas View Post

      My list, for instance, looks somewhat like this:
      - Write 2 articles for XYZ niche - 60 minutes
      - Keyword research for XYZ niche - 45 minutes
      - Twitter marketing - 30 minutes
      same to me... i very like that way
      Signature
      GUARANTEEE $3000/month, i made it in 2 months.
      just Check This Out before you late
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3664896].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author yveslanot
        Ya i too check my email first thing in the morning when I wake up out of pure habit. It's amazing how much time you can waste by just simply reading your email first. There's replies to people, comments, etc... Then there's checking your stats (although it does put a smile on my face when I wake up to see those emails stating I've got new leads overnight), before you know it you've wasted at least an hour from that and other non sense surfing.

        I make going to the gym my first priority each morning but definately gotta cut out the email before. Perhaps do a 15 minute meditation session before the gym...

        One thing I did learn that has helped me is I write out a list of 5 to 6 things that will help me move forward in my business. I don't really set a time of when I have to do them but just know that I have to. It's gotta be written down because sometimes your mind just does on a tangent.

        I normally have the list on my desk so when I set down to do work I can look at the list work my way from most important task first to the last.

        Of course I don't always finish every task but if I get a few of them done I'm happy about it and move the important task to the next day.

        I like the idea someone put on here with breaking down each MAIN task into tiny task on another list..
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3666674].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author marcuslim
    80/20 rule - 80% of results comes from 20% of your efforts. If this is the case, then aim to identify the most important tasks that need to be done first thing in the morning that will yield the most results. Leave email checking and more mundane tasks till later.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3663166].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author doorkicker13
    I have two tools that I use to help me stay on track reach my goals.

    I have a simple to-do list program:
    Free task management software for Windows: Swift To-Do List Lite. Freeware notes & task list organizer, todo list manager.

    And I use an open source mind mapping program (I LOVE mind mapping):
    Main Page - FreeMind

    I'm not affiliated with either one, but I used them every day.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3663193].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author SethLarrabee
    My first goal every morning is to WAKE UP! Thank you God for another day!

    Next is my Hour of Power.

    Take nutrition, exercise, clean myself up, visualize my ideal life.

    Then I get started on the #1 thing that needs to be done OR if I have a frog to eat, I eat it first thing so it's out of the way and clears my head for more productive things...
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3663252].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Trivum
    Getting Things Done by David Allen is an excellent book on productivity. The basic theory is to get EVERYTHING out of your head and down onto paper/digital paper. When you know that everything is in its place (in your system), then it frees you up to concentrate on whatever you choose to work on at that moment ... and you always have a list of very simple "next actions" to choose from because you've been writing them down.

    It's all explained much better than this, of course. Go read reviews on Amazon (4.5 stars with 650 reviews).
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3663500].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Papadopulos
    [DELETED]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3663879].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author NateRivers
      Originally Posted by Papadopulos View Post

      Care to share any of your #1 result-producing ideas?
      Most days its five articles, then I turn each one into a pdf and simple video. Other days it's setting up a new squeeze page or making a product.
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3664138].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author AgentHomes
    I find I work best with on old fashion "to do list". I make a new one in the morning to decide If I want to carry over any tasks from the prior day.

    I find it helpful when I don't know what I want to do next, I just check the list and start my next task.
    Signature
    HyPRcast Get Paid to Play with Social Media!
    Looking to buy or sell your home you need London Ontario MLS real estate agents or check out my London Ontario Homes for Sale Blog
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3663948].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author James Campbell
    With my productivity system, people seem to like the idea of a vice day.

    That is not giving up your procrastination tools (facebook/WF/gmail/twitter/youtube), but actually scheduling a time to do them.

    James
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3664137].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author paulie888
      Originally Posted by James Campbell View Post

      With my productivity system, people seem to like the idea of a vice day.

      That is not giving up your procrastination tools (facebook/WF/gmail/twitter/youtube), but actually scheduling a time to do them.

      James
      One of the best ways to schedule your use of "procrastination tools" is to use the Leechblock add-on if you're on the Firefox browser -

      https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/fir...on/leechblock/

      You block all these procrastination tools on Firefox during your productive portion of the day, and only allow browsing of these sites during designated hours of the day.
      Signature
      >>> Features Jason Fladlien, John S. Rhodes, Justin Brooke, Sean I. Mitchell, Reed Floren and Brad Gosse! <<<
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3664657].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John Romaine
    Get a whiteboard.

    This helped me immensely. It got the clutter out of my head and onto the whiteboard. It allows me to make notations and return to my work. It also allows me to prioritise tasks and goals.

    I also put a sign on my monitor that reads "GOAL - $250 A DAY". This motivates me with purpose. I find working a daily goal to be easier to digest, rather than a "Make $10,000 a month".
    Signature

    BS free SEO services, training and advice - SEO Point

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3664252].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author shireen
    Hi:

    I go for a 30 minutes walk around my neighborhood every morning without fail.

    This encourage blood circulation & I feel very fresh after the walk.

    Then I'll drink some nutritious fruit juice & have a good breakfast.

    I start working on my online business after that.

    I'll take a 30 minutes break around 4pm and continue to work until 7pm.

    I go for yoga from 8pm - 9pm & sleep at 11pm

    I found myself to be very productive following this routine.

    Oh, one more thing... Turn off the TV while working :-)

    Hope it helps
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3664499].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author brendanfinn
    davidfstyles mentioned a formula taught by Eben Pagan that I follow, too (sort of). I think it came from his product "Wake Up Productive", though I could be wrong.

    Aside from that one, I also try to use to-do lists, GTD style organization... heck, I'm even on a polyphasic sleep schedule.

    My problem is that I can't really fully commit to any of these. So instead of following any structure or program, I kind of follow them however my mind naturally lends itself to.

    What I have found to work for me is this:
    I'll work on whatever I need to get done for minimum 45-60 minutes. At some point, I'll get that feeling like "I'm really getting tired of this". At that point, instead of pushing through it, or resting, I'll work on something else productive, in a different setting.

    So I might write and spin some articles until I start to hate it, and then I'll just walk out into my backyard or garage and take care of something else I want to get done for a little bit. I find that this actually keeps me in a better mood than resting, and I obviously get a lot more done.

    My "rest" time usually consists of walking into the kitchen and making up some food.

    I imagine that virtually all of us have more than just computer work that needs to get done, right?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3664603].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author johnllino
    I have all the things that I want to buy in front of my computers.. It somehow remind me that if I didn't work I won't be able to buy those stuffs! Before my shift starts I have a list of all the task that I have to accommplish for the day. Agree with no email checking at the beginning, do that on the latter part. I really love to work with my favorite music., It keeps me going and barely notice that time past. every after an hour I take 15 mins break.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3664755].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author paulie888
      Originally Posted by johnllino View Post

      I have all the things that I want to buy in front of my computers.. It somehow remind me that if I didn't work I won't be able to buy those stuffs! Before my shift starts I have a list of all the task that I have to accommplish for the day. Agree with no email checking at the beginning, do that on the latter part. I really love to work with my favorite music., It keeps me going and barely notice that time past. every after an hour I take 15 mins break.
      The right kind of motivation enhances productivity, so you could also have an image of something (for example, things you'd like to get!) or someone who motivates you on your computer desktop. The right kind of music is also great for helping you to focus and tune out distractions - I find that music without lyrics tend to work best for me though.
      Signature
      >>> Features Jason Fladlien, John S. Rhodes, Justin Brooke, Sean I. Mitchell, Reed Floren and Brad Gosse! <<<
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3664796].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author NateRivers
      Originally Posted by johnllino View Post

      I have all the things that I want to buy in front of my computers.. It somehow remind me that if I didn't work I won't be able to buy those stuffs! Before my shift starts I have a list of all the task that I have to accommplish for the day. Agree with no email checking at the beginning, do that on the latter part. I really love to work with my favorite music., It keeps me going and barely notice that time past. every after an hour I take 15 mins break.
      This strategy is great... I have a slideshow widget on my desktop that I have in the bottom right corner of my second monitor that just goes through pictures all day of things I want in life. It really keeps me motivated and on task.

      Another thing that helps is I printed out some of my favorite quotes and have them hanging above my desk on the wall. My favorite one that just says it all...

      "Do work"

      This thread is turning into exactly what I was hoping for... tons of awesome tips from other producers that I've never heard/thought of before...
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3666919].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Larkrise
    Sit down and ask yourself what distracts you the most - (like this forum )
    Then dont do any of that until you've completed serious tasks. Or give yourself permission to do those things for 20 minutes every four hours. That can be your break - but I would also get up walk about or even jump up and down, it activates lots of lovely free healthy chemicals and this gets the brain working well again!

    Imagine how great you'll feel when you've done what you want to.

    Another great tip is to add A, B or C to any list of 'to dos' - the A's are what you have to do, The B's are what you really need to do - then Forget the C's!
    Signature
    Claim Your Complimentary Web 2.0 & Social Media Guide
    (Post Panda/Penguin) continued updates with recommended link building strategies
    NLP, Coaching, Blogging, Promoting, Psychobabbly Potions & Spells, SEO and the usual IM fluff
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3666940].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author LiamElliott
    I suggest the simplest thing possible. Make a plan and stick to it. If you are working offline then you could disable your network and that wouldn't allow you to check your email etc. Also, make a plan for the work you will be doing throughout the whole 12 hour day.

    Hope this helps
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3667099].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author mrfusion
    I really love the "Pomodoro Technique" which uses a tomato timer.

    The Pomodoro Technique®
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3669411].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author paulie888
      Originally Posted by mrfusion View Post

      I really love the "Pomodoro Technique" which uses a tomato timer.

      The Pomodoro Technique®
      I have been using this for a while myself, and it works great. It really does help you become much more focused and productive while at the computer (if you follow the guidelines laid out in this technique)...what's even better is that this is pretty much an "offline" technique that can be used for both online and offline activities - no computer or software is required to use this!

      Also, the site pretty much gives you everything you need to get started for free...the only other item you need is a kitchen countdown timer of some type - and no, you don't need a tomato timer to make this work, any timer will do!
      Signature
      >>> Features Jason Fladlien, John S. Rhodes, Justin Brooke, Sean I. Mitchell, Reed Floren and Brad Gosse! <<<
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3670218].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author davechan
    First thing in the morning - do the thing you hate worst - really! once you get the hardest part out, the rest seem like a cake walk.

    For me, it's content writing. I do have a number of content spinners, but you still need to write the original content
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3669702].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Greg Roberts
    Hey Nate, I like the idea of accomplishing most important thing first part of day. It does seem like once you start, it takes off for a few hours.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3669771].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author NateRivers
      Originally Posted by Greg Roberts View Post

      Hey Nate, I like the idea of accomplishing most important thing first part of day. It does seem like once you start, it takes off for a few hours.
      If definitely does... when I start get started early on a given day I stay productive mostly all day.

      Also, to eliminate any time-wasting, I make sure I know what my #1 task is for the next morning so I don't have to figure it out during work time.
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3669791].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Derek Soto
    I RARELY do what I have to until the LAST MINUTE! ( remember the good old college days )
    so set a tight deadline for yourself...

    Then, a deadline is not enough. You'll want to commit to your deadline to someone that you look up to and would not want to disappoint, like your dad or your IM coach, your pastor, etc.

    Now you have a deadline that is tight, you have a solid commitment to someone who you don't want to let down and now the last thing...

    Set up a situation where you can ONLY do that task as much as possible. If my goal is to write a sales letter, I'll go to the library, WITHOUT my laptop and ONLY my notes, away from my x-box, away from my TV, my comfortable bed, my girlfriend, all goal killers.

    hope this helps you out tons my friend!

    Derek Soto
    Signature

    Discover How to Create a Brand New $300 Income Stream Every Single Day! Click Here Before Sold Out <--------------------

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3670073].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Andrea Wilson
    Looking at good sales figures makes me motivated for the start of the day. I do turn on the radio for a jolly music so I wont be bored.

    Andrea
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3670276].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Roey Pimentel
    My best tip to stay productive is one word - Discipline.

    Use the reward system like you would with kids. Finish a task - get a reward. It could be simply walking away from your desk and opening the front door to get a breath of fresh air. Or, perhaps it may be a little snack. Whatever would motivate you to stay on task (within reason) is a good reward. Just make sure the reward is not a time sucker.

    Peace,

    Roey.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3673936].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Sebastian Oudot
    One thing I like to do is to set up my entire day activities the day before.

    When I wake up, I know exactly what I have to do.

    And I use a timer for every activity.

    If you give yourself 15 minutes to check your mail and no more for example, it's like a challenge.

    The use of a timer helps me to save a lot of time and to accomplish a lot more work.

    The most intellectually demanding task are done on the morning where my brain feels fresh.

    I try as well as much as possible, even if I'm really busy, to spend at least one hour outside, doing some sports, or just walking.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3674421].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Rob Marr
    I must say this is something people lacking of because a handful of people already know how to create a website, use the tools, create the content, drive traffic and do some administration and customer support as well.

    The biggest problem is they don't have a system to follow.
    My easy strategy is to write down what are the most important factors and write down the least important.

    After this you have to create an "Organization Plan". Where you can follow everyday and then make sure you stick to that plan and once you get the hang of it you are creating a system in your brain.

    For example:
    Monday
    7am -10am - Content Writing
    10:30am - 12:00pm - Keyword and Competition Research
    12:30pm - 2:00pm - Building Links
    2:30pm - 4:00pm - Optimizing current websites
    4:30pm - 5:30pm - Planning Website Structure
    6:00pm - 7:00pm - Creation of Graphics for Website

    Information is easy to retrieve but once you are over loaded with too much information you will get to that stage to procrastinate.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3674893].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author NateRivers
    One thing about this whole topic that is like a cosmic joke against humans, is that it is so easy to play a video game or watch movies for hours... WTF.

    You would think that income-producing activities would be the easiest to sit down and do... that would at least make sense.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3675840].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ijohnson
    I think having a plan or "To-Do" list written out is a key factor in zapping procrastination. Limiting that list to 4 - 5 tasks really helps in terms of eliminating that feeling of being overwhelmed by the sheer number of tasks on the list. Just block out all other distractions and start tackling that list!

    I like to create my list at night before going to bed. It helps to free up my mind when I put it down on paper. I also get a more peaceful sleep because I'm not thinking about what I need to remember to do.

    I am more productive when there is no music or television -- I like complete silence. I'm also more productive in the morning. I've found that tackling the most important task first is a great way to get things done and curb procrastination.

    Striking things off my list with force and purpose (with a pen) is also a great energy booster and motivator for me.
    Signature
    Make every day count!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3678025].message }}

Trending Topics