I was recently tagged by GTD Wannabe with the Ultimate Guide to Productivity meme. The challenge is to name my “single best productivity tip.”
This is a tough one, but I love it, as it forces me to simplify. I can’t do a Top 10 list! Instead, I have to do a Top 1 list, and that’s the kind of challenge I like.
So here it is, my Single Best Productivity Tip (in one word, no less): Simplify.
How does simplifying make you more productive? If you’ve been reading this site for long, you’ll probably know the answer. But let me list the ways anyway:
- Simplify your to-do list. If you have less to do, and you focus on the Most Important Things (MITs), you will actually accomplish more with less effort and time. Get rid of all the less important stuff on your list — or delegate it.
- Simplify your surroundings. If you can git rid of the clutter on your desk and computer, the distractions and notifications and interruptions, you will be able to focus more and get more done. Interruptions slow you down.
- Simplify your work process. Single task, not multi-task, and your productivity will shoot through the roof. Multi-tasking is an inefficient way to work (on a smaller level — on a larger level, such as during the course of a month, it’s better to work on several projects at once rather than just one). So focus on one task at a time, get it done, and move on to the next one.
Ultimate Productivity List
What do others have to say? Here are some that I’ve found:
- GTD Wannabe: Start strong – start your day with something productive.
- Cranking Widgets: Write. It. Down.
- Ian’s Messy Desk: To thine own self, be true (do what works for you).
- Instigator Blog: Work in short bursts.
- azazil.net: Time-map, uni-task, start small & strong.
- Do I Dare Disturb the Universe?: Regularly process what you write to extract actionable items.
- HD Bizblog: Keep your appointments, especially with yourself.
- Matt’s Idea Blog: There is no single best productivity tip.
- Design Adaptations: Don’t check email constantly, quit checking stats all day, stop Tweeting, Digging and Furling, and stop blind surfing.
- ZoomStart: GTD, the Zoom method.
- reflections: dirty desk = dirty mind, increased caffeine, take breaks, stay on top of email, get a whiteboard.
- miLienzo: read GTD, 2-minute rule, live by the list, tidy desk, good cuppa.
- graphic design blog: write everything down — lists, lists, lists.
- randa clay design: break things down to small bits, prioritize, weed your feeds, do icky stuff first, no down time, make it easy.
- Lost in Cyberspace: just start, get organized, primetime/best time, slack off.
- j david macor: itemize, prioritize, deadlines, desk.
- Goal Setting College: Visualize to a great start.
- Andy Beard: define your purpose.
- healthywebdesign: focus.
- Monk at Work: clarity.
- eMoms at Home: leverage.
- engtech: find focus with less distractions, be more effective by doing less, use technology efficiently.
- the Kiss Business: have fun.
- Zugunruhe Coaching: advance planning.
- Today is That Day: Keep your eyes on the prize.
- Home Office Women: stay focused.