Favorite Productivity Advice & Tools – TPW406

This week I’m sharing some of my favorite productivity advice and tools and how I use them to make the most of my time. Sharing favorite productivity advice and tools can help us all be more productive! This week I got to thinking about all the things I’ve heard and learned over the years of being a productivity nerd. Somebody asked me recently what’s the most important productivity advice or concept that I would share. If I had to boil it down to just the essentials, what would it be? I'm not sure what’s most important, but these are the key concepts or bits of advice that help me in making my life as productive and meaningful as I want it to be. Favorite Productivity Advice 1. Write things down This probably is the number one most important productivity advice I've received (or given). How I implement it:  I don't try to keep stuff in my head--I write down tasks, ideas, commitments . . . anything relevant to my live. For example, all appointments or other time-specific commitments are put into a calendar immediately, with all pertinent information included.  Why it’s a favorite:  Writing things down is a foundational habit that helps keep me organized. It also saves mental energy and stress because I’m not having to try to remember things (or worrying that I won't). That leaves my mind free for more creative thinking and problem-solving 2. When organizing physical space, store like things together and put things you use most often in the most accessible spots This came up when I was asked recently for some advice on organizing food in a kitchen with no actual pantry. How I implement it:  This idea applies to any space you’re organizing. Think about what you do in that space and what you’re going to reach for most often while you’re doing it. Allocate the easiest-to-reach space to those things if you can and put similar things together. For example, in the kitchen, group sauces, spices, pasta, teas, etc. Store baking pans, mixing bowls, and other items used for baking together. In the office, put things together that you use to pay bills-paying supplies like the checkbook, stamps, etc. Have all your printer supplies and computer supplies together too. Same concept applies in the bathroom. For example, I have all my skincare products in one drawer and my makeup in another. Why it’s a favorite: Organizing my physical space makes it work better for me and allows me to be more efficient. Staying organized helps you know what you have, so you don’t end up overbuying. It also helps you find things when you need them. 3. Intentionally create and ruthlessly protect white space Definition of white space: “the areas of a page without print or pictures”. The concept is important in graphic design; it gives the eye a place to rest, helps to focus attention on what’s important, and makes the content more legible.  This concept is also valuable in other areas. In productivity terms, it’s empty space in your physical surroundings or in your calendar. In your physical white space - consider not filling every shelf, cupboard, countertop, or wall. White space creates a more restful environment and creates more emphasis on what it surrounds.  When it comes to your schedule, there is value in leaving gaps in your calendar--time that’s not committed to a specific activity (e.g., try to avoid scheduling calls or meetings back-to-back.) White space allows preparation and recovery time, and time for reflection, rest, and processing information. White space in your schedule helps avoid burnout and reduces stress. 4. Cultivate awareness and be intentional  Know yourself--what matters to you, what doesn’t, your strengths and weaknesses.