The Super-Productivity Formula
If there’s one thing to consider as a given, it’s that we do not wake up with the same energy every day. Yet, we have tasks to do almost every day, and we need to figure out how to get things done regardless of our energy level.
Fortunately, there are many techniques to choose from in order to get the most out of your day and to complete every task at hand.
The Techniques
1. Time Blocking
One of the techniques I use is Time Blocking. This consists of dividing your workday into blocks of 30 minutes each. You then divide your to-do list into these blocks based either on your experience or an estimation of how much time is required to complete each task.
You can adjust your planning at any moment, but when a block is "locked" for a specific task, you should focus on it without doing anything else. This will help you get all your tasks checked and also determine how good your focus is—showing you how well you can take yourself above distractions.
The only "con" of this technique is that it is best used when your energy level is high and you can go through your day from end to end to finish all blocks.
2. The Eisenhower Matrix
Luckily, there are alternative techniques to use when your energy is not at its highest. The Eisenhower Matrix, for instance, consists of dividing tasks into four classes based on their importance and urgency:
Important + Urgent: These are the tasks to spend your energy on and start doing right ahead.
Important + Non-Urgent: These are the tasks to plan next, based on their deadline and your energy. The key here is to write them down and plan them on paper. If they aren't written, you’ll keep thinking of them, and that will drain your energy.
Urgent + Not Important: These are the tasks to delegate to someone with more free time and energy than you, who has the minimum skills required to get them done.
Not Urgent + Not Important: These are the tasks to never use a drop of your energy on. Eliminate them and go take a break!
The Alternative: The Pomodoro Technique
Another alternative to use when your "energy tank" is not full is the Pomodoro Technique. This allows you to take enough breaks without compromising your productivity. It consists of:
25 minutes of focused work.
5 minutes of break right after.
Repeat this 3 times.
On the 4th rep, take a longer break of 30 minutes.
The Bottom Line
Whatever technique you use, just make sure it works for you.
Don’t let your schedule schedule itself.
by hamzaelkabir