Quest For Increased Productivity
Hello, my name is Scott, and I have recently become productivity-challenged. The first step in resolving the problem is admitting you have a problem, right? :p
The Problem:
Ultimately, I’m just not satisfied with where I am according to my personal and professional goals. I’ve realized that after taking my old “system” for a test drive these past few weeks, it does not support today's workload.
I’m reminded of this at times – the signs are evident. I take notice when team members preface their questions/requests with, “I know you’re busy…” and “Just wanted to check on status…”, and “bump/ping” emails… Also, “feeding the email monster” has become a constant habit – and is driving the majority of the work week. (You would think that all this time spent on email, our inboxes would be empty, right? Wrong.) I looked around the office and opening the laptop bag, I realize that have too much stuff - files, papers, post-it-notes, digital pictures of notes from the dry erase boards. All of a sudden, files and information weren’t as organized as I would have liked – and finding specific bits of needed information took longer than 30 seconds to find. Projects continue to find their way on your plate more frequently than the completed ones.
Sound familiar? Regardless of our line of work, everyone has “stuff to do”. We have goals, projects, tasks, deadlines, deliverables, and need to effectively communicate with others. To be effective, we must be able to get in front of our jobs - email, tasks, update to-do lists, assist & inspire fellow team members, follow-up & respond to email, reach out to customers, etc…
How To Resolve:
I am on a quest for Productivity Utopia. I want to accomplish much more with family, work, health, volunteer activities, hobbies, etc.. Over the next 60-days, I am going to take blog readers down a journey with the goal of “Becoming my own Personal Productivity Zen-master.”
I've been motivated by such blogs as 43Folders and Life Hacker. (Gina Tripani's book, Life Hacker, is a MUST read for all professionals that like to flex their technical muscles. ). They have such a positive, motivating message - focusing on helping readers reach their inner "producivity zen". It's come time to soak all of them in – share with others - and find what works. I need to find a "system" that is easily and consistently repeatable and share with those who are interested in reading.
Why blog this journey?
· To share my thoughts, findings, and “things” (technology, or otherwise) that I discover or learn during the journey with others
· To learn how others have tackled improving their systems – how they have accomplished, and maintained efficiency and improving their productivity & performance.
· To motivate others who might be having the same conundrum but resist taking the next step – due to their already full plate.
Please join me with my Personal Productivity series, found here - http://scottdock.com/productivity/ . If you are so inclined, please share your thoughts - what does/does not work for you - and recommendations for others.
