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This is a good read for those who want to create a system for productivity.
1. THE VALUE OF ATTENTION
I often find myself trying to be more productive on routine tasks, as a way of saving my time. But as soon as I settle down to do a difficult task, I just waste away the time I had saved before. I always think its because I lack productivity, but attention is probably what I really need more of.
Through this book, I was introduced to the concept of attention management. According to Graham Allcott, there are three main levels of attention: inactive < active < proactive. With this in mind, you can usually observe periods of highs and lows in your attention level throughout the day, which may follow a noticeable trend. With this observation, you can then schedule your day according to the level of attention you need for each task.
2. CREATE A SYSTEM FOR PRODUCTIVITY
We often work better when we have a system. For example, you may have a morning routine. You may eat breakfast first, write a few hundred words, then go to the gym. When this system becomes routine, you rarely have to force yourself to do it. Of course, this routine may not be perfect, which is why it is always important to notice how you can improve. The same thing applies to productivity.
The system this book highlights is the CORD Productivity Model, which involves (C) capturing your thoughts with a second brain, (O) organizing those thoughts and figuring out what should be done with each, (R) reviewing the list of tasks you made in the organize stage in order to plan ahead, and (D) actually doing the tasks you have assigned for yourself.
3. GET RID OF THE “BIG ROCKS”
Every day, I usually have at least one huge task that I would like to finish. But in the end, I find that I try to delay doing that task for as long as I can, and sometimes end up leaving it for another day.
Graham Allcott labels these tasks as “big rocks.” Something valuable I got from this book is that these “big rocks” should be the first task you set out to do. When you plan to finish these “big rocks” first, they will likely give you the motivation you need to jumpstart your day.
No matter how many productivity books you read, you will never actually be productive if you don’t put your mind to it. It’s the act of actually doing that makes you productive. The hardest part is starting. So think of the most important thing you could do right now and start doing it.
1. THE VALUE OF ATTENTION
I often find myself trying to be more productive on routine tasks, as a way of saving my time. But as soon as I settle down to do a difficult task, I just waste away the time I had saved before. I always think its because I lack productivity, but attention is probably what I really need more of.
Through this book, I was introduced to the concept of attention management. According to Graham Allcott, there are three main levels of attention: inactive < active < proactive. With this in mind, you can usually observe periods of highs and lows in your attention level throughout the day, which may follow a noticeable trend. With this observation, you can then schedule your day according to the level of attention you need for each task.
2. CREATE A SYSTEM FOR PRODUCTIVITY
We often work better when we have a system. For example, you may have a morning routine. You may eat breakfast first, write a few hundred words, then go to the gym. When this system becomes routine, you rarely have to force yourself to do it. Of course, this routine may not be perfect, which is why it is always important to notice how you can improve. The same thing applies to productivity.
The system this book highlights is the CORD Productivity Model, which involves (C) capturing your thoughts with a second brain, (O) organizing those thoughts and figuring out what should be done with each, (R) reviewing the list of tasks you made in the organize stage in order to plan ahead, and (D) actually doing the tasks you have assigned for yourself.
3. GET RID OF THE “BIG ROCKS”
Every day, I usually have at least one huge task that I would like to finish. But in the end, I find that I try to delay doing that task for as long as I can, and sometimes end up leaving it for another day.
Graham Allcott labels these tasks as “big rocks.” Something valuable I got from this book is that these “big rocks” should be the first task you set out to do. When you plan to finish these “big rocks” first, they will likely give you the motivation you need to jumpstart your day.
No matter how many productivity books you read, you will never actually be productive if you don’t put your mind to it. It’s the act of actually doing that makes you productive. The hardest part is starting. So think of the most important thing you could do right now and start doing it.