In today’s world, with so many distractions and 24-hour information overload, you will need a clear vision to manage your time better. In this article we shed some light on a few techniques to help get you there.
- Information overload & the disinformation that comes with it
- Pomodoro & Pareto: First principles
- The perks of a familiar schedule
The (Dis)Information Diet
To filter out the noise is not an easy job. Information can be found in unlimited sources, reaching us from many directions. Everyday we are bombarded with news, articles, and other messages. To survive in this environment, people are invited to create an “Information Diet”: a healthy flow of information that helps you maintain focus. It’s a guide to decide what to let inside your brain.
Another point to consider: The problem is not necessarily the amount of information we react to and deal with. The problem is that much of this information is useless, biased or false.
So how can we adapt to the reality we desire? What if we get rid of media that delivers empty calories, and choose instead a diet rich in information that is important to us and our daily life?
The Pomodoro Technique (‘Tomato Method’)
This technique is regarded as one of the most effective productivity methodologies in the world today. It has been applied by millions of people across innumerable industries and walks of life. In fact, you might even be using this very technique without knowing about it!
The Pomodoro Technique is a productivity method based on time management first developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. As an Italian, it’s little surprise that he named it after his tomato-shaped kitchen timer. The technique is one of the simplest to use, focusing in its basic form on short work breaks and longer periods of focused time. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of having to take control of your workday, then perhaps this method is something for you. Once you get used to managing your time properly, you’ll find yourself becoming more productive than ever before.
The Pareto Principle
The Pareto principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, states that there’s a hidden, predictable—even universal pattern in the phenomena of life. It’s based on the simple notion that 80% of your results come from just 20% of your efforts. This conditional principle works in all areas of life and business.
For instance, very person has a certain time of day when he or she is most productive. Some people work better in the morning, others prefer evening. The most productive time of the day is often called “Golden Hour”, and in practice this means capitalizing on that time and making the most of it.
The Pareto Principle is a neat little trick to help do you forecast the outcome of YOUR energy investment.
Debunking The Myth Of Multitasking
Have you ever had the feeling that your inefficiency at work is at levels that are indistinguishable from some kind of bizarre cosmic joke? Well, if you’re like most people, then the answer is yes. And it’s not just you; in fact, it’s a trend that permeates the workplace today. We live in an age where a growing number of employees seem to adhere to what has been coined “the myth of multitasking.”
For many people, multitasking is natural and excessive. We live in a world of constant distractions, and it seems this monstrous multi-executioner is not losing any ground.
One of the most important things about productivity is learning how to focus your energy and attention on one particular task that you’re trying to accomplish. Multitasking may seem convenient, but it will inevitably lead to you doing little to nothing. So instead of multitasking, try honing in on that one particular and mastering the process.
The ‘Do Less’ Philosophy
We’re rushing through life at a faster and faster pace. Overwhelmed by our goals, we attempt to complete more and more tasks everyday while the speed of business just keeps getting faster. It can be tough not to feel as if we aren’t making any progress towards our bigger goals.
At the core of the ‘do less’ approach lies the idea that you give up control over your actions, so that you can improve the quality of those actions that count. Does it sound a little bit confusing? You don’t have to be a Zen master to do it!
The concept of doing less — yet still getting the same results — is simply a reminder that you can achieve what you want in life if you just harness your focus and efforts into fewer, but more important tasks.
On Schedule: On Point
What is it that you do on a regular basis? Do you eat the same three meals every day? Have the same cup of coffee or tea every morning? Do you go to the same gym while listening to the same music and do the same exercises? If your answer is yes, then there’s a big chance that you’re familiar with the perks of living on schedule.
Once you moderate your schedule, you will find it easier to get things done. Freed up time can allow you to be more creative, which in turn will lead to more productivity.