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Table Of Content
Introduction 4

How to use reflective practice to boost your productivity 4-6

Productivity equation 7-10

Productivity myths 11-15

Laws and concepts of productivity 16-21

Habits to boost productivity 22-40

Pilot, Plane, Engineer mental model 41-42

Productivity apps 42-43

Plan a day productively 43-44

Project list 44-45

Slow burn and heavy list 45-46

Accountability buddy 47-48

Building a second brain 49-50

Smart goals are not smart 51-52

Odyssey plan 52-54

Vision and purpose 54-56

Motivation is a myth 57-60

Overcome procrastination 60-62

Newton’s first law of motion 62-63

2 minutes rule,5 minutes rule 63

Flow state 65-68

The plane and the pilot and The psychology of distraction 68

Pomodoro Technique 69-70

Stay on course 70-72

Artificial deadline and Avoid burnouts with the Reitoff Principle 73-75

Boost your productivity with plane mode, How to be a good engineer 76 - 77

Well-being in productivity and Get Things Done productivity methodology 77-81

Do a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly review to boost your productivity 82-90

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🥷
🏻Productivity Ninja
Introduction
In today's fast-paced and competitive world, productivity is a key skill that can help
you achieve your goals and optimize your performance. Productivity is not just about
doing more in less time, but also about doing it better and smarter. In this book, you
will learn how to become a productivity ninja: a master of time management,
prioritization, and self-discipline. You will discover the secrets of the productivity ninja
mindset. You will also discover the tools and techniques that will help you get things
done, and the habits and routines that will keep you on track. You will also learn how
to deal with common productivity challenges, such as procrastination, distractions,
interruptions, and email overload. By the end of this book, you will have the skills
and strategies to transform your productivity and achieve your goals with grace and
confidence.

♥Reflective practice is a skill that can help us improve our productivity,

communication, empathy, and other soft skills that are essential for personal and
professional success. For example being a good doctor is not really about how much
knowledge you have. Instead, it is about how you handle challenges and situations
in your work. Reflective is one of the ways doctors can improve their soft skills over
time. This is done by actively thinking about their actions, reactions, feelings, and

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thoughts, and how they can do better next time. This applies the same principle to
productivity, which is not really about finding the most advanced app or memorizing a
chunk of information. Instead, it is about mastering our internal habits and states.
Reflective writing and reflective practice is a very good way of improving soft skills.

So what are the main benefits of reflection? How reflection can

help us:
Develop critical thinking skills: By reflecting on our experiences, we can
analyze what worked well and what happened wrong, what we learned and what
we still need to learn, what assumptions we made and what evidence we have.
This can help us improve our reasoning and problem-solving skills, as well as
creativity and innovation.

Learn from our experiences: By reflecting on our experiences, we can identify

what we did well and what we can improve on, what we enjoyed and what we
disliked, what we achieved and what we missed. This can help us recognize our
strengths and weaknesses, as well as our preferences and motivations.

Identify areas for improvement: By reflecting on our experiences, we can spot

gaps in our knowledge or skills, areas where we require more practice or
feedback, or challenges to overcome. This can help us set realistic and specific
goals for ourselves, as well as plan the actions and resources we need to
achieve them.

Recognize our strengths and achievements: By reflecting on our

experiences, we can celebrate our successes and appreciate our efforts. This
can boost our self-confidence and self-esteem, as well as our resilience and
optimism.

Enhance our self-awareness and self-confidence: By reflecting on our

experiences, we can understand ourselves better: our emotions, thoughts,
values, beliefs, personality traits, etc. This can help us become more aware of
our strengths and limitations, as well as our impact on others. This can also help
us develop a positive self-image and a growth mindset.

Plan our future actions and goals: By reflecting on our experiences, we can
decide what we want to do next: continue with the same activity or try something
new, pursue the same goal or change direction, etc. This can help us align our

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actions with our values and purpose, as well as monitor our progress and adjust
accordingly.

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🎊
⚡Do you want to be more productive in your work and life?
⚡Do you want to achieve more results in less time and have more fun along the
way?
⚡If so, you need to learn about the productivity equation.
🎀The productivity equation is a simple but powerful formula that can help you
measure and improve your productivity. It can also help you understand the different
aspects of productivity and how they relate to each other. Here, I will explain what
the productivity equation is, how it works, and how you can use it to boost your
productivity. I will also share some tips and examples on how to apply the
productivity equation daily.

What is the productivity equation?

🚀The productivity equation summarizes the four factors that affect productivity:
output, time, usefulness, forethought and fun.

It is written as follows:

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 Productivity = (Useful Output / Time) F1*F2

Where F1 is the fun factor and F2 is forethought

The equation shows that productivity can be increased by:

⚛ Increasing output, which entails doing more work or achieving more results.
⚛ Decreasing time, which means doing the work faster or more efficiently.
⚛ Increasing usefulness, which means doing the right work or aligning it with your
goals and vision.

⚛ Increasing the fun, which means enjoying the work or finding ways to make it
more engaging and rewarding.
⚛ Forethought means careful consideration of what will be necessary or happen in
the future. It is more engaging and keeps you focused.

✍The equation also shows that fun and forethought are multipliers, which means
that they can amplify the effects of other factors.
✍If you have fun doing your work, you are more likely to do more of it, do it faster,
and do it better.
✍Fun also helps you avoid burnout and stress, which lowers productivity.
✍Therefore, fun is arguably one of the most significant factors in productivity.
The same way forethought helps you avoid distractions as you meditate on what you
want to do and how you intend to do it.
💥With forethought, when you plan ahead after thinking, you are more likely to
accomplish your goals without getting distracted.

💥That way you will avoid stress in the long run and add to the productivity circle
positively.
💥Thus, forethought is another significant factor in productivity.

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How to Use the Productivity Equation?

The productivity equation can be used to assess and improve your

productivity. You can use it for:
❄Calculate your current productivity level by plugging in your numbers for output,
time, usefulness, and fun.
❄Identify your strengths and weaknesses in productivity by comparing your
numbers to your desired or expected levels.
❄Set realistic and specific goals for improving your productivity by adjusting one or
more of the factors in the equation.

❄Monitor your progress and evaluate your results by tracking your numbers over
time and seeing how they change.

To use the productivity equation effectively, you need to:

❄Define what output means to you. Output can be measured in different ways
depending on what kind of work you do and what results you want to achieve.

For example, output can be determined by the number of tasks completed, the
quality of work delivered, the revenue generated, the impact created, etc.
You need to choose a way that makes sense for you and your work.

❄Measure your time accurately. Time can be measured by the hours spent on
work, the deadlines met, the frequency of interruptions, etc.
❄You need a reliable method to track your time and avoid distractions and
procrastination.
❄Evaluate your usefulness objectively. Usefulness can be measured by how well
your work aligns with your goals and vision, how much value you create for yourself
and others, how much feedback you receive and act on, etc.
❄You need to be honest with yourself and others about how useful your work is and
how it can be improved.

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❄Rate your fun subjectively. Fun can be measured by how much you enjoy your
work, how motivated and engaged you are, how much creativity and innovation you
express, etc.

❄You need to listen to your feelings and emotions and find ways to make your work
more fun for yourself and others.
❄Measure in an authentic way whether you follow through on the plan you first set
out to execute, how much you extrapolated, and how focused you were on it and
how well you executed it. Could you achieve what you wanted on forethought?

Tips and Examples on How to Boost Your

Productivity with the Productivity Equation
Here are some tips and examples on how to boost your productivity with the
productivity equation:
🌷To increase your output, you can: prioritize your most important tasks; break down
large projects into smaller steps; delegate or outsource tasks that are not within your
core competencies; automate or streamline tasks that are repetitive or low-value;
collaborate with others who have complementary skills or resources; learn new skills
or techniques that can help you do your work better; review and revise your work
regularly to ensure quality and accuracy; celebrate and reward yourself for
completing tasks or milestones.
🌷To decrease your time, you can: plan your work ahead of time; set clear and
realistic deadlines; use a timer or a calendar to manage your time; eliminate or
minimize distractions such as phone calls, emails, social media, etc.; focus on one
task at a time; batch similar tasks together; use shortcuts or templates for common
tasks; avoid multitasking or switching between tasks frequently; take breaks and rest
when needed.

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🕰
💐We all want to be more productive in our personal and professional lives. We
want to accomplish more, achieve our goals, and enjoy our passions. But how often
do we feel overwhelmed, stressed, or frustrated by the lack of time and attention we
have to devote to the things that matter most to us? In fact, 17th century British
politician William Penn said time is what we want most, but use badly.

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💐 Most often many waste their precious time on activities not aligned with our
values, priorities, or objectives. Many people also fall prey to some common
productivity myths that prevent us from making the most efficient use of our time and
resources. We will also explore how productivity can benefit not only ourselves and
our organizations, but also society and the economy at large. Productivity is a
buzzword that many people strive for, but misunderstand.There are many myths and
misconceptions about productivity and how to achieve it. Here, we will debunk three
of the most common myths about productivity. We will also share some tips and
strategies on how to work more efficiently and effectively.

Myth #1: We don't have enough time

❣One of the myths about productivity is that we don’t have enough time to do
everything we want or need to do. Many people often complain that there are not
enough hours in the day. Many are too busy to pursue our hobbies, learn new skills,
or spend quality time with our loved ones. However, time is not a fixed resource we
lack, but a flexible one that we can control and optimize. We all have the same 24
hours in a day, but how we use them makes all the difference. We can make time for
what matters by eliminating distractions, delegating tasks, and saying no to low-
value activities.
Here are some ways to do that.

Eliminate distractions: Distractions are anything that takes our attention away from
our main task or goal. They can be external (such as notifications, emails, calls, or
interruptions) or internal (such as thoughts, emotions, or impulses). Distractions
can reduce our productivity by up to 40%, according to a study by the
University of California Irvine. To eliminate distractions, we can turn off our
notifications, close our tabs, mute our phones, or use apps that block distracting
websites or apps. We can also create a quiet and comfortable workspace where we
can focus without interruptions.

Delegate tasks: Delegate tasks means assigning them to someone else who has
the skills, knowledge, or authority to do them. Delegating tasks frees up our time and
energy for more significant or strategic activities. It can also empower others to take
ownership and responsibility for their work. To delegate tasks effectively, we have to
communicate clearly what is supposed to be done. We need to communicate why it
needs to be done, when it needs to be done, and how it needs to be done. We also
need to recognize those who complete the tasks.

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Say no: Saying no means rejecting requests or offers not aligned with our goals or
priorities. Saying no can help us avoid taking on too much work or committing to
things we don't have time for or enjoy. A simple no can also protect our boundaries
and values. It is best to express our appreciation for the request or offer in order to
refuse it politely and assertively. We need to explain why we cannot accept it, and
suggest an alternative solution if possible.

Myth #2: We need multitasking

❣Another myth about productivity is that we need to be constantly busy and
multitasking to get things done. We often try to juggle multiple tasks at once, thinking
we save time and are efficient. However, research shows that multitasking reduces
our focus, performance, and quality of work.
❣According to a study by Stanford University, multitasking can impair our
cognitive abilities such as memory, attention span, and creativity. It can also
increase our stress levels and lower our satisfaction and happiness. We can be
more productive by doing one thing at a time. We can also break down complex
tasks into manageable steps, and schedule blocks of uninterrupted time for deep
work.

Here are some ways to do that.

Do one thing at a time: Doing one thing at a time means focusing on a single task
or activity until it is completed or until a predetermined point is reached. Doing one
thing at a time can improve our concentration, accuracy, and speed. It can also
reduce errors and rework. To do one thing at a time, we need to prioritize our tasks
and choose the most significant or urgent one to start with. We also need to resist
the temptation to switch tasks or check other things while working on them.

Breaking down complex tasks: It means dividing them into smaller and simpler
subtasks that are easier to complete and track. Breaking down complex tasks can
improve productivity, efficiency and quality of work. It can also reduce stress and
frustration by making your goals more manageable and achievable.

Myth #3: Productivity is about doing more things in

less time.
❣ One of the most prevalent myths about productivity is that it is measured by the
quantity of tasks we complete in a given time frame. However, this can lead to a
superficial and unsustainable approach to work. This is where we focus on checking

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off items on our to-do lists without considering their value, quality, or impact. We may
also do things not aligned with our goals, priorities, or passions.

Instead of doing more things in less time,

We should aim to do fewer things better. This means focusing on the most
significant and meaningful tasks that contribute to our desired outcomes and align
with our strengths and values. We should also eliminate or delegate low-value,
repetitive, or irrelevant tasks. By doing so, we can free up more time and energy for
the things that matter most.

Myth #4: Productivity is a one-size-fits-all concept.

❣ Another myth about productivity is that there is a universal formula or method that
works for everyone. However, productivity is a personal and contextual concept that
depends on various factors such as our personality, preferences, goals,
environment, and resources. What works for one person may not work for another,
and what works in one situation may not work in another.

Instead of following a rigid or generic productivity system,

We should customize our approach to each situation based on our individual

needs and circumstances. This means experimenting with different techniques and
tools to find out what suits us best and adapting them to our changing conditions and
challenges. We should also be flexible and open-minded to try various things and
learn from others with different perspectives and experiences.

Myth #5: Productivity is about working harder and

longer.

❣ A fifth myth about productivity is that we need to work harder and longer to
achieve more. Working too much can lead to stress, burnout, and diminished
returns.
We can be more productive.

Working smarter and taking breaks to recharge our energy, creativity, and
motivation. We can also leverage tools and technologies that automate or simplify
our work processes and enhance our capabilities.

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Productivity benefits individuals and organizations, but also society and the
economy. It can drive growth, innovation, and competitiveness, as well as improve
living standards and well-being. However, productivity gains need to be reinvested in
ways that create jobs, incomes, and opportunities for everyone, otherwise they may
widen the inequality gap.
To sum up, productivity is not about doing more things in less time, following a one-
size-fits-all formula, or working harder and longer. It is about doing fewer things
better, customizing our approach, working smarter, and taking breaks. By busting
these productivity myths, we can achieve more with less and enjoy a more fulfilling
and rewarding work life
As Nathan W. Morris put it: “It's not always that we need to do more but focus on
less.”

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🗨
What is Parkinson's Law?
✡Parkinson's law states that work expands to fill the time we allocate to it. This
means that having too much time to do something can lead to procrastination and
inefficiency. For example, if you have a month to write a report, you might
spend the first three weeks doing research, brainstorming, editing, and
revising. You might then rush to finish it last week. However, if you have only a
week to write the same report, you might skip some unnecessary steps and
focus on the most significant ones. Parkinson's law says we can use time to
optimize our work. By setting artificial deadlines for ourselves and using incentives or
penalties to stick to them, we can force ourselves to prioritize critical tasks. This will
enable us to get them done faster. We can also avoid spending too much time on
trivial or low-value activities that do not contribute to our goals.

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What is Peter Thiel's 10-Year Plan in 6 Months?
✡Peter Thiel is a billionaire entrepreneur and investor who co-founded PayPal and
Palantir. He is also known for his unconventional and provocative questions that
challenge the status quo and stimulate innovation. One of his famous questions is:
"Think about your 10-year plan and ask, how will you achieve it in six months?" This
question is meant to make us think differently about what we want to achieve and
how we can do it. It is not meant to be taken literally, but rather as a way of
stretching our imagination and creativity. It also helps us avoid Parkinson's law,
which states that work expands to fill the time we allocate to it. By asking ourselves
how we can achieve our 10-year plan in 6 months, we can identify the most critical
and impactful steps we need to take. We can also discover new opportunities and
possibilities that we might have overlooked or ignored if we followed a more
conventional and linear approach. We can also test our assumptions and
hypotheses faster and learn from our failures and successes.

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How to Achieve Your 10-Year Plan in 6 Months Using
Parkinson's Law
✡Do you have a 10-year life plan? Do you know what you want to achieve in the
next decade? If so, how confident are you that you will accomplish it? Most people
have some vague idea of what they want to do in the long term, but they rarely have
a clear and realistic plan to get there. They often set goals that are too vague, too
ambitious, or too dependent on external factors. They also tend to procrastinate and
waste time on things that are not significant or urgent. This is where Parkinson's law
and Peter Thiel's concept of a 10-year plan in 6 months come in handy. These two
principles can help you transform your 10-year plan into a 6-month action plan that
boosts productivity and effectiveness.

What is Pareto’s law?

✡Pareto’s law is a powerful principle that can boost your productivity and happiness
at work and in life. It shows that in most cases and areas, 80% of outcomes are
caused by 20% of causes or efforts. This means that some things are more
significant and valuable than others, and we should focus on them. For instance,
80% of your sales may come from 20% of your customers, 80% of your happiness
may come from 20% of your activities, or 80% of your problems may come from 20%
of your causes. By applying Pareto’s law, you can make better decisions and choices
about what to do and what not to do. You can concentrate on the core and essential
tasks or activities that will bring you the most value and impact. You can avoid or
reduce less significant or wasteful ones. This way, you can save time and energy,
and achieve more with less.

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✡Pareto’s law can also help you overcome some of the common challenges
and obstacles that hinder your productivity, such as perfectionism and
procrastination. Instead of trying to do everything perfectly or delaying until later,
you can aim for a good enough result that meets your goals and standards. You can
also use Pareto’s law to prioritize your work by urgency and importance, and tackle
the most critical and rewarding tasks first.

How to Achieve Your 10-Year Plan in 6 Months Using

Parkinson's Law

✡Do you have a 10-year life plan? Do you know what you want to achieve in the
next decade? If so, how confident are you that you will accomplish it? Most people
have some vague idea of what they want to do in the long term, but they rarely have
a clear and realistic plan to get there. They often set goals that are too vague, too
ambitious, or too dependent on external factors. They also tend to procrastinate and
waste time on things that are not significant or urgent. This is where Parkinson's law
and Peter Thiel's concept of a 10-year plan in 6 months come in handy. These two
principles can help you transform your 10-year plan into a 6-month action plan that
boosts productivity and effectiveness. Pareto’s law is not a fixed rule, but a general
pattern that varies depending on the context and situation. It is not meant to be rigid
or restrictive, but flexible and adaptable. You can use Pareto’s law to analyze your
work and life, and make adjustments as needed. You can also experiment with
different ratios and see what works best for you. Pareto’s law is not a one-time
solution, but a continuous process of improvement and optimization. You can apply
Pareto’s law repeatedly to refine your work and life, and achieve higher productivity
and happiness. You can also use Pareto’s law to learn from your successes and
failures, and discover new opportunities and possibilities.

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How to Apply Newton's First Law of Motion to Boost
Your Productivity
✡Productivity is not just about doing more, but doing the right things efficiently and
effectively. However, many of us struggle with getting started and staying focused on
our goals. How can we overcome this challenge and achieve more in less time? One
way to improve productivity is to apply Newton’s First Law of Motion. This states
that an object in motion tends to stay in motion, and an object at rest tends to
stay at rest. This means that getting started is often the most challenging part,
but once we overcome the initial inertia, we can keep moving with less effort.

❤To get started, we can use various techniques such as the Two-Minute Rule, the
Five-Minute Rule, and keystone habits.
❤The Two-Minute Rule says that if something takes less than two minutes, we
should do it immediately.
❤This helps us clear our mental clutter and avoid procrastination.
❤The Five-Minute Rule says that if we struggle to start something, we should
commit to doing it for five minutes.
❤ This helps us break down big tasks into smaller chunks and overcome failure
fears. Keystone habits are actions that trigger other positive behaviors, such as
changing into gym clothes or cleaning the desk. These habits enable us to create
momentum and routines that support productivity. Another way to improve

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productivity is to simplify our surroundings and eliminate distractions. We can focus
on what we can control and work from there. We can also use tools like Asana to
manage our tasks and projects more effectively. Asana is a web and mobile app that
helps teams organize, track, and collaborate on their work. It allows us to create
lists, boards, timelines, calendars, and more to visualize our progress and prioritize
our tasks. It also integrates with other apps like Gmail, Slack, Dropbox, and Zoom to
streamline our workflow. We should further distance ourselves from distractions such
as turning off notifications in our social media apps that can distract us from our
work. Productivity is not a one-size-fits-all concept. We should experiment with
different methods and find what works best for us. We should also balance our
productivity with our well-being and happiness. By applying Newton's First Law of
Motion to our work and life, we can achieve more with less stress and more
satisfaction.

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🔑
♛If you want to be more productive and effective in your work and life, you need to
master habit formation. Habits are small, atomic units of self-development that
compound over time and make us more productive and effective. Here, I will share
with you some insights from the book Atomic Habits by James Clear. This is one of
the most insightful books on habits I have ever read.

What are habits and why are they important?

♛Habits are actions we do repeatedly and automatically, without much conscious
thought or effort. They are routines that shape our lives and determine our results.
James Clear says habits are the compound interest of self-improvement. That
means that a small change in our habits can have a huge impact on our outcomes
over time.
For example, if you read 10 pages of a book every day, that's 3,650 pages in a year,
or about 18 books. If you write 500 words every day, that's 182,500 words in a year,
or about two books. If you exercise for 30 minutes every day, that's 182.5 hours in a
year, or about 7.6 days. These are just some examples of how small habits can lead
to big results.
♛But habits are not only helpful for achieving specific goals. They are also
necessary for changing our identities and becoming the person we want to be.
James Clear says that every action we take is a vote for the type of person we
want to become. When we do something productive, we reinforce the identity

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of productivity. When we do something unproductive, we undermine that
identity.
♛Therefore, habits are not about reaching a specific goal, but about changing our
identity and enjoying the process of doing productive things. We should focus on
who we want to be, not what we want to achieve.

How can we form effective habits and break

unproductive ones?

James Clear proposes a simple framework for forming positive habits and
breaking unproductive ones. He calls it the Four Laws of Behavior Change.

They are:
Make it obvious: We need to make our desired habits visible and easy to start. We
can use cues and reminders to trigger our habits, such as putting our books on our
desk or setting an alarm for exercise time. We can also design our environment to
support our habits, such as removing distractions or keeping healthy snacks nearby.
If you want to drink a vitamin tablet daily keep it next to your desk in a reachable
place so you don't miss a day.
Make it attractive: We need to make our desired habits enjoyable and rewarding.
We can use incentives and rewards to motivate ourselves, such as giving ourselves
a treat or celebrating our progress. We can also use social contracts and public
commitments to increase accountability and peer pressure. For example, joining a
group or announcing our goals.
Make it easy: We need to make our desired habits simple and effortless. We can
use systems and tools to automate our habits, such as apps or calendars to track
habits or schedule them in advance. We can also utilize hacks and shortcuts to
reduce the friction and difficulty of our habits, such as batching tasks or breaking
them down into smaller steps. That way you are prepared when an opportunity
presents itself.
Make it satisfying: We need to make our desired habits satisfying and fulfilling. We
can use feedback and measurement to monitor our habits and see how far we have
come. This includes creating charts or journals to record our habits or compare them
to our past performance. We can also use positive reinforcement and affirmation to
boost our confidence and self-esteem, such as praising ourselves or avoiding
negative self-talk that undermines our identity.

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♛The key to forming effective habits is to make them obvious, attractive, easy, and
satisfying. The key to breaking wrongful habits is to do the opposite: make them
invisible, unattractive, challenging, and unsatisfying.

How can we form good habits today?

James Clear suggests starting with small changes implement and maintain. He
calls them one percent changes. These are changes that may seem
insignificant at first but can have a huge impact over time.
For example, if you want to read more books, you can begin by reading one page
per day. If you want to write more words, you can start by writing one sentence per
day. If you want to exercise more often, you can start by doing one push-up per day.
♛The idea is not to stop at one percent but to gradually increase it over time until it
becomes a habit. The point is to start with something so easy that you can't say no
and build momentum from there.
James Clear says that habits are the compound interest of self-improvement. That
means that if we improve by one percent every day for a year, we will end up 37
times better than when we started.
That’s the power of habits for transforming our productivity and identity.

How to Use Productive Downtime to Boost Remote

Work Performance
🎄If you are a remote worker, you might have experienced the challenges of staying
productive, creative, and motivated throughout the day. You might also feel the
effects of stress, burnout, and boredom on your mental health and well-being. How
can you overcome these challenges and make the most of your remote work
experience?
One possible answer is to practice productive downtime. Productive downtime is an
effective productivity method that can help you use your breaks effectively to relax,
rejuvenate, and grow. It is not about wasting time or procrastinating, but about using
time wisely and intentionally.

What is productive downtime?

🎄Productive downtime is the time you are not actively working on your main tasks.
Instead, you use it to do small things that further your life goals or hobbies. For
example, you might use your productive downtime to:

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Meditate, read, exercise, or do any other activity that helps you relax and recharge
your energy.
Learn something new, such as a language, a skill, or a topic that interests you.
Brainstorm ideas and solutions for your work or projects.

Productive downtime benefits

🎄Productive downtime can benefit remote work performance, such as:
Increase productivity, creativity, and innovation. By taking breaks throughout the day,
you can prevent mental fatigue and improve your focus and concentration. By doing
something fun and creative, you can stimulate your brain and generate original ideas
and solutions.
🎄Reduce stress, burnout, and boredom. By doing something relaxing and mindful,
you can lower your cortisol levels and improve your mood and well-being. By doing
something different and challenging, you can break out of your monotonous and
boring routine.
🎄Enhancing your skills, knowledge, and personal growth. By learning something
new, you can expand your horizons and discover new opportunities. Doing anki
flashcards on your phone, you can improve your communication, presentation, and
teaching skills.

How to practice productive downtime

Productive downtime requires planning, prioritizing, and self-discipline. Here are
some tips on practicing productive downtime effectively:
🎄Have a daily highlight. A daily highlight is the most worthwhile or meaningful
thing you want to accomplish or experience each day. It can be related to your work
or personal life. Having a daily highlight can help you stay focused and motivated
throughout the day.
🎄 Make a to-do list. A TO-DO LIST IS A LIST OF TASKS YOU NEED OR WANT
TO DO EACH DAY. It can include both work-related and personal tasks. Making a to-
do list can help you organize your time and prioritize your tasks.
🎄 Do a morning dump. A morning dump is the practice of writing down everything
in your mind first thing in the morning. It can include your thoughts, feelings, worries,
plans, goals, ideas, etc. Doing a morning dump can help you clear your mind and
start the day with a positive attitude.
🎄Schedule your productive downtime. Schedule your productive downtime in
advance and stick to it. You can use a calendar app or a timer app to remind you of
your productive downtime. You can also set boundaries with your colleagues and
clients to respect your productive downtime.

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🎄Choose activities that suit you. Choose activities that suit your goals, interests,
and energy levels. You might prefer doing something fun and creative in the morning
when you are more alert and energetic. You might prefer doing something relaxing
and mindful in the afternoon when you are more tired and stressed.

How to Procrastinate Productively

🎄We all procrastinate from time to time. Sometimes we have a deadline looming,
but we can't focus on the task at hand. Occasionally, we have a boring or unpleasant
task that we want to avoid for as long as possible. Sometimes we don't feel
motivated or inspired to do anything.
🎄 But what if we could turn procrastination into productivity? What if we could use
our procrastination time to learn about upcoming things, improve our skills, or work
on our goals in a fun and enjoyable way?
That's what I call productive procrastination. In this case, procrastination is useful
and fun in some way. Procrastination makes you feel satisfied about yourself and
your time.
🎄 Productive procrastination can be an effective way to use your time when you are
not doing what you are supposed to do. It can help you learn new skills, improve
existing ones, and achieve goals on your bucket list or task list.
🎄But how can you make procrastination more productive? Here are some tips I
learned from Atomic Habits by James Clear:
Reduce friction for productive activities. Make them easy and accessible. For
example, keep your guitar next to your bed, so you can easily pick it up when you
feel like procrastinating. Or bookmark your favorite online courses or podcasts, so
you can easily access them when you want to learn something new.
🎄 Friction should be increased for unproductive activities. Make them challenging
and inconvenient. For example, delete social media apps from your phone, or use an
app blocker to limit screen time. Or put your TV remote in another room, or unplug
your TV altogether.
🎄Use the two-minute rule. If an activity takes less than two minutes to start, do it
immediately. For example, if you want to read a book, read the first page. Or if you
want to meditate, just sit down and take a few breaths. Once you start, you are more
likely to continue.
🎄 Use the temptation bundling technique. Pair an activity that you want to do with an
activity that you are required to do. For example, if you want to watch Netflix, but
need to exercise, only watch Netflix while on the treadmill or bike. Or if you want to
play video games, but need to study, you can only play them when you finish
studying.

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🎄Procrastination is not always problematic. Sometimes it can be productive and
beneficial for your personal growth and happiness. The key is to choose activities
that are useful and fun.

How to Think About Your Productivity: The Horizons of Focus

🎄Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the number of things you have to do? Have
you previously struggled with prioritizing your tasks and projects? Have you ever
wondered if you are working on the right things for the right reasons?
🎄The horizons of focus are a set of six levels that represent different aspects of
your work and life. They are based on the book Getting Things Done by David Allen,
one of the most influential productivity experts in the world.
The six levels are:
Horizon 0: Actions. These are the specific tasks that you need to do on a daily or
weekly basis. Examples: send an email, make a phone call, write a report, etc.
Horizon 1: Projects. These are outcomes that require more than one action to
complete. They usually have a deadline or specific criteria for completion. Examples:
Launch an upcoming product, plan a trip, organize an event, etc.
Horizon 2: Areas of Focus and Accountability. These are the roles and
responsibilities in your personal and professional life. They define what you need to
maintain and improve continuously. Examples: health, family, career, finances, etc.
Horizon 3: Goals and Objectives. These are the targets and milestones that you
want to achieve in the next one to two years. They are aligned with your areas of
focus and accountability and support your vision and purpose. Examples: get a
promotion, run a marathon, learn a new skill, etc.
Horizon 4: Vision. This is the big picture of what you want to accomplish in the next
three to five years. It is a clear and compelling image of your desired future state.
Examples: start your own business, write a book, travel the world, etc.
Horizon 5: Purpose and Principles. This is the highest level of your productivity
system. It is the reason why you do what you do and the values that guide your
decisions and actions. Examples: make a positive impact, be happy, serve others,
etc.
🎄The horizons of focus are not just a way to categorize your tasks and projects.
They are also a way to align your actions with your desired outcomes. By thinking
about your productivity from different perspectives, you can ensure that you are
working on the right things for the right reasons.
To use the horizons of focus effectively, you need to play three different roles:

27
🎄The pilot: This is when you think about your purpose and principles (horizon 5)
and your vision (horizon 4). You set the direction for your work and life and decide
what matters most to you.
🎄The plane: This is when you think about your goals and objectives (horizon 3) and
your areas of focus and accountability (horizon 2). You plan your actions and
projects and allocate your resources accordingly.
🎄 The engineer: This is when you think about your projects (horizon 1) and your
actions (horizon 0). You execute your tasks and projects and track your progress and
results.
🎄The best time to play each role depends on your energy level and context.
However, a general recommendation is to play the pilot role in the morning, when
you have more clarity and energy. You can use this time to review your purpose,
vision and goals and set the course for the day.Then, throughout the day, you can
switch between the plane and the engineer roles depending on what needs to be
done. You can use tools like calendars, lists, reminders and apps to manage your
tasks and projects. Finally, at the end of the day or week, you can play the pilot role
again to reflect on what you have accomplished and learned. You can also use this
time to adjust your plans and priorities if needed.

🎄The horizons of focus are not fixed or static. They are dynamic and flexible. You
can change them as your situation changes or as you learn new things. The key is to
keep them updated and relevant.
To do that, you need to ask yourself questions regularly.
Are my actions aligned with my projects?
Are my projects aligned with my areas of focus?
Are my areas of focus aligned with my goals?
Are my goals aligned with my vision?
Is my vision aligned with my purpose?
If the answer is yes to all of these questions, congratulations! You are on track to
achieving what you want in life.

How to Use a Calendar and Time Blocking to Boost

Your Productivity and Happiness

🎄Do you ever feel like you don't have enough time to do everything you want in
life? Do you struggle with managing your tasks and priorities? Do you wish you could
be more productive and efficient with your time?

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If you answered yes to any of these questions, Don’t worry, I will share with you a
simple but powerful productivity tool. This can help you make time for what matters
and get more done in less time. It's called using a calendar and time blocking.

What is a calendar and time blocking?

🎄A calendar is a tool that helps you keep track of appointments, events, deadlines,
and other important dates. A calendar can be digital or physical, as long as it is easy
to access and update.
Time blocking is a technique that involves dividing your day into blocks of time and
assigning specific tasks or activities to each block. For example, you might block out
an hour in the morning for writing, two hours in the afternoon for meetings, and an
hour in the evening for reading.
Using a calendar and time blocking together means that you can schedule
everything in your calendar, from critical events to social plans to personal projects.
You can also use it as a guide for your day. You can also color-code your blocks to
indicate different categories or priorities.

Why use a calendar and time blocking?

🎄Using a calendar and time blocking has many benefits for your productivity and
happiness. Here are some of them:
It helps you reframe the myth of "I don't have time" as "I'm choosing not to make
time". Many people use the excuse "I don't have time" to avoid doing things that are
worthwhile or meaningful to them. However, the truth is that we all have the same 24
hours in a day, and how we spend them is a matter of choice. By using a calendar
and time blocking, you can see how much time you actually have and how you are
spending it. You can also make conscious decisions about what to prioritize and
what to eliminate or delegate.
🎄 It helps you plan ahead and set realistic goals. Many people underestimate how
long things take and overestimate how much they can do in a day. This leads to
frustration, stress, and procrastination. By using a calendar and time blocking, you
can estimate how long each task or activity will take and allocate it accordingly. You
can also set realistic deadlines and milestones for your projects and track your
progress.
🎄 It helps you focus and avoid distractions. Many people struggle with staying
focused on one thing at a time and get easily distracted by emails, notifications,
phone calls, or other interruptions. By using a calendar and time blocking, you can

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create dedicated blocks of time for deep work. This is where you turn off all
distractions and focus on one task or activity. You can also create blocks of time for
shallow work, where you deal with routine or urgent tasks that require less attention.
This way, you can optimize your energy and attention for different types of work.
🎄 It helps you balance your work and life. Many people feel overwhelmed by their
work and neglect their personal life. They either work too much or too little, or they
mix work and life unhealthyly. By using a calendar and time blocking, you can create
boundaries between your work and life and ensure you have enough time for both.
You can also schedule blocks of time for self-care, hobbies, leisure, family, friends,
or anything else that makes you happy.

How to use a calendar and time blocking effectively?

🎄Using a calendar and time blocking is not difficult, but it requires some planning
and discipline. Here are some tips on using them effectively. Review your goals and
priorities. Before you start scheduling your blocks of time, you need to have a clear
idea of what you want to achieve and why. Review your short-term and long-term
goals and identify the most important ones. Then break them down into smaller
tasks or steps that are actionable and measurable.

🎄Choose a calendar tool that works for you. There are many options for digital or
physical calendars for time blocking. Some popular ones are Google Calendar,
Outlook Calendar, Apple Calendar, Trello, Asana, Todoist, or Bullet Journal. Choose
one that suits your preferences and needs.
🎄 Schedule your time blocks in advance. Ideally, you should plan your time blocks
at least a week in advance. However, you can also do it daily or monthly depending
on your situation. Start by scheduling fixed events, such as meetings, appointments,
classes, etc. You should fill in the gaps with tasks or activities related to your goals or
priorities. Try to group similar tasks together or use the batching technique.

How to Use Batching in Productivity to Boost

Efficiency and Output

🎄If you are looking for a way to improve your productivity and get more done in less
time, you might want to try task batching. Task batching is a technique that involves
grouping similar tasks together and completing them in one time period without
interruptions. This helps reduce context switching, which is mental effort and time
loss when switching between different tasks. Task batching can help you avoid

30
multitasking, increase focus, and produce more quality work.
Here, we will explain what task batching is, how it works, and how you can use it for
your own work. We will also share some examples of batching in productivity and
some tips on how to use it effectively.

What is task batching?

🎄Task batching is a technique that involves grouping similar tasks together and
completing them in one time period without interruptions. For example, instead of
checking your email throughout the day, you can batch your email tasks and answer
them all at once during a specific time slot. This way, you can avoid getting
distracted by incoming messages and focus on your other tasks.
🎄Task batching minimizes switching costs, which are mental effort and time loss
when transitioning between different tasks. Switching costs can reduce productivity
by up to 40%, according to some studies. By batching similar tasks together, you can
reduce switches and save time and energy.
🎄Task batching can also help you increase your focus and concentration by
creating a state of flow. Flow is a psychological state where you are fully immersed
and engaged in what you are doing. Flow can enhance your creativity, performance,
and satisfaction. By batching similar tasks together, you can create a flow state by
eliminating distractions and interruptions.
Task batching can also help you produce more quality work by allowing you to
dedicate more attention and resources to each task. By batching similar tasks
together, you can avoid spreading yourself too thin and compromising your quality.

How to use task batching for your work

🎄You can use batching in productivity for any kind of work that involves repetitive or
similar tasks. Some examples of batching in productivity are:
🎤Answering emails in a batch instead of checking them throughout the day.
🎤Scheduling blocks of time for meetings, calls, or training sessions.
🎤Working on one project or campaign at a time instead of juggling multiple ones.
Writing, editing, and publishing blog posts or articles in batches.

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To use task batching effectively, you need to:
🎄 Prioritize your tasks and identify which ones are similar or related.
🎄 Categorize your tasks into batches based on their type, project, or goal.
🎄Consider appropriate time limits for each batch and plan ahead for potential
distractions or changes.
🎄Schedule time for each batch of tasks using a calendar or a time blocking app.
♥Know what not to batch, such as complex tasks that require creativity or problem-
solving.
Task batching can help you make the most of your time and energy by minimizing
switching costs and maximizing focus. You can use batching for productivity for any
kind of work that involves repetitive or similar tasks. Try it out today and see how it
boosts your efficiency and output.
♥One of the most common excuses people use to avoid doing something they know
they should do is “I don’t have time”. Whether it’s exercising, reading, meditating,
learning another skill, or pursuing a passion project, many people claim that they are
too busy to fit these activities into their lives. But is this really true? Or are they just
choosing not to make time for them?
♥Here, I will argue that the phrase “I don’t have time” is a myth and a form of self-
deception. I will also show you how to reframe it as “I’m choosing not to make time”
and how this can empower you to take control of your schedule and your life. I will
also share some tips and tools on how to use a calendar and scheduling to optimize
your productivity and happiness.

The myth of “I don’t have time”

♥The first thing you need to realize is that saying “I don’t have time” is not a fact, but
a choice. You are not a victim of your circumstances, but a creator of your reality.
You have the same 24 hours in a day as everyone else, and you get to decide how
to spend them. Of course, you have some obligations and responsibilities that you
cannot ignore, such as work, family, health, etc. But you also have some
discretionary time that you can allocate according to your priorities and preferences.
♥The problem is that many people don’t have a clear idea of what their priorities and
preferences are. They let other people’s agendas and expectations dictate their
lives. They react to whatever comes their way instead of proactively planning their
days. They waste time on distractions and low-value activities that don’t contribute to
their goals or happiness. They procrastinate on the things that matter most to them

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because they are afraid of failure, rejection, or discomfort.
♥The truth is that you always have time for what you truly value and enjoy. You just
need to be honest with yourself about what those things are and make them a
priority in your life. You need to stop saying “I don’t have time” and start saying “I’m
choosing not to make time”.
How to reframe it as “I’m choosing not to make time”
♥Reframing shifts your perspective from passive and helpless to active and
responsible. It makes you aware of the trade-offs and consequences of your
decisions. It helps you align your actions with your intentions and values.
For example, instead of saying “I don’t have time to exercise”, you can say “I’m
choosing not to make time to exercise”. This implies that you acknowledge the
benefits of exercise for your health and well-being, but you also recognize the costs
of doing it, such as the effort, the discomfort, the opportunity cost, etc. You are
making a conscious choice based on your current priorities and preferences.
♥This doesn’t mean that you have to feel guilty or ashamed of your choice. It just
means that you own it and accept it. You can also change your choice at any time if
you realize that it’s not serving you well. You can say “I’m choosing to make time to
exercise” and act accordingly.

The importance of using a calendar and scheduling

everything in advance
♥One of the most effective ways to make time for the things that matter most to you
is to use a calendar and schedule everything in advance. A calendar is not just a tool
for keeping track of appointments and deadlines. It’s also a tool for designing your
ideal life.
♥By scheduling everything in advance, you create a blueprint for how you want to
spend your time. You set boundaries and expectations for yourself and others. You
eliminate decision fatigue and procrastination by having a clear plan for each day.
You ensure that you allocate enough time for your most critical tasks and activities.
Some of the things you should schedule in advance include:
🎤Your work hours and tasks
🎤Your personal projects and hobbies
🎤Your exercise and wellness routines
🎤Your social and family events
🎤Your learning and growth opportunities
🎤Your leisure and fun activities
🎤Your rest and sleep
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♥Of course, you don’t have to schedule every minute of every day. You can leave
some white space for spontaneity and flexibility. But you should have a general idea
of how you want to spend your time each week and each day.

How to Boost Your Productivity with Time Blocking

and Batching
♥If you're like most people, you probably have a long list of tasks to complete every
day. You might multitask, switch between different projects, or work on whatever
catches your attention. But this approach can lead to stress, overwhelm, and
inefficiency. You might waste time, make mistakes, or feel frustrated.
♥There's a better way to manage your time and get things done: time blocking and
batching. These are two powerful techniques that can help you plan your day, focus
on your priorities, and achieve your goals. Here, I'll explain what time blocking and
batching are, why they work, and how to implement them in your own schedule.

What is time blocking?

♥Time blocking is a method of dividing your day into blocks of time dedicated to
specific tasks or categories of work. For example, you might block out an hour in the
morning for email, two hours in the afternoon for writing a report, and an hour in the
evening for reading. Time blocking helps you create a clear and realistic plan for
your day, avoid distractions, and stay focused on one thing at a time.
♥Time blocking also allows you to align your tasks with your energy levels and
preferences. For example, if you're more creative in the morning, you might block out
that time for brainstorming or problem-solving. If you're more productive in the
afternoon, you might block out that time for executing or delivering your work. Time
blocking is not rigid or inflexible. You can adjust your blocks as needed, depending
on your priorities, deadlines, or unexpected events. The key is to have a general
framework for your day that guides your decisions and actions.
♥Batching also allows you to benefit from the context and momentum of doing
similar tasks. For example, if you're writing a blog post, you might batch all the
research, writing, editing, and publishing steps in one block of time. This way, you
don't have to switch between different modes of thinking or tools, and you can
maintain your focus and flow. Batching is not about doing everything at once or
cramming as many tasks as possible into one block. The key is to find the optimal
batch size and frequency for each type of task that balances your productivity and
effectiveness.

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♥Time blocking and batching are complementary techniques that can work together
to boost your productivity.

How to Boost Your Productivity with Blocking and

Batching
♥Do you often feel overwhelmed by the number of tasks you have to do in a day? Do
you switch from one thing to another without making progress? Do you wish you
could focus better and get more done in less time? If you answered yes to any of
these questions, then you might benefit from a productivity technique called blocking
and batching. Blocking and batching is a way of organizing your work into chunks of
time and categories of tasks that help you reduce distractions, increase efficiency,
and improve quality.

Why does blocking and batching work?

♥Blocking and batching works because it leverages some of the principles of

cognitive psychology and neuroscience that affect how we perform at work. Here are
some of the benefits of blocking and batching:
It reduces decision fatigue: Decision fatigue is the mental exhaustion that comes
from making too many choices in a short period of time. When you block and batch
your work, you reduce the number of decisions you have to make throughout the
day. This frees up your mental energy for more meaningful and creative tasks.
It enhances focus and concentration: When you block and batch your work, you
eliminate or minimize the distractions that can interrupt your flow state. Flow state is
the optimal state of mind where you are fully immersed and engaged in what you are
doing. When you are in flow, you can perform at your best and enjoy what you are
doing more.
It improves quality and consistency: When you block and batch your work, you
can devote more attention and care to each task or project. You can also apply the
same standards and criteria to similar tasks, which ensures quality and consistency
across your work.
How to implement blocking and batching?
Blocking and batching is a flexible technique that can be adapted to suit your
personal preferences, goals, and circumstances. Here are some tips on how to
implement blocking and batching effectively:
Start with your priorities: Before you block and batch your work, identify your most
important tasks or projects for the day or week. These are the ones that align with

35
your goals, values, and deadlines. Make sure you allocate enough time for these
tasks or projects in your schedule.
Choose the right blocks: The length of your blocks will depend on the nature of
your work, your attention span, and your energy levels. A general rule of thumb is to
aim for blocks of 25 to 90 minutes, with breaks in between. You can use tools like
Pomodoro timers or apps like Focus Booster to help you track your blocks.
Group similar tasks: The way you batch your tasks will depend on the categories
that make sense for your work. Some common examples are: communication (email,
phone calls, meetings), creative (writing, designing, brainstorming), administrative
(paperwork, filing, invoicing), research (reading, studying, learning), etc. You can
also batch tasks by project, client, or theme.
Experiment and adjust: Blocking and batching is not a one-size-fits-all solution.
You may need to experiment with different blocks and batches until you find what
works best for you. You may also need to adjust your schedule depending on
changes in your workload, priorities, or mood.
♥Blocking and batching is a simple but effective way to boost your productivity and
improve your work quality. By applying this technique to your daily or weekly routine,
you can save time, energy, and stress while achieving more with less effort. One of
the benefits of working remotely is the flexibility and adaptability of scheduling. You
can choose when and where to work, as long as you meet deadlines and
communicate with your team. This does not mean you have to sacrifice creativity or
fun. In fact, you can use your schedule to enhance them. Here are some tips on how
to do that: Schedule some time for brainstorming and creative thinking. You can use
tools like mind maps, sketches, or online platforms to generate and organize your
ideas. Schedule some time for learning and development. You can take online
courses, read books or articles, watch videos, or listen to podcasts that are relevant
to your field or interests.
Schedule some time for fun and relaxation. You can do something that makes you
happy, like playing games, watching a movie, meditating, or spending time with your
family or friends.
Schedule some breaks and transitions. You can use them to refresh your mind,
stretch your body, or switch between different tasks or projects. By using these tips,
you can create a schedule that suits your needs and preferences, and that also
boosts your creativity and fun. Remember that flexibility and adaptability are not
limitations, but opportunities to work smarter and happier.

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How to Create an Effective To-Do List
♥A to-do list is a simple but powerful tool that can help you organize your tasks,
prioritize your goals, and track your progress. However, not all to-do lists are created
equal. Some are too vague, too long, or too unrealistic. Others are forgotten,
ignored, or abandoned. How can you create a to-do list that works for you and helps
you achieve your desired outcomes?

Here are some tips to help you create an effective to-do list:
♥Choose a suitable medium. You can use a paper notebook, a digital app, or a
combination of both to create your to-do list. The most appropriate medium is one
that suits your preferences, habits, and lifestyle. For example, if you like to write
things down by hand and have a visual reminder of your tasks, you might prefer a
paper notebook. If you want to sync your tasks across different devices and access
them anytime and anywhere, you might prefer a digital app. Experiment with different
mediums and find the one that works best for you.
♥Write everything down. One of the benefits of a to-do list is that it frees up your
mental space and reduces stress. To achieve this, you need to note down everything
you need or want to do, no matter how big or small. This way, you won't have to
worry about forgetting something important or getting overwhelmed by the number of
things in your head. Writing down everything also helps you get a clear overview of
your current situation and identify any gaps or opportunities.
♥Categorize your tasks. Once you have written everything down, you need to sort
them into different categories based on their nature, urgency, or importance. For
example, you can use the Eisenhower matrix to categorize your tasks into four
quadrants: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important,
and neither urgent nor important. This will help you prioritize your tasks and focus on
the ones that matter most.
♥Break down big tasks into smaller ones. Some tasks might be too big or complex to
tackle in one go. In that case, you need to break them down into smaller and more
manageable subtasks. For example, if your task is to write a blog post, you can
break it down into subtasks such as: research the topic, outline the main points, write
the introduction, write the body paragraphs, write the conclusion, edit and proofread
the draft, add images and links, publish the post, etc. Breaking down big tasks into
smaller ones will help you avoid procrastination and make progress faster.
♥Set deadlines and reminders. A to-do list without deadlines and reminders is like a
car without gas. It won't get you anywhere. You need to set realistic and specific
deadlines for each task and subtask on your list. This will help you stay motivated
and accountable for your actions. You also need to set reminders for yourself so that

37
you don't miss any deadlines or forget any tasks. You can use alarms, notifications,
calendars, or other tools to remind yourself of what you need to do and when.
♥Review and update your list regularly. A to-do list is not a static document that you
create once and never look at again. It is a dynamic tool that needs to be reviewed
and updated regularly according to your changing circumstances and priorities. You
should review your list at least once a day, preferably at the beginning or end of the
day. This will help you evaluate your performance, celebrate your achievements,
identify any challenges or problems, and plan ahead for the next day.
♥Be flexible and adaptable. A TO-DO LIST IS NOT A Rigid SET OF RULES THAT
YOU HAVE TO FOLLOW BINDLY. It is a guide that helps you organize your work
and life better. However, sometimes things don't go according to plan and
unexpected situations arise that require your attention or adaptation. In that case,
you need to be flexible and adaptable enough to adjust your list accordingly without
feeling guilty or stressed out.
Creating an effective to-do list is not rocket science but it requires some thought and
effort on your part. By following these tips, you can create a to-do list that works for
you and helps you achieve your goals.

Pilot and plane: how much time should be allocated

between them
♥Daily highlight is a simple but powerful method that helps you focus on one
meaningful or joyful activity each day. It can be anything that you enjoy, that makes
you happy, that gives you a sense of accomplishment or that contributes to your
well-being. It can be related to your work, such as completing a challenging flight or
learning a new skill, or it can be unrelated, such as spending time with your family,
reading a book or playing a game.
♥The idea behind daily highlight is to make sure that you have at least one thing to
look forward to each day, one thing that makes your day worthwhile and memorable.
By doing so, you can avoid feeling overwhelmed by your workload, bored by your
routine or burned out by your stress. You can also increase your motivation,
productivity and satisfaction by focusing on what matters most to you.
How do you choose your daily highlight?
There are three criteria that you can use:

Urgency: What is the most pressing or important thing that you need to do today?
Satisfaction: What is the most satisfying or rewarding thing that you can do today?
Joy: What is the most fun or enjoyable thing you can do today?

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♥You can pick one of these criteria or combine them to find your daily highlight. For
example, if you have a flight scheduled for today, that might be your urgent highlight.
If you have some free time after the flight, you might want to relax with a good movie
or catch up with a friend, which could be your joy highlight. If you have been working
on a project or a goal for a while, you might want to finish it or make some progress
on it, which could be your satisfaction highlight.
♥Once you have chosen your daily highlight, write it down somewhere where you
can see it throughout the day. You can use a planner, a calendar, a sticky note or
even your phone. This will help you remember your highlight and keep it in mind as
you go about your day.
♥The next step is to allocate some time for your highlight. Depending on what it is,
you might need more or less time to do it. For example, if your highlight is to watch a
movie, you might need two hours. If your highlight is to call a friend, you might need
15 minutes. If your highlight is to fly a plane, you might need several hours.
♥The key is to make sure that you have enough time for your highlight without
compromising your other responsibilities or obligations. You don't want to neglect
your work, your health or your safety for the sake of your highlight. You also don't
want to rush through your highlight or cut it short because of other demands on your
time.
♥To avoid these problems, you need to plan ahead and prioritize your tasks. You
need to identify what are the essential things that you need to do each day and what
are the optional things that you can do if you have extra time. You need to estimate
how much time each task will take and schedule them accordingly. You need to be
realistic about what you can accomplish in a day and avoid overcommitting yourself.
♥By doing this, you can create some space in your day for your highlight. You can
also make sure that you are not too tired or distracted when you do it. You want to be
fully present and engaged when you enjoy your highlight.
♥The final step is to actually do your highlight and savor it. When the time comes for
your highlight, put away any distractions and focus on the activity at hand. Whether
it's flying a plane or watching a movie, immerse yourself in the experience and
appreciate every moment of it. Notice how it makes you feel and what it means to
you. Be grateful for the opportunity and the privilege of doing it.
♥By doing this, you can maximize the positive impact of your highlight on your mood,
energy and performance. You can also create a lasting memory that will enrich your
life and inspire you for the future.
♥To summarize, daily highlights is a technique that helps you balance your time
between flying and resting. It helps you balance between work and leisure, between
being in the air and being on the ground. It involves choosing one meaningful or

39
joyful activity each day, allocating some time for it without compromising your other
duties. It also involves savoring it fully when you do it.
By using daily highlight regularly, you can improve your well.

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🧡
How to Use the Pilot-Plane-Engineer Mental Model for
Productivity
🎁One of the most useful mental models for productivity is the pilot-plane-engineer
model. This model helps you allocate your time and energy to different roles and
tasks, depending on your goals and priorities.

🎁The pilot is the role that sets your work's direction and vision. The pilot decides
what to do, why to do it, and how to measure success. The pilot also reviews the
results and adjusts the course as needed.
🎁 The plane is the role that executes the work. The plane follows the instructions of
the pilot and gets things done. The plane focuses on efficiency, quality, and speed.
🎁 The engineer is the role that improves the work. The engineer analyzes the
performance of the plane and looks for ways to optimize, automate, or eliminate
tasks. The engineer also learns new skills and tools to enhance the capabilities of
the plane.
🎁 The key to using this mental model is to balance your time and energy between
these three roles. If you spend too much time as a pilot, you may have a clear vision
but no results. If you spend too much time as a plane, you may have a lot of output
but no impact. If you spend too much time as an engineer, you may have a lot of
potential but no action.
A general rule of thumb is to allocate 10% of your time as a pilot, 80% as a plane,
and 10% as an engineer. However, this may vary depending on your situation and
preferences. For example, if you are starting a new project, you may need more time
as a pilot to define your goals and strategy. If you are working on a routine task, you

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may need more time as an engineer to find ways to simplify or automate it. The pilot-
plane-engineer mental model can help you be more productive by giving you a
framework to plan, execute, and improve your work. By switching between these
three roles, you can ensure that you are working on the right things, in the right way,
at the right time.

Single most important productivity app is calendar

and what are the other important productivity apps.
🎁Here, I will share with you why I think the calendar is the single most important
productivity app and what are the other productivity apps that I use to complement it.
The calendar is the backbone of my productivity system. It helps me plan my time,
prioritize my tasks, track my progress, and stay focused on my goals. Here are some
benefits of using a calendar as a productivity tool:
🌧 It allows me to schedule my most critical tasks and appointments in advance, so I
don't have to worry about forgetting them or missing deadlines.
🌧It helps me allocate realistic time blocks for each task and avoid overcommitting
or underestimating the time required.
🌧It enables me to see the big picture of my week, month, and year, and align my
daily actions with my long-term vision and values.
🌧It reminds me to take breaks, rest, and recharge, so I can maintain a healthy
balance between work and life.
🌧It gives me a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction when I check off the tasks
that I have completed and review the results that I have achieved.
However, the calendar alone is not enough to optimize my productivity. I also use
other productivity apps that work well with the calendar and enhance its functionality.
Here are some of the other productivity apps I use regularly:
Todoist: This is a powerful task manager app that allows me to capture, organize,
and prioritize my tasks and projects. I can sync it with my calendar and see my tasks
in a timeline view. I can also set due dates, reminders, labels, filters, and subtasks
for each task. Todoist helps me to keep track of everything that I need to do and
focus on the most important ones.
Evernote: This is a versatile note-taking app that allows me to store and access all
kinds of information in one place. I can create notes, notebooks, tags, and links for
different topics and purposes. I can also attach files, images, audio, video, web
clippings, and handwritten notes to my notes. Evernote helps me to collect and
organize my ideas, research, references, and resources for various projects and
tasks.

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Pomodoro Timer: This is a simple timer app that helps me to work more efficiently
and effectively. It uses the Pomodoro technique, which is a time management
method that involves working in 25-minute intervals followed by 5-minute breaks.
This way, I can avoid distractions, procrastination, and burnout. Pomodoro Timer
helps me to stay focused on one task at a time and get more done in less time.
🎁 These are some of the productivity apps that I use in conjunction with the
calendar. They help me to plan, execute, monitor, and improve my work performance
and personal growth. Of course, there are many other productivity apps out there
that you can try and see what works best for you. The key is to find the ones that suit
your needs, preferences, and goals.

How to plan a day productively

🎁One of the key elements of the Getting Things Done (GTD) method by David
Allen is to organize your tasks and goals into projects and areas. Here, I will explain
what these concepts mean and how to define them according to GTD principles.
🎁A project is a desired outcome that requires more than one action step to
complete. For example, "write a report" or "plan a vacation" are projects. A project
has a clear end point and can be completed within a specific time frame. Projects
are usually related to work or personal goals.
🎁 An area is a sphere of responsibility or interest that requires ongoing attention.
For example, "health" or "finance" are areas. An area has no clear end point and can
be maintained indefinitely. Areas are usually related to your roles or values.
🎁 The difference between projects and areas is important because they require
different types of actions and reviews. Projects need to be broken down into
actionable steps and tracked until they are done. Areas need to be monitored
regularly and adjusted as needed.
To define your projects and areas, you can use the following steps:

☂Brainstorm all the things that you want or need to do in your life. You can use the
GTD trigger list to help you capture everything that is on your mind.
Sort your list into two categories: projects and areas. Use the criteria above to
decide which category each item belongs to.
☂ Review your projects and areas and make sure they are clear, specific and
meaningful. You can use the GTD natural planning model to clarify your projects and
define their purpose, vision, outcomes, actions and resources. You can also use the
GTD horizons of focus model to align your areas with your vision, goals, values and
roles.
☂ Organize your projects and areas into a system that works for you. You can use a

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digital tool like Evernote or Todoist, or a physical tool like a notebook or a folder. The
important thing is to have a place where you can store, access and update your
projects and areas easily.
☂Review your projects and areas regularly and update them as needed. You can
use the GTD weekly review process to evaluate your progress, identify next actions,
prioritize your tasks and plan your week.
☂ By defining your projects and areas according to the GTD method, you can gain
more clarity, focus and control over your life. You can also achieve more with less
stress and more satisfaction.

How to Boost Your Productivity and Creativity with a

Project List
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the number of things you have to do? Do you
struggle to prioritize your tasks and projects? Do you find yourself procrastinating or
forgetting important deadlines? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you
might benefit from having a project list. A project list is a simple but powerful tool that
can help you organize your work and life. It is a list of all the projects and tasks that
you want to accomplish, both in the short term and the long term.

A project list can help you in many ways, such as:

Reducing stress and anxiety. By writing down everything that you have to do, you
can clear your mind and reduce the mental clutter that causes stress and anxiety.
You can also see the big picture of your goals and priorities, and avoid getting lost in
the details.
Increases focus and motivation. By having a project list, you can easily choose
what to work on next, based on your energy level, mood, context, and deadlines.
You can also track your progress and celebrate your achievements, which boosts
your motivation and confidence.
Enhancing creativity and innovation. By having a project list, you can create
space for slow-burning and background processing projects. These projects require
more time, research, experimentation, or inspiration. By keeping them on your list,
you can revisit them periodically and let your subconscious mind work on them in the
background. This can lead to diversified insights, ideas, and solutions you might not
have otherwise.
Closing open loops and finishing what you start. By having a project list, you can
avoid leaving things unfinished or unresolved. These are called open loops, and they
can drain your mental energy and attention. By closing these loops, you can free up
your mind for more important and creative tasks.

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How to Create and Maintain a Project List
Creating a project list is easy. You just need a pen and paper, or a digital tool of
your choice. Here are some steps to follow:
Brainstorm all the projects and tasks that you have to do or want to do. Don't worry
about the order or the size of them. Just write them down as they come to your mind.
Review your list and group similar or related items together. You can use categories
such as work, personal, home, hobbies, etc. You can also use subcategories or tags
to further organize your list.
Prioritize your list according to your goals and deadlines. You can use a system
such as the Eisenhower matrix or the ABCDE method to rank your projects and
tasks by importance and urgency. You can also assign due dates or time frames to
each item.
Review your list regularly and update it as needed. You can use a weekly or
monthly review to check your progress, add new items, delete completed or
irrelevant items, and adjust your priorities. You can also use a daily review to plan
your day and choose what to work on next.

A project list is not a static document. It is a dynamic and flexible tool that can
help you manage your work and life more effectively. By having a project list, you
can enjoy the benefits of having a clear mind, a focused attention, a creative flow,
and a sense of accomplishment.

Slow Burn and Heavy Lift: A Productivity Strategy for Busy

Professionals
♾Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the number of tasks and projects you have to
juggle at work? Do you struggle to find time and energy to complete them all? If so,
you might benefit from applying the slow burn and heavy lift concept to your
productivity.
The slow burn and heavy lift concept is a way of managing your workload by dividing
it into two categories: slow burn tasks and heavy lift tasks. Slow burn tasks require
low intensity but high consistency, such as checking emails, updating reports, or
maintaining relationships. Heavy lifting tasks require high intensity but low frequency,
such as writing proposals, delivering presentations, or launching campaigns.
♾ The idea is to allocate a certain amount of time each day or week to work on your
slow burn tasks, and to schedule specific blocks of time to focus on your heavy lift
tasks. By doing this, you can avoid procrastination, burnout, and stress, and achieve
more in less time.
♾ Think of it like exercising your muscles. If you want to build strength and
endurance, you need to do both slow burn and heavy lift exercises. Slow burn

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exercises, such as jogging or cycling, help you improve your cardiovascular health
and stamina. Heavy lift exercises, such as lifting weights or doing push-ups, help you
increase your muscle mass and power. However, if you only do slow burn exercises,
you will not develop much muscle. And if you only do heavy lift exercises, you will
not last long without getting tired.
♾ Similarly, if you only work on your slow burn tasks, you will not make much
progress on your important projects. And if you only work on your heavy lift tasks,
you will not keep up with your daily responsibilities. By balancing both types of tasks,
you can have a lot of tasks and projects going on at the same time without feeling
overwhelmed or exhausted. When you do it for a long time at a slow burning pace,
like in exercise, your productivity muscles will not rip.
So how can you apply the slow burn and heavy lift concept to your
productivity? Here are some steps to follow:
Identify your slow burn and heavy lift tasks. Make a list of all the tasks and
projects you have to do in a given period of time (such as a week or a month).
Categorize them into slow burn and heavy lift tasks based on their intensity and
frequency.
Allocate time for your slow burn tasks. Decide how much time you need to spend
on your slow burn tasks each day or week. For example, you might set aside an
hour every morning to check and reply to emails, or 15 minutes every afternoon to
update your reports. Stick to this schedule as much as possible and avoid
distractions during this time.
Schedule blocks of time for your heavy lift tasks. Choose specific days or hours
when you will work on your heavy lift tasks. For example, you might dedicate every
Tuesday morning to writing proposals, or every Thursday afternoon to delivering
presentations. Block these times in your calendar and treat them as appointments
with yourself. Avoid interruptions and multitasking during these times.
Prioritize and focus on one task at a time. Within each category of tasks, prioritize
the most important or urgent ones first. Then focus on one task at a time until you
finish it or reach a milestone. Don't switch between tasks unless absolutely
necessary. This will help you avoid wasting time and energy on switching costs and
increase your concentration and quality of work.
Review and adjust your plan regularly. At the end of each day or week, review how
well you followed your plan and how much progress you made on your tasks and
projects. Celebrate your achievements and learn from your challenges. Adjust your
plan as needed based on changing priorities, deadlines, or circumstances.

By applying the slow burn and heavy lift concept to your productivity, you can
manage your workload more effectively and efficiently. You can have a lot of tasks

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and projects going on at the same time without feeling overwhelmed or exhausted.
You can also achieve more in less time and enjoy the satisfaction of completing your
goals.

How to Find an Accountability Buddy to Boost Your Productivity

⚡ If you struggle with staying focused and motivated on your goals, you might
benefit from having an accountability buddy. An accountability buddy is someone
who helps you stay on track with your tasks and deadlines, and provides you with
feedback and support along the way. Here are some tips on how to find and work
with an accountability buddy to boost your productivity.
⚡ Look for someone who shares similar goals or interests as you. This will make it
easier to relate to each other and understand the challenges you face.
Set clear expectations and boundaries with your accountability buddy. Discuss how
often you will communicate, what kind of feedback you want, and how you will
handle conflicts or disagreements.
⚡ Use a tool or platform that suits your needs and preferences. You can use email,
phone calls, text messages, video calls, or apps like Trello or Asana to track your
progress and communicate with your accountability buddy.
⚡Celebrate your wins and learn from your mistakes. Don't forget to acknowledge
your achievements and reward yourself for your hard work. Also, be honest and
constructive when you face setbacks or difficulties, and learn from them.
⚡ Be respectful and supportive of your accountability buddy. Remember that you
are both human beings who have strengths and weaknesses. Be kind, empathetic,
and encouraging to your accountability buddy, and don't judge or criticize them
harshly.
⚡ One of the key concepts in productivity is the difference between projects and
tasks. A project is a large goal that requires multiple steps to complete, such as
writing a book or launching a website. A task is a single action that can be done in
one sitting, such as writing a paragraph or designing a logo.
⚡ Many people struggle with productivity because they confuse projects and tasks.
They write down vague and ambiguous items on their to-do lists, such as "work on
book" or "improve website". These are not tasks, but projects. They are too broad
and complex to be tackled in one go. They need to be broken down into smaller and
more specific tasks, such as "write the introduction of chapter 1" or "add a contact
form to the homepage".
⚡ By making tasks specific and actionable, you can increase your productivity and
motivation. You can clearly see what you need to do and how long it will take. You
can also measure your progress and celebrate your achievements. You can avoid

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procrastination and overwhelm by focusing on one task at a time.
This is a bottom-up approach to productivity, where small steps lead to big
outcomes. By completing tasks, you move closer to your projects. By completing
projects, you move closer to your vision. By making tasks specific and actionable,
you can turn your dreams into reality.

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✉
Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte
✈If you are like me, you probably have a lot of information stored in various places:
your email inbox, your browser bookmarks, your online notes, your files and folders,
and so on. You may also have a lot of ideas that you want to pursue, but you don't
know where to start or how to organize them. You may feel overwhelmed by the
amount of information you have to deal with, and frustrated by the lack of clarity and
creativity in your work and life.
✈That's why I was intrigued by the book Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte,
which promises to teach you a proven method to organize your digital life and unlock
your creative potential. The book is based on Forte's popular online course of the
same name, which has helped thousands of people around the world to create their
own personal system for knowledge management.

What is a Second Brain?

A Second Brain is a collection of digital notes that capture your most valuable
insights, ideas, and information. It is not just a passive archive of what you have
learned, but an active tool that helps you apply what you know to your projects and
goals. A Second Brain is designed to complement your natural brain, not to replace
it. It frees up your mental space and energy for more creative and meaningful tasks,
while keeping track of all the details and resources you need.

49
How do you build a Second Brain?
Building a Second Brain is not about using a specific app or tool, but about following
a set of principles and practices that can be adapted to any platform or workflow.
The book introduces four steps that form the core of the method:

Capture: Collect anything that catches your attention or sparks your curiosity in a
single inbox.
Clarify: Process your inbox regularly and turn your raw notes into clear and
actionable items.
Organize: Arrange your notes into a simple and intuitive structure that reflects your
personal interests and goals.
Express: Use your notes as raw material for creating new content, products, or
services that share your knowledge with the world.
The book also covers topics such as how to choose the best tools for your Second
Brain, how to overcome common challenges and pitfalls, how to leverage the power
of networks and communities, and how to develop habits and routines that support
your Second Brain.

What are the benefits of building a Second Brain?

Building a Second Brain can help you achieve many benefits, such as:

Increase your productivity: You can get more done in less time by having easy
access to everything you need to know and do.
Enhance your creativity: You can generate more and better ideas by combining
and remixing your existing notes.
Improve your learning: You can retain and recall more information by reviewing
and revising your notes regularly.
Boost your confidence: You can feel more prepared and capable by having a
reliable backup of your knowledge and skills.
Expand your impact: You can reach more people and create more value by sharing
your knowledge with others.

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Why I Don't Set Goals and How It Works for Me
♡Many people swear by goal-setting as a way to achieve success and happiness.
They set SMART goals, track their progress, and celebrate their achievements. But
not me. I don't set goals and I'm doing just fine.
♡ Why don't I set goals? Because I believe goals are limiting and distracting. They
limit your possibilities by narrowing your focus to a specific outcome. They distract
you from the present moment by making you obsessed with the future. They also
create unnecessary pressure and stress by making you feel like a failure if you don't
reach them.
♡ Instead of setting goals, I focus on the journey rather than the destination. I enjoy
the process of learning, growing, and improving. I embrace uncertainty and change. I
follow my curiosity and passion. I trust my intuition and inner guidance.
♡How does this work for me? Well, it works because I have a clear vision of what I
want to do and who I want to be. I have a sense of purpose and direction. I have
core values and principles that guide my actions. I have habits and routines that
support my well-being. And I have a growth mindset that helps me overcome
challenges and learn from feedback.
♡So, if you're tired of setting goals and feeling frustrated or disappointed, maybe
you should try a different approach. Maybe you should focus on the journey rather
than the destination. Maybe you should let go of the outcome and enjoy the process.
Maybe you should stop setting goals and start living.
Here, I will share with you three types of goals: objective, progress, and system
goals, and explain how each of them can work in different scenarios.
♡ Objective goals are the ones that have a clear and measurable outcome, such as
losing 10 pounds, earning $1000, or running a marathon. They are useful when you
want to achieve something specific and tangible, and when you have a clear
deadline and criteria for success.
Progress goals are the ones that focus on the process and the improvement, rather
than the outcome. For example, instead of setting an objective goal of losing 10
pounds, you can set a progress goal of exercising 30 minutes a day, or eating more
vegetables. Progress goals are helpful when you want to develop a habit or a skill,
and when you value the journey more than the destination.
♡ System goals are the ones that involve creating a system or a routine that
supports your desired outcome, without being attached to it. For example, instead of
setting an objective goal of earning $1000, you can set a system goal of writing one
blog post every week, or networking with one new person every day. System goals
are beneficial when you want to create a sustainable and consistent behavior, and
when you are comfortable with uncertainty and variability.

51
♡Personally, I prefer system goals and progress goals over objective goals,
because they are more within my control and less reliant on external metrics. I find
that system goals and progress goals allow me to enjoy the process more, and
adapt to changing circumstances better. Objective goals can be motivating and
rewarding, but they can also be stressful and disappointing if they are not met or not
aligned with my values.

Why SMART Goals Are Not So Smart

🎀You have probably heard of the conventional wisdom of setting SMART goals:
specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. This is supposed to help
you clarify your intentions, track your progress, and reach your desired outcomes.
But what if I told you that SMART goals are not so smart after all? In fact, they can
be demotivating and pointless in many situations.
🎀 The problem with SMART goals is that they focus too much on the outcome of the
goal, rather than the process of achieving it. They can make you feel anxious about
whether you are on track, whether you are good enough, whether you are doing it
right. They can also make you lose sight of the bigger picture, the purpose behind
the goal, and the joy of the journey.
🎀Instead of setting SMART goals, I suggest you adopt a system of habits and
routines that support the direction of your goal, rather than obsessing over the
outcome. A system is a set of actions that you do consistently and automatically,
without relying on willpower or motivation. A system helps you create a positive
feedback loop that reinforces your behavior and builds momentum.
For example, if your goal is to write a book, instead of setting a SMART goal like "I
will write 50,000 words by December 31st", you can create a system like "I will write
500 words every morning before breakfast". This way, you don't have to worry about
whether you are on track or not. You just have to follow your system and trust that it
will lead you to your desired outcome.
🎀Of course, having goals can be helpful if they are used to set the direction, but
then they should be forgotten and replaced by focusing on the process. As Scott
Adams, the creator of Dilbert, said: "Goals are for losers. Systems are for winners."
So don't let SMART goals fool you. Create a system that works for you and enjoy the
journey.

Odyssey Plan
✍An Odyssey Plan is a way of applying design thinking to your own life. It allows
you to imagine three different versions of your future in the next five years, based on

52
your values, interests, skills and goals. Each version should be realistic, but also
exciting and meaningful to you. You can use an Odyssey Plan to compare and
contrast different options, identify common themes and patterns, and discover new
opportunities and insights.
✍ An Odyssey Plan is a tool that helps you design your life using the principles of
design thinking. Design thinking is a creative and human-centered approach to
solving problems and generating new ideas. It involves empathizing with your users,
defining your challenge, ideating solutions, prototyping and testing them.

To create an Odyssey Plan, you need to follow these steps:

❣Draw a timeline for each version of your future, starting from now and ending in
five years. Label each timeline with a title that captures the essence of that version.
For example, "The Entrepreneur", "The Traveler", "The Teacher".
❣ For each timeline, write down the main activities, events and milestones that you
would like to achieve or experience in that version of your life. Think about different
aspects of your life, such as work, fun, love and health. Be as specific as possible
and use bullet points or icons to represent each item.
❣ For each timeline, rate how confident, excited and coherent you feel about that
version of your future on a scale of 1 to 5. Confidence means how likely you think it
is that you can make it happen. Excitement means how much you look forward to
living that life. Coherence means how well it aligns with your values and purpose.
❣For each timeline, write down one question or concern that you have about that
version of your future. This could be something that you are unsure or worried about,
or something that you would like to learn more about.
❣ Share your Odyssey Plan with someone else who knows you well and can give
you honest feedback. Ask them what they think of your three versions, what they like
and dislike about them, what surprises them, what questions they have for you, and
what suggestions they have for you.
An Odyssey Plan is not a fixed or final plan for your life. It is a way of exploring
different possibilities and learning more about yourself and what matters to you. You
can revise your Odyssey Plan as often as you like, or create new ones as your
circumstances change. The goal is not to find one perfect answer, but to embrace
uncertainty and curiosity as opportunities for growth and discovery.
How to Find Your Vision and Purpose in Life
❣ Many people struggle with finding their vision and purpose in life. They feel lost,
confused, or unfulfilled. They wonder if they are on the right path or if they are

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making the most of their time and talents.
❣ If you are one of those people, you are not alone. And there is hope. Here, I will
share with you some different ways of thinking about vision and purpose in life that
can help you gain clarity and direction.
These are:
The odyssey plan: This is a creative exercise where you imagine three possible
scenarios for your life in the next five years. Each scenario should be different from
the other and reflect your values, interests, and passions. You can write down or
draw your odyssey plan and share it with someone you trust. The purpose of this
exercise is to explore different possibilities and discover what excites you and what
doesn't.
The deathbed exercise: This is a powerful exercise where you imagine yourself on
your deathbed, looking back at your life. You ask yourself questions like: What did I
accomplish? What did I regret? What did I learn? What did I enjoy? What did I
contribute? How did I make a difference? The purpose of this exercise is to identify
what matters most to you and what legacy you want to leave behind.
🌺The four domains of health, happiness, relationships and money: This is a holistic
framework where you evaluate your current situation and your desired situation in
four key areas of life: health, happiness, relationships and money. You can use a
scale from 1 to 10 to rate how satisfied you are with each domain and how important
it is to you. Then you can set goals and action steps to improve your situation in
each domain. The purpose of this framework is to balance your priorities and align
your actions with your values.
🌺These are just some of the ways you can think about vision and purpose in life.
There is no one right answer or one right way. You have to find what works for you
and resonates. The key thing is to start somewhere and explore. Remember that
vision and purpose are not fixed or static. They can evolve and change over time as
you grow and learn.

How to Align Your Productivity with Your Vision and

Purpose
🌹Many people strive to be more productive in their personal and professional lives,
but they often forget to ask themselves why. Why do we want to get more done in
less time? What is the ultimate goal of our productivity? Is it to make more money, to
impress others, to feel accomplished, or something else?
🌹Productivity is not an end in itself, but a means to achieve a wider vision that
aligns with our personal values and goals. Without a clear vision and purpose, we

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might end up wasting our time and energy on things that don't matter in the long run,
or that even contradict our true desires.
But how do we find our vision and purpose? How do we know what we really want
from life and what makes us happy? These are not easy questions to answer, and
they might seem abstract and hard to define. However, they are important for making
sure that our productivity is genuinely useful over time.
🌹 Here, I will share some of the insights and exercises that have helped me
discover and refine my vision and purpose over the years. I will also use examples
from my own life and from other sources, such as books and videos, to illustrate
different perspectives on finding meaning in life and how that can motivate us to be
more productive.
🌹 One of the exercises that I found very helpful is called the Odyssey plan. Bill
Burnett and Dave Evans introduced it in their book Designing Your Life: How to Build
a Well-Lived, Joyful Life. The idea is to imagine three different versions of your life
for the next five years, each based on a different path or possibility. For each
version, you write down a title, a summary, a timeline, and some questions about it.
Then you share your Odyssey plan with someone else and get feedback.
🌹 The purpose of this exercise is to explore different options for your future and to
see what excites you and what scares you. It also helps you identify some of the
assumptions and beliefs you have about yourself and the world. It also helps you
identify how they might limit or expand your choices. By doing this exercise, you
might discover new opportunities or passions that you didn't consider before, or you
might realize that you already have a clear vision of what you want.
🌹Another exercise that I found very powerful is called the deathbed exercise. It was
inspired by Stephen Covey's book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful
Lessons in Personal Change. The idea is to imagine that you are on your deathbed,
looking back at your life. You ask yourself four questions:
What did I accomplish?
What did I regret?
What did I learn?
What did I leave behind?
🌹The purpose of this exercise is to evaluate your life from a different perspective
and to see what really matters to you. It also helps you identify some of the gaps or
conflicts between your current actions and your desired outcomes. By doing this
exercise, you might gain more clarity and urgency about your vision and purpose, or
you might realize that you need to make some changes in your priorities or habits.
🌹These are just two examples of the many exercises that can help you find your
vision and purpose. There are many other sources of inspiration and guidance that

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you can explore, such as books, videos, podcasts, mentors, coaches, friends, family,
etc. The important thing is to be curious and open-minded about yourself and your
potential.
🌹I invite you to try some of these exercises or any others that resonate with you.
You might be surprised by what you discover about yourself and your life. And once
you have a clear vision and purpose, you will have a stronger motivation and
direction for your productivity. You will be able to focus on the things that matter most
to you and that bring you joy and fulfillment.

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💗
✦ Motivation ✦
✿Have you ever felt stuck in a rut, unable to start a project or a task that you know
you should do? However, you just don't feel like doing it? Have you ever wondered
why some people seem to have endless motivation and energy to pursue their goals,
while others struggle to get out of bed in the morning? Have you previously blamed
yourself for being lazy, procrastinating, or lacking willpower?
✿If you answered yes to any of these questions, this is for you. I'm about to share
with you a radical idea that might change the way you think about motivation and
success. The idea is this: motivation is a myth.

✿That's right. Motivation is not something that you have or don't have. It's not
something that you need to find or wait for. It's not something that comes before
action. It's something that comes after action.

✿This idea is based on the book The Motivation Myth by Jeff Haden, a bestselling
author and speaker who has interviewed hundreds of successful people from
different fields and industries. He discovered that they all had one thing in common:
they didn't rely on motivation to get things done. They relied on process.

✿Process is a series of small steps that lead to a larger goal. Process is a way of
breaking down a complex task into manageable chunks. Process is a way of
creating momentum and feedback loops that reinforce your actions and generate
motivation.

✿Haden says the formula for success is simple: success = skill + effort + time. Skill
is the ability to do something well. Effort is the amount of work and energy you put

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into something. Time is the duration and frequency of your actions.
✿The key to developing skill and effort is process. By following a process, you can
overcome the initial resistance and inertia that prevent you from starting something.
By following a process, you can create small wins and achievements that boost your
confidence and self-esteem. By following a process, you can see your progress and
results that inspire you to keep going.
✿The key to creating time is consistency. By being consistent, you can turn your
actions into habits that become automatic and effortless. By being consistent, you
can avoid distractions and interruptions that derail your focus and productivity. By
being consistent, you can build trust and credibility with yourself and others that
motivate you to do more.

So how do you create a process and be consistent?

Here are some tips from Haden:
✿Start with a clear and specific goal. What do you want to achieve? Why do you
want to achieve it? How will you measure your success?
✿Break down your goal into smaller sub-goals or milestones. What are the steps or
stages that will lead you to your goal? How long will each step take? What resources
or support do you need?

✿Schedule your actions and stick to them. When will you work on your goal? Where
will you work on it? How will you work on it? What will you do if something comes
up?

✿Track your progress and celebrate your wins. How will you know if you are moving
forward or backward? How will you reward yourself for completing each step or
milestone? How will you learn from your mistakes or setbacks?
✿Review your process and adjust as needed. What is working well and what is not?
What can you improve or change? What can you add or remove?
✿By following these tips, you can create a process that works for you and your goal.
You can also use tools like apps, calendars, journals, checklists, timers, reminders,
etc. to help you stay on track and accountable.
✿Remember, motivation is not something that happens to you. It's something that
happens because of you. It's the result of taking action and seeing success. It's the
reward for following a process and being consistent.
✿So don't wait for motivation to strike. Don't let it be an excuse or an obstacle. Don't
let it be a myth.

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Create your own motivation by starting something today.

How to Hack Your Motivation Equation and Boost

Your Productivity
✿Have you ever wondered why some people seem to be able to get things done
effortlessly, while others struggle to find the motivation to start or finish anything? If
you are like me, you probably have a long list of goals and tasks that you want to
accomplish, but you often find yourself procrastinating or feeling overwhelmed by
them. You might think that you just need more motivation, more willpower, more
inspiration. But what if I told you that motivation is a myth?
let me introduce you to the three aspects of productivity: planning, doing, and
reviewing.

The Three Aspects of Productivity: Planning, Doing,

and Reviewing
✿Now, let me ask you this: which aspect do you think most people struggle with? If
you guessed the doing aspect, you are right. Most people have no problem planning
their goals and tasks. They know what they want to do and why they want to do it.
They also have no problem reviewing their progress and outcomes. They can see
what they did well and what they can improve on. But when it comes to actually
doing their goals and tasks, they face a lot of resistance and difficulty. They
procrastinate, they get distracted, they lose focus, they give up.

✿Why is that? Why is doing so hard? Well, there are many reasons for that, but one
of the main ones is that doing requires motivation. And motivation is not something
that we can rely on or control easily. Motivation is a feeling that comes and goes
depending on many factors: our mood, our energy level, our environment, our
expectations, our beliefs, our emotions, and so on. Sometimes we feel motivated to
do something; sometimes we don't. Sometimes we feel motivated in the beginning;
sometimes we lose it along the way.

✿So how can we overcome this problem? How can we do what we need to do
regardless of how we feel? The answer lies in understanding the motivation
equation.

The Motivation Equation: How Motivation Works

✿The motivation equation is a simple but powerful formula that explains how
motivation works. It was developed by Dr. Piers Steel, a professor of psychology and

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organizational behavior at the University of Calgary and the author of The
Procrastination Equation: How to Stop Putting Things Off and Start Getting Stuff
Done.

According to Dr. Steel, motivation is a function of four factors: expectancy (E), value
(V), impulsiveness (I), and delay (D). The equation looks like this:
Motivation = (Expectancy x Value) / (Impulsiveness x Delay)
Let me explain what each factor means:

❤Expectancy is the probability that you will succeed in doing something. It is

influenced by your confidence level, your past experiences, your perceived difficulty,
and your feedback. The higher your expectancy, the more motivated you are.

❤Value is the reward or benefit that you will get from doing something. It is
influenced by your preferences, your goals, your needs, and your emotions. The
higher your value, the more motivated you are.
❤Impulsiveness is the tendency to act on your urges or impulses without thinking
about the consequences. It is influenced by your personality, your mood, your
distractions, and your temptations. The higher your impulsiveness, the less
motivated you are.
❤Delay is the time gap between doing something and getting the reward or benefit
from it. It is influenced by your patience, your perspective, your deadlines, and your
expectations. The higher your delay, the less motivated you are.

❤Motivation is like a diva. She comes and leaves the next day. After another day,
she is nowhere to be found. So relying on motivation could be a recipe for disaster.
Instead the logical thing to do is have systems in place so that a job can be done. In
this case consistency is the key. Consistency is like that a humble person showing
up every day. A humble person will show up every day. Eg- Getting up every day and
go to the gym is the priority whether you feel motivated or not. As we discussed
earlier in the 5 minutes rule, if you attend every time you have to show up to the gym
and start working out for 5 minutes whether you feel motivated or not the chances
are you will end up doing the full workout for that day.

How to Overcome Procrastination by Just Getting

Started
❤Procrastination is a common problem that many people struggle with. It can affect
our productivity, performance, and well-being. Procrastination is not a sign of
laziness or lack of motivation. Instead, it is a psychological phenomenon that

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involves avoiding or delaying tasks that we perceive as unpleasant, boring, or
challenging.

❤One of the main reasons people procrastinate is that we have trouble getting
started on a task. We may feel intimidated by the complexity or scope of the task, or
we may doubt our ability or readiness to do it. We may also have competing priorities
or distractions that make us lose focus and interest in the task..
❤However, research has shown that procrastination is usually a problem of getting
started, not of continuing. Once we overcome the initial resistance to start a task, we
often find it easier to keep going and finish it. This is because we experience a
positive feedback loop: as we make progress on the task, we feel more confident,
satisfied, and motivated to continue.
So how can we overcome procrastination by just getting started? Here are some tips
and strategies that can help:
❤Focus your willpower and discipline on getting started, rather than completing the
whole task. This helps you avoid feeling overwhelmed and demotivated by task size
or difficulty. You can break down the task into smaller and more manageable steps,
and set a specific and realistic goal for each step. For example, instead of saying "I
will write a 10-page report today", you can say "I will write the introduction and
outline of the report in the next hour". Eg- use the 2 minutes rule and 5 minutes rule
as I discussed earlier.
❤Plan ahead and set up your environment to support your goals and intentions. For
example, if you want to film a video, you should have the camera and equipment
ready beforehand. If you want to play the guitar, you should have it near you and
accessible. This reduces friction and excuses that may prevent you from starting.
You should also eliminate or minimize any potential distractions or temptations that
may divert your attention from the task, such as your phone, social media, or TV.

❤Use triggers and cues to remind yourself of why you want to do the task and what
benefits you will get from doing it. For example, you can write down your reasons
and goals on a sticky note and put it somewhere visible. You can also use positive
affirmations or motivational quotes to boost your self-efficacy and enthusiasm. You
can also reward yourself for getting started on the task, such as listening to your
favorite song or having a snack.
❤Use the Pomodoro technique to help you get started and stay focused on the
task. The Pomodoro technique is a time management method that involves working
on a task for 25 minutes (called a Pomodoro), followed by a 5-minute break. After
four Pomodoros, you take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes. This technique helps

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you overcome procrastination by creating a sense of urgency and momentum. It also
helps you avoid fatigue and boredom by giving you regular breaks to refresh your
mind and body.

❤Procrastination is not an insurmountable problem. By applying these tips and

strategies, you can overcome procrastination by starting any task that you want or
need to do. Remember that getting started is half the battle. Once you get going, you
will be surprised by how much you can accomplish.

How to Overcome the Myth of Motivation and Get Things Done

❤Have you ever felt like you lack motivation to do something? Have you ever
waited for inspiration to strike before working on your goals? If so, you are not alone.
Many people struggle with motivation and procrastination, and they think the solution
is to find more motivation. But what if I told you that motivation is a myth, and that
the real key to productivity is overcoming the initial inertia of getting started?

❤Here, I will explain how Newton’s first law of motion applies to our behavior. I will
also explain how getting started is the tricky part of any task, but once in motion, it is
easier to continue. I will also share three strategies that can help you get started on
anything: the two-minute rule, the five-minute rule, and environment design. By
applying these strategies, you can reduce friction, activation energy, and
procrastination, and increase productivity and happiness. Let’s dive in!

Newton’s First Law of Motion and Productivity

❤Newton’s first law of motion states that an object at rest stays at rest and an
object in motion stays in motion. This is unless acted upon by an external force. This
law also applies to our behavior: we tend to resist change and stick to our current
state unless something pushes us to change. This means that getting started on a
task is the most difficult part because we have to overcome the inertia of being at
rest. However, once we get started, it is easier to keep moving because we have
momentum and we are already in motion.
❤This explains why motivation is a myth: we don’t need motivation to get things
done, we need action. Motivation is not something that we have or don’t have. It is
something we create by doing. The more we do, the more motivated we feel. The
less we do, the less motivated we feel. Therefore, the solution is not to wait for
motivation to come, but to start doing something and motivation will follow.

Three Strategies to Help You Get Started

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Now that you understand why getting started is the hardest part of any task, how can
you overcome this inertia and get into motion? Here are three strategies to help you:

The Two-Minute Rule: The two-minute rule is a simple technique that can help you
break down any task into small actions that take two minutes or less to complete.
For example, if your goal is to write a blog post, you can start by opening a blank
document and writing the title. If your goal is to exercise, you can start by wearing
workout clothes and shoes. The idea is to make the first step so easy that you can’t
say no to it. Once you do the first step, you will feel more motivated to continue with
the next step, and so on.

The Five-Minute Rule: The five-minute rule is another technique that can help you
overcome procrastination by committing to taking action on a task for just five
minutes. For example, if you have a report to write, you can tell yourself to work on it
for five minutes. You can then stop if you want to. Chances are, once you start
working on it for five minutes, you will want to keep going. This is because you have
already invested some time and energy into it. The five-minute rule helps you
overcome initial resistance and get into a flow state.

Environment Design: Environment design is a strategy that involves changing your

physical surroundings to make it easier for you to perform a desired behavior and

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more difficult for you to perform an undesired behavior. For example, if you want to
read more books, you can place them in visible and accessible locations around
your home or office. If you want to avoid distractions, you can turn off phone
notifications or use apps that block social media sites. The idea is to reduce the
friction and activation energy required for doing what you wish to do. In contrast, it is
to increase the friction and activation energy required for doing what you don’t intend
to do.

How These Strategies Changed My Life

✿I have personally used these three strategies to overcome the myth of motivation
and get things done in various areas of my life. For example,

✿I used the two-minute rule to start meditating every morning by sitting on my

meditation cushion for two minutes.
✿I used the five-minute rule to start writing every day by setting a timer for five
minutes and writing whatever came to my mind.

✿I used environment design to read more books by placing them on my bedside

table. I read a few pages before heading to sleep.
✿These strategies helped me create new habits and routines that improved my
productivity and happiness. They also helped me realize that I don’t need motivation
to do something, I just need action.

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💙
❣Have you ever experienced a state of optimal focus and happiness while working
on something you love? If so, you have probably experienced what psychologists
call the flow state. In this state, you are fully immersed in the task at hand, and
everything else fades away. You feel a sense of control, enjoyment, and creativity.
You also perform at your best and achieve more.
❣But what is flow state, and how can you get into it more often? Here, I will explain
the concept of flow and its relation to challenge and ability. I will then provide eight
techniques to increase the chances of getting into flow.

What is Flow and How Does It Relate to Challenge and Ability?

❣Flow is a term coined by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi to describe a state

of optimal experience. He defines flow as "a state in which people are so involved in
an activity that nothing else seems to matter; the experience is so enjoyable that
people will continue to do it even at great cost, for the sheer sake of doing it."

❣According to Csikszentmihalyi, flow occurs when there is a balance between the

challenge of the task and the ability of the person. If the challenge is too high and the
ability is too low, the person will feel anxious and frustrated. If the challenge is too
low and the ability is too high, the person will feel bored and apathetic. But if the
challenge and the ability are matched, the person will feel engaged and motivated.
This is the sweet spot for flow.

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Flow has many benefits for both personal and professional life. Research has shown
that flow can enhance creativity, productivity, learning, well-being, and happiness.
Flow can also help you overcome procrastination, stress, and burnout.
How to Increase the Chances of Getting into Flow

While flow cannot be forced or guaranteed, it can be made more likely by following
some tips. Here are eight techniques to help you get into flow more often:

1. Manage external distractions. Find a quiet and comfortable place to work,

where you won't be interrupted by phone calls, emails, notifications, or other
people. Turn off or mute any devices or apps that might distract you. If possible,
work during times when there is less noise or activity around you. Lyrical music
could be a distraction as well.

2. Manage internal distractions. Before you start working on your task, clear your
mind of any worries or thoughts that might distract you. You can write them down
on a piece of paper or use a meditation app to calm your mind. You can also set
a timer for your work session, so you don't have to worry about checking the
time or missing something important.

3. Work on one task at a time. Multitasking can reduce your focus and
performance, and prevent you from getting into flow. Choose one task that is
meaningful and worthwhile to you, and stick to it until it is done or until you reach
a natural stopping point. Avoid switching between tasks or checking other things
while working on your task.

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 4. Set up a mental cue. A mental cue is a signal that tells your brain that it is time
to work on your task and get into flow. It can be anything that helps you get into
the right mindset, such as a mantra, a ritual, a song, or an object. For example,
you can say to yourself "I'm ready to work on this project" or "I'm looking forward
to enjoy this task" before you start working. You can also light a candle, put on
headphones, or wear a special outfit that signifies you are in work mode. There
is some research that says that about 200 milligrams of caffeine, so about one or
two cups of coffee, has been shown to improve your chances of getting into flow
and improve performance.

5. Choose challenging but not impossible tasks. As mentioned earlier, flow

occurs when there is a balance between challenge and ability. If your task is too
easy or too hard for you, you won't get into flow. Make sure your task has a clear
goal, a way to measure your progress, a realistic difficulty level, a connection to
your values or purpose, and a deadline or time limit.

6. Work at your biological peak time. Everyone has different circadian rhythms
that affect their energy levels throughout the day. Some people are more alert
and productive in the morning, while others are more creative and energetic in
the evening. Find out when you are at your peak performance level by tracking
your mood and productivity over time. Then schedule your most important or
challenging tasks during those times when you are most likely to have high
energy

How to Avoid Distraction and Achieve Flow

❣Have you ever felt like you are in a state of flow, where you are fully immersed in
the task at hand and everything else fades away? You are so focused and
productive that you lose track of time and feel a sense of satisfaction and joy. This is
what psychologists call flow, and it is one of the most rewarding experiences we can
have.
❣But how often do we experience flow in our daily lives? If you are like me, you
probably struggle with distraction and procrastination more often than not. You might
find yourself checking your phone every few minutes, browsing social media,
watching videos, or reading news articles that have nothing to do with your work.
You might feel guilty and frustrated that you are wasting your time and energy on
things that don't matter.
So how can we avoid distraction and achieve flow more often? Here, I will share with
you some insights and tips that I have learned from reading books, articles, and

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podcasts on this topic. I will also admit my own struggles with distraction and
procrastination and try to make this lesson relatable and humorous.

The Plane and the Pilot

❣One of the analogies that I like to use to illustrate the concept of flow and
distraction is the plane and the pilot. Imagine that you are a pilot flying a plane. The
plane represents the task that you want to accomplish, and the pilot represents your
motivation for doing it.
❣Now, there are two things that can prevent you from reaching your destination:
external factors and internal factors. External factors are things like bad weather,
turbulence, or mechanical problems. These are things that you cannot control, but
you can prepare for them and deal with them as they arise. Internal factors are
things like boredom, fatigue, or fear. These are things that you can control, but they
can also affect your performance and judgment.
❣The key to avoiding distraction and achieving flow is to have a good pilot. A good
pilot has a clear why behind the task. He or she knows why the task is important,
meaningful, and enjoyable. A good pilot also has a clear how behind the task. He or
she knows how to do the task efficiently, effectively, and creatively.
❣A good pilot can help the plane stay on course and avoid distraction. A good pilot
can also help the plane overcome external factors and internal factors. A good pilot
can adapt to changing situations and make smart decisions.

❣But what if you don't have a competent pilot? What if you don't have a clear why
or how behind the task? What if you don't enjoy the task or find it boring or difficult?
You are more likely to get distracted and lose focus. You might look for something
more interesting or rewarding to do. You might start checking your phone, browsing
social media, watching videos, or reading news articles that have nothing to do with
your work. You might start telling yourself stories about why you can't do the task or
why you don't want to do it.
❣This is what happens when we lack motivation for the task. We get distracted by
things that are more appealing or easier to do. We lose sight of our goal and
purpose. We lose our sense of flow.

The Psychology of Distraction

✿But why do we get distracted so easily? What makes us choose short-term
gratification over long-term satisfaction? What makes us sabotage our own success
and happiness?

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✿There are many psychological aspects of distraction that we need to understand
and overcome. Here are some of them:

Signaling: Sometimes we get distracted because we want to signal to others or

ourselves that we are cool, busy, or stressed. We want to show off our status, our
achievements, or our problems. We want to impress others or validate ourselves.
We want to feel important or special.
Storytelling: Sometimes we get distracted because we tell ourselves stories about
why we get distracted. We rationalize our behavior by saying things like "I have no
choice", "I have too much optionality", "I deserve a break", "I work better under
pressure", "I need some inspiration", or "I'm just not in the mood". We make excuses
for ourselves or blame others for our lack of focus.
Habit: Sometimes we get distracted because we have formed habits that are hard to
break. We have conditioned ourselves to respond to certain cues or triggers that
lead us to distraction. For example, every time we hear a notification sound on our
phone, we feel compelled to check it. Every time we open our browser, we
automatically type in our favorite website. Every time we feel bored or stressed, we
reach for something that makes us feel good.

These psychological aspects of distraction can prevent us from achieving flow and
reaching our full potential. They can also make us unhappy and unfulfilled in the end.

How I Use the Pomodoro Technique to Boost My Productivity

and Focus
✿The Pomodoro technique is a simple but effective way to organize your work into
25-minute intervals with short breaks in between. Each interval is called a pomodoro,
which is Italian for tomato, because the technique was invented by Francesco Cirillo
who used a tomato-shaped kitchen timer to track his work.
✿I discovered the Pomodoro technique when I was overwhelmed and stressed by
the amount of work I had to do. I often procrastinate or lose focus.
✿That's when I came across a video that explained the Pomodoro technique and
how it could help me manage my time better and get more done. I decided to give it
a try and I was amazed by the results.

The Pomodoro technique helped me to:

🎀Break down complex projects into manageable chunks
🎀Combine small tasks that could be done in one Pomodoro
🎀Respect the indivisibility of each Pomodoro and avoid interruptions
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🎀Stay focused and motivated by seeing my progress
🎀Avoid burnout and mental fatigue by taking regular breaks
The rules of the Pomodoro technique are simple:
🎀Choose a task or a set of tasks to work on
🎀Set a timer for 25 minutes and start working on your task
🎀When the timer rings, mark one Pomodoro as completed and take a 5-minute
break

🎀Repeat this process until you complete four Pomodoros, then take a longer break
of 15 to 30 minutes
🎀Start a new cycle of Pomodoros until you finish your work or reach your goal
The benefits of the Pomodoro technique are many:
🎀It helps you focus on one thing at a time and avoid distractions
🎀It helps you to estimate how much time you need for each task and plan your
work accordingly
🎀It helps you to overcome procrastination by making you start working on your task
right away
🎀It helps you to improve your concentration and creativity by giving your brain a
chance to rest and recharge
🎀It helps you to feel more satisfied and accomplished by seeing your work done
✿The Pomodoro technique has been around since the late 1980s and has been
widely popularized by apps and websites that make it easy to use. You can find
many resources online that explain the technique in more detail and offer tips and
tricks on how to use it effectively.

✿I hope this post has inspired you to try the Pomodoro technique and see how it
improves your productivity and focus. Let me know in the comments if you have any
questions or experience with the Pomodoro technique.

How to Stay on Course and Avoid Distractions: The

Power of Course Correction
✿Have you ever felt frustrated and disappointed with yourself after getting distracted
from a task that you were supposed to do? Maybe you had a deadline looming, but
you couldn't resist the temptation of checking your phone, watching a YouTube
video, or scrolling through social media. Maybe you had a goal to eat healthier, but

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you ended up ordering a McDonald's drive-thru instead of cooking a nutritious meal.
Maybe you had a plan to study for an exam, but you spent 20 minutes browsing
Reddit instead of reviewing your notes.

✿If you have ever experienced any of these situations, you are not alone.
Distractions are everywhere in our modern world, and they can easily derail us from
our intended course of action. But does that mean that we are doomed to fail at
achieving our goals and fulfilling our responsibilities? Not at all. In fact, there is a
simple and powerful technique that can help us stay on course and avoid
distractions: course correction.

What is course correction?

✿Course correction is the act of adjusting one's actions to get back on track after
veering off course. It is based on the analogy of a plane and a pilot. When a plane
flies from point A to point B, it does not follow a straight line. It constantly encounters
external factors that push it off course, such as wind, turbulence, or air traffic.
However, the pilot does not give up or panic when this happens. Instead, he or she
uses the instruments and controls to make small adjustments and corrections to
bring the plane back to its desired path.
✿Similarly, when we pursue a task or a goal, we do not follow a straight line. We
constantly encounter internal and external factors that push us off course, such as
boredom, fatigue, stress, temptation, or distraction. However, we do not have to give
up or panic when this happens. Instead, we can use our awareness and willpower to
make small adjustments and corrections to bring ourselves back to our desired path.

Why is course correction important?

✿Course correction is important because it helps us overcome one of the biggest
obstacles to productivity and success: perfectionism. Perfectionism is the belief that
we have to do everything perfectly and flawlessly, without any mistakes or
deviations. Perfectionism can make us feel self-critical and enter a spiral of doom
when we get distracted or make a mistake. We may think things like:

"I'm such a failure."

"I can't do anything right."
"I've wasted so much time."

"I might as well give up."

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✿These thoughts are counterproductive and irrational. They prevent us from seeing
the bigger picture and recognizing that getting distracted or making a mistake is not
the end of the world. They also prevent us from taking action and finishing the task
at hand.
✿Course correction helps us break free from perfectionism and adopt a more
realistic and rational perspective. It helps us see that getting distracted or making a
mistake is not a sign of weakness or failure, but a normal and inevitable part of the
process. It also helps us see that we can always get back on track and resume the
task at hand, no matter how far we have veered off course.

How to apply course correction?

✿Course correction can be applied to any task or goal that we want to achieve.
Here are some examples of how course correction can be applied to different
scenarios:
✿Scenario : You have a deadline for a project at work, but you get distracted by an
email from your friend inviting you to watch a movie tonight.
✿Course correction: You realize that you have veered off course and that you need
to get back on track. You reply to your friend's email with a polite decline and explain
that you have an important project to finish. You close your email app and focus on
your project.

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💚
✦ Artificial deadlines. ✦
✡Artificial deadlines are self-imposed deadlines we create for ourselves to motivate
us to get things done faster and more efficiently. They are different from external
deadlines, which are set by someone else, such as a boss, a client or a teacher.
External deadlines can be stressful and sometimes unrealistic, but they also create a
sense of urgency and accountability. Artificial deadlines aim to replicate that benefit
without stress and pressure.
✡ Let me give you some examples of how I use artificial deadlines in my own life.
When I was studying for exams in medical school, I would set myself a deadline to
finish a certain number of questions or topics by a certain time. For instance, I would
say to myself: "I have to finish 50 questions from this practice test by 10 am". This
would force me to focus and work faster than I normally would, and also prevent me
from getting distracted or procrastinating.
✡ Another example is when I'm writing a blog post. Instead of just writing until I feel
like I'm done, which could take hours or days, I would set myself a deadline to finish
the first draft by a certain time. For instance, I would say to myself: "I have to finish
this draft by 2 pm". This would help me overcome perfectionism and writer's block.
✡ Now you might be wondering: how do I create and stick to artificial deadlines?
Well, there are a few tips that I can share with you. The first one is to make your
deadlines realistic but challenging. If your deadline is too easy or too hard, it won't
have the desired effect. You want to find the sweet spot where your deadline pushes
you out of your comfort zone but not out of your reach.
The second tip is to make your deadlines visible and trackable. You can use tools
like calendars, timers, apps or even sticky notes to remind yourself of your deadline

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and monitor your progress. You can also share your deadline with someone else,
such as a friend, a colleague or an online community, to increase your accountability
and get some feedback and support.
✡The third tip is to reward yourself for meeting your deadline and learn from your
mistakes if you don't. Celebrating your achievements can boost your motivation and
confidence for future tasks. On the other hand, if you miss your deadline, don't beat
yourself up or give up. Instead, try to analyze why you missed it and what you can
do better next time.
✡ One final thing that I want to say about artificial deadlines is that they can
challenge the common assumption that some tasks have to take a long time.
Sometimes we think that we need hours or days or weeks to complete something,
but that's not always true. Sometimes we can do it much faster if we really try.
✡Here's a thought experiment that I like to do sometimes: imagine that you have a
major task that takes 10 hours to complete. Now imagine that you only have one
hour to complete it. How would you approach it differently? What would you
prioritize? What would you simplify? What would you delegate? What would you
eliminate?
✡ This exercise can help you realize that there are ways to optimize your workflow
and reduce unnecessary steps or distractions. Of course, this doesn't mean that you
should always rush through your tasks or compromise on quality. It just means that
you should question your assumptions and challenge yourself to work smarter.
✡To sum up, artificial deadlines are a powerful productivity hack that can help us
get things done faster and more efficiently. They can help us avoid falling into
Parkinson's Law, which is that work expands to fill the time that we allocate to it. By
setting ourselves realistic but challenging deadlines, making them visible and
trackable, rewarding ourselves for meeting them and learning from our mistakes if
we don't, we can become more productive planes.

How to Avoid Burnout with The Reitoff Principle

✡Have you ever felt so overwhelmed by your work that you just wanted to take a
break and do nothing? Have you ever felt guilty about not being productive enough,
even when you are supposed to be relaxing? If you answered yes to any of these
questions, then you might benefit from a personal productivity tip that I call The
Reitoff Principle.

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✡The Reitoff Principle is simple: it's about intentionally writing off a day to enjoy
yourself without feeling guilty about not being productive. It's about giving yourself
permission to have fun and recharge your batteries, without worrying about the work
that you have to do.
✡ I learned this principle from my friends who wrote off . They would spend the
whole day in bed, watching Netflix, ordering pizza, and generally having a good time.
They didn't care about the lectures they missed, the assignments they had to do, or
the exams they had to study for. They enjoyed themselves and didn't feel guilty
about it. I was always amazed by how they could do that. I was always the type of
person who felt guilty about not being productive enough. I would always try to
squeeze in some work, even on weekends or holidays. I would always feel bad
about watching TV shows or playing video games, because I felt like I should be
doing something more useful with my time. But over the years, I realized that this
attitude was not healthy for me. It was causing me to burn out, to lose motivation,
and to suffer from mental health issues. I realized that I needed to have more
balance in my life, and that I needed to have more write-off days. But I also need
some time to relax and enjoy myself, without feeling guilty about it.
✡ The way I do it is by using a metaphor of landing the plane. When I finish my work
day, I try to wrap up everything that I need to do and put it aside. I don't check my
emails, I don't look at my analytics, I don't plan for the next day. I just land the plane
and switch off from work mode.
Then, I do whatever I feel like doing that makes me happy. It could be watching a
movie, playing a video game, reading a book, hanging out with friends, or anything
else that brings me joy. I don't think about the work that I have to do or the deadlines
that I have to meet. I just enjoy myself and don't feel guilty about it. This gives me
space to recharge my energy and creativity. It also helps me avoid wasting time on
things I don't enjoy, like scrolling through Instagram or watching YouTube videos that
don't interest me. Sometimes, I do these things because watching Netflix or playing
video games feels too unproductive for me. But then I realized that these things were
not fun or productive either. They are just distractions that make me feel worse.
✡ So instead of wasting time on things that don't make me happy or productive, I
choose to write off the day and do something that makes me happy. And then I
remind myself that the work can always wait and that if it is worth doing today, it will
be worth doing tomorrow.
✡ I encourage you to try The Reitoff Principle for yourself and see how it works for
you. Be intentional about having write-off days and don't feel guilty about them. You
deserve to have fun and enjoy yourself. You deserve to have balance in your life.
And you deserve to avoid burnout and stay healthy.

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How to Boost Your Productivity with the Plane
Method
✡Do you want to get more done in less time and with less stress? Do you want to
achieve your goals and enjoy your life? If so, you need a productivity system that
works for you. A productivity system is a set of habits, tools and techniques that help
you manage your time, energy and attention. In this document, I will introduce you to
the Plane Method, a comprehensive and practical framework for improving your
productivity by optimizing the three roles of the pilot, the plane and the engineer.
The Pilot Role: The pilot sets the direction and makes the decisions. The pilot role
involves defining your vision, values and goals. It also involves planning your actions
and projects, prioritizing your tasks and delegating or outsourcing what you can. The
pilot role helps you focus on what matters most and avoid distractions and
procrastination.
The Plane Role: The plane is the one who executes the actions and delivers the
results. The plane role involves managing your energy, attention and motivation,
overcoming challenges and obstacles, tracking your progress and celebrating your
achievements. The plane role helps you get things done efficiently and effectively.
The Engineer Role: The engineer is the one who fine-tunes and maintains the
productivity system. The engineer role involves reviewing your performance and
results, evaluating your tools and techniques, adjusting your habits and routines, and
optimizing your speed, efficiency and organization. The engineer role helps you
improve your productivity system continuously.

How to Be a Good Engineer: SEO

✡One of the key points of this document is that you need to spend some time as
the engineer to fine-tune and maintain your productivity system. This will help you
avoid productivity pitfalls such as burnout, boredom, overwhelm or stagnation. To
help you remember how to be a good engineer, I have created an easy-to-remember
acronym: SEO.
✡ SEO stands for speed, efficiency and organization. These are the three qualities
that the engineer role aims to improve in the productivity system. Speed means
doing things quicker, efficiency means doing things with less effort and resources,
and organization means doing things in a structured and orderly way.
Here are some examples of how you can apply SEO to your productivity system:
Speed: You can increase your speed by setting deadlines, batching similar tasks,
automating repetitive tasks, using keyboard shortcuts, learning faster or outsourcing
tasks.

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Efficiency: You can increase your efficiency by eliminating unnecessary tasks,
simplifying complex tasks, reducing distractions and interruptions, using templates or
checklists, applying the 80/20 rule or delegating tasks.
Organization: You can increase your organization by creating a filing system,
maintaining a to-do list and a project list, using labels or tags, following a workflow or
process, using a calendar or scheduler or syncing your devices.

The Importance of Well-Being in Productivity

✡Another important point of this document is that productivity is not only about
doing more work but also about living a better life. Therefore, you need to take care
of your physical and mental well-being as part of your productivity system. Well-
being affects your energy level, mood, focus, creativity and resilience. Without well-
being, you will not be able to perform well as a pilot, a plane or an engineer.
Here are some simple habits that can help you improve your well-being:
✿Sleep well: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night. Follow a regular sleep
schedule, avoid caffeine or alcohol before bed, keep your bedroom dark and quiet,
and avoid screens or blue light before bed.
✿Eat well: Eat a balanced diet that provides you with enough nutrients, vitamins and
minerals. Avoid processed foods, added sugars or artificial ingredients. Eat more
fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. Drink enough water
throughout the day.
✿ Exercise well: Do at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day.
Choose an exercise that you enjoy and that suits your fitness level. Exercise can
boost your metabolism, circulation, immunity and mood. It can also reduce stress,
anxiety and depression.
✿ Getting Things Done (GTD), a productivity methodology created by David Allen. In
this lesson, I will explain what GTD is, why it is useful, and how you can apply it to
your personal and professional life.
🎀GTD is based on the idea that our mind is for having ideas, not for storing them.
When we try to keep track of everything in our head, we create stress, overwhelm,
and uncertainty. We also waste mental energy and attention that could be used for
more creative and productive tasks.
That's why we need a system to capture, clarify, organize, reflect, and engage with
our tasks and projects. A system that allows us to get things out of our heads and
into a trusted place where we can access them when we require them. A system that
helps us make decisions about what to do next and what to defer or delegate. A
system that gives us a clear picture of what to do and when.

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That system is GTD. GTD is widely popular and recommended by many productivity
enthusiasts, including myself. I have been using GTD for several years and it has
transformed my work and life. I have more control over my time and energy, less
stress and anxiety, and I have more focus and creativity.
🎀 GTD is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It is a flexible and adaptable methodology
that can be applied to different tools, apps, and contexts. For example, Todoist is a
popular app that can be used to implement GTD with projects, tasks, labels, filters,
and reminders. You can also use paper-based systems, calendars, spreadsheets, or
any other tool that works for you.
GTD can also be applied to teams and organizations, as long as there is a clear
owner, purpose, and accountability for each project and action. GTD-trained
individuals can work together more effectively and efficiently, as they have a shared
language and understanding of their roles and responsibilities.
🎀However, GTD is not a magic bullet. It requires an initial investment of time and
energy to set up your system and learn the habits and skills that make it work. It also
requires regular reviews to keep your system updated and aligned with your goals
and priorities. Weekly reviews are especially important to ensure that nothing falls
through the cracks and that you have a clear overview of your commitments.
🎀GTD is not only a productivity system, but also a way of living with less stress and
more clarity. By following GTD principles, you can achieve a state of “mind like
water”, where you can respond appropriately to any situation without being
overwhelmed or distracted. You can also enjoy the benefits of having more space in
your mind for creativity, innovation, and learning.
How to Boost Your Digital Productivity with Free Tools and Apps
What is digital productivity? It's the ability to use your computer or device efficiently
and effectively to get things done. It's not just about being fast or having a lot of
apps. It's about having a system and a workflow that works for you and your goals.
🎀 Why is digital productivity important? Well, for me, it's a way of saving time and
energy that I can use for other things that matter to me, learning new skills, or
spending time with my family and friends. It's also a way of reducing stress and
frustration that comes from having too many things to do and not knowing how to do
them.
🎀 How can you improve your digital productivity? That's what this class is all about.
I'm going to guide you through four aspects of digital productivity that I think are
essential for anyone who uses a computer or device on a regular basis.
These are:
Digital fluency: How comfortable and confident are you with using your computer or
device? Do you use keyboard shortcuts on a daily basis? Do you know how to

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troubleshoot common problems? Do you know how to customize your settings and
preferences?
Task management: How do you keep track of what you need to do and when you
need to do it? Do you use a task manager app like Todoist or Things? Do you use a
calendar app like Google Calendar or Outlook? Do you have a system for prioritizing
and organizing your tasks?
Knowledge management: How do you store and access the information that you
need or want to learn? Do you use a reference app like Evernote or Notion? Do you
use a read-later app like Pocket or Instapaper? Do you have a system for taking
notes and reviewing them?
Advanced topics: How do you automate, delegate, or outsource some of the tasks
that you don't need or want to do yourself? Do you use tools like Zapier, IFTTT, or
Fiverr? Do you have a system for managing your email inbox and achieving inbox
zero?
Then you on point on digital productivity.

How to Boost Your Productivity with Sleep, Nutrition

and Exercise
🎀We are always looking for ways to optimize our performance and efficiency. We
want to get more done in less time, without compromising on quality or creativity. But
sometimes we forget that our productivity depends not only on our skills and tools,
but also on our physical and mental well-being. In this , I will share with you some of
the things that I have learned (and sometimes struggled) to improve my productivity
by taking care of my sleep, nutrition and exercise.
Sleep: The Foundation of Productivity
Sleep is probably the most critical factor for productivity. According to the World
Health Organization, lack of sleep can impair cognitive functions, such as memory,
attention, decision-making and problem-solving. It can also affect our mood,
motivation and emotional regulation. In other words, sleep deprivation can make us
less smart, focused, creative and happy.
So how can we get better sleep? Here are some tips that I have found useful:
Avoid blue light exposure before bed. Blue light from screens, such as laptops,
phones and TVs, can suppress the production of melatonin, the hormone that
regulates our sleep cycle. This can make it harder to fall asleep and disrupt our
natural circadian rhythm. Try to limit your screen time at least an hour before bed, or
use a blue light filter app or device.

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Avoid caffeine in the afternoon. Caffeine is a stimulant that can keep us alert and
energized for several hours after consumption. However, it can also interfere with
our sleep quality and quantity. Caffeine has a half-life of about 5-6 hours, which
means that half of it is still in your system after that time. So if you drink a cup of
coffee at 4 pm, you will still have half a cup of coffee in your body at 10 pm. To avoid
this effect, try to avoid caffeine after lunchtime or switch to decaf or herbal tea.
Avoid phone use in bed. Many of us are guilty of checking our phones before we go
to sleep or when we wake up in the middle of the night. This can be a bad habit for
several reasons. First, it exposes us to blue light, which we already discussed.
Second, it stimulates our brain with information and notifications, which can make it
harder to relax and fall asleep. Third, it can create a psychological association
between our bed and our phone, which can reduce our sleep quality and quantity. To
break this habit, try to keep your phone out of your bedroom or at least out of your
reach. Use an alarm clock instead of your phone to wake up in the morning.
Avoid light exposure in the morning. Light is another factor that influences our
circadian rhythm and our sleep cycle. Exposure to natural light in the morning can
help us wake up and feel more alert and energized throughout the day. However,
exposure to artificial light in the morning can have the opposite effect. It can trick our
brain into thinking that it is still night time and make us feel more sleepy and groggy.
To avoid this effect, try to get some sunlight as soon as you wake up or use a light
therapy device or app.
Nutrition: The Fuel of Productivity
Nutrition is another key factor for productivity. What we eat and drink can affect our
energy levels, mood, concentration and cognitive functions. A balanced diet can
provide us with the nutrients and calories that we need to function optimally.
However, a poor diet can lead to fatigue, irritability, brain fog and health problems.
So how can we eat better? Here are some tips I have found useful:
Drink more water. Water is essential for life and for productivity. It helps us stay
hydrated, regulate our body temperature, flush out toxins and transport nutrients and
oxygen to our cells. Dehydration can cause headaches, drowsiness, confusion and
reduced cognitive performance. To avoid this effect, try to drink at least 2 liters of
water per day or more if you exercise or sweat a lot. You can also add some lemon
juice or cucumber slices to your water for some flavor and extra benefits.
Avoid processed foods. Processed foods are foods that have been altered from their
natural state by adding or removing ingredients such as sugar, salt, fat,
preservatives and artificial colors and flavors. These foods are usually high in
calories but low in nutrients and fiber. They can also spike our blood sugar levels
and cause cravings, hunger and mood swings. To avoid this effect, try to eat more

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whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, eggs, fish and
lean meat. These foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, protein.

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💎
🚀Do you ever feel like your days are passing by in a blur, without much direction or
purpose? Do you struggle to find time for the things that matter most to you? Do you
want to improve your productivity and happiness in a simple and effective way?
🚀 If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this place is for you. Here, I
will share with you a four-part framework for making time for what matters: highlight,
laser, energize and reflect. I will also show you some examples of templates for
doing a daily reflection, which is the key to implementing this framework and reaping
its benefits.

What is the highlight-laser-energize-reflect

framework?

🚀The highlight-laser-energize-reflect framework is a simple and flexible way of

planning and managing your day. It is based on the book Make Time by Jake Knapp
and John Zeratsky. I highly recommend reading it if you want to learn more about
this approach.

The framework consists of four steps:

Highlight: Choose one thing to prioritize and progress on each day. This is your

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highlight. It can be anything that is worthwhile, meaningful or joyful to you. This
includes a work project, a personal goal, a hobby or a relationship. Your highlight
should be something you can realistically accomplish or make significant progress
on in 60 to 90 minutes.
Laser: Eliminate or minimize distractions and focus on your highlight. This is where
you apply the power of laser focus. You can use various tactics to help you stay
focused, such as setting a timer, turning off notifications, blocking distracting
websites or apps, working in a quiet environment or using headphones. The idea is
to create a distraction-free zone where you can devote your full attention and energy
to your highlight.
Energize: Recharge your energy throughout the day by taking breaks, moving your
body, eating well and sleeping enough. This is how you energize yourself and
maintain your performance and well-being. You can use different tactics to boost
your energy, such as taking a walk, doing some stretches, drinking water, eating
healthy snacks, meditating or napping. The idea is to treat your body and mind as
valuable assets that need care and maintenance.
Reflect: Review your day and learn from your experience. This is the most important
step of the framework and the main topic of this book. By doing a daily reflection,
you can assess how well you did on your highlight, what worked and what didn't
work for you, what you are grateful for, what you learned and what you want to
improve or change for tomorrow. The idea is to use reflection as a tool for learning,
growth and happiness.

Why do a daily reflection?

Doing a daily reflection has many benefits for your productivity and happiness. Here
are some of them:
It helps you be grateful: By reflecting on what worked well in your day and what
you are thankful for, you can cultivate a positive mindset and appreciate the pleasant
things in your life.
It helps you track your progress: By reflecting on how well you did on your
highlight and what challenges or obstacles you faced, you can measure your
performance and celebrate your achievements.
It helps you experiment with different tactics: By reflecting on what worked and
what didn't work for you in terms of focus, energy and habits, you can test different
strategies and find out what suits you best.
It helps you remember your life stories: By reflecting on what happened in your

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day and how you felt about it, you can create a record of your life events and
emotions that you can revisit later.

How to do a daily reflection?

There is no one right way to do a daily reflection. You can customize it according to
your preferences and needs. However, here are some general guidelines that can
help you get started:
Do it at the end of the day: The best time to do a daily reflection is at the end of the
day, when you have completed your highlight and other tasks. This way, you can
review your day while it is still fresh in your mind and prepare for the next day.
Do it regularly: The more often you do a daily reflection, the more benefits you will
get from it. Try to make it a habit and do it every day or at least every weekday. You
can set a reminder or an alarm to remember.
Do it briefly: A daily reflection does not have to be long or complicated. You can do
it in 10 minutes or less. The idea is to make it easy and enjoyable for yourself.
Do it in writing: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you clarify them
and remember them better.

How to Do a Weekly Review and Why It Matters

If you want to stay on top of your tasks, projects, and goals, you need to do a weekly
review. A weekly review is a habit of reviewing your past week and planning your
next week. It helps you organize your work and life, and make sure you are moving
in the right direction.
The weekly review is based on the Getting Things Done (GTD) method by David
Allen, who divides it into three steps: get clear, get current, and get creative.
Zero inbox: This step involves clearing your inbox of any physical or digital items
that need your attention. You can use the GTD workflow to process each item: do
it, delegate it, defer it, or delete it. This way, you can empty your inbox and free up
your mind.
Get current: This step involves reviewing your lists of tasks, projects, goals, and
commitments. You can check off what you have done, update what needs to be
done, and delete what is no longer relevant. You can also review your calendar and
schedule appointments or events for the next week. This way, you can see your
current situation and priorities.
Get creative: This step involves reflecting on your progress and generating new

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ideas for improvement. You can ask yourself questions like: What worked for you this
week? What didn't work out well? What did I learn? What can I do better? You can
also brainstorm upcoming projects, goals, or actions that can help you achieve your
desired outcomes. This way, you can stimulate your creativity and motivation.
🚀 The weekly review helps you clear your inboxes, review your lists, reflect on your
progress, and generate new ideas for improvement. It also has many benefits for
your productivity and well-being.
🚀 The weekly review can boost your productivity by giving you clarity, direction, and
alignment with your goals. It can help you focus on what matters most, avoid
distractions and procrastination, and make better decisions. It can also help you plan
ahead and anticipate any challenges or opportunities that may arise.
🚀 The weekly review can also reduce stress and increase creativity. It can help you
relieve the mental clutter and anxiety that comes from having too many things on
your mind. It can also help you celebrate your achievements and appreciate your
efforts. It can also inspire you to try new things and explore new possibilities.
🚀 The weekly review can be customized to suit your needs and preferences. You
can use different apps, tools, and templates to make it easier and more effective. For
example, you can use a note-taking app like Evernote or OneNote to capture and
organize your information. You can use a task management app like Todoist or
Asana to manage your tasks and projects. You can use a calendar app like Google
Calendar or Outlook to plan your time and events
🚀Weekly review is a powerful habit that can improve your work and life. It only
takes about an hour or two every week, but it can save you hours of wasted time and
energy in the long run. By doing a weekly review regularly, you can stay on top of
your game and achieve more with less stress.

How to Manage Your Life and Projects Better with

Different Types of Reviews
🚀If you are like me, you probably have a lot of things going on in your life and
projects. You have goals, tasks, deadlines, appointments, and maybe even a bucket
list. How do you keep track of everything and make sure you are moving forward in
the right direction?
One of the best ways to do that is to conduct regular reviews of your life and
projects. Reviews are not just for work or school. They are also for your personal
growth and happiness. Reviews help you to reflect on what you have done, what you
have learned, what you need to improve, and what you want to achieve next.
🚀 There are different types of reviews that you can do, depending on the time frame
and the level of detail you want to go into. In this post, I will share with you the three

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types of reviews that I do: weekly, monthly, and annual. I will explain why each one is
important, how to do it, and what benefits you can get from it.
Weekly Review: The Most Essential One
Weekly review is the most essential type of review you should do. It keeps you on
track with your daily and weekly tasks and projects. It also helps you plan ahead for
the next week and avoid surprises or missed deadlines.
The weekly review is something that I learned from David Allen's book Getting
Things Done (GTD). In GTD, the weekly review is a process of reviewing through
your inbox, calendar, task lists, project lists, reference materials, and any other
sources of information or commitments that you have. The goal is to clear your mind
of any open loops or unfinished business that might distract you or stress you out.
The weekly review has five steps:
Collect: Gather all the inputs that need your attention or action. This includes your
physical inbox, email inbox, voicemail, notes, receipts, etc.
Process: Go through each input and decide what to do with it. If it is actionable,
either do it (if it takes less than two minutes), delegate it (if someone else can do it
better or faster), defer it (if it needs more time or resources), or delete it (if it is
irrelevant or outdated). If it is not actionable, either file it (if it is useful for future
reference), incubate it (if it might become actionable later), or trash it (if it has no
value).
Organize: Put the inputs that you have processed into their appropriate places. This
includes your calendar, task lists, project lists, reference folders, etc.
Review: Look over your calendar, task lists, project lists, and any other relevant
information sources. Check your progress on your current tasks and projects.
Update them as needed. Identify any gaps or issues that need your attention.
Prioritize your next actions and assign them to specific days or times.
Do: Execute your next actions according to your priorities and schedule.
The weekly review should take about an hour or two to complete. I usually do mine
on Friday afternoons or evenings. That way, I can wrap up my week with a sense of
closure and accomplishment. I can also start my weekend with a clear mind and a
relaxed mood.
The benefits of doing a weekly review are:
✿ You will have a better overview of your life and projects.
✿ You will have more clarity and focus on what matters most.
✿ You will have more control and confidence over your actions and outcomes.
✿You will have less stress and anxiety from unresolved issues or uncertainties.
✿You will have more creativity and productivity with a clear space.

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Monthly Review: A System Check for Your Life

The monthly review is the next type of review that I do. It is the one that helps me to
zoom out from my daily and weekly tasks and projects and look at the bigger picture
of my life. It also helps me to align my actions with my values and vision.
The monthly review is something I came up with myself after reading various books
and blogs on personal development and goal setting. In my monthly review, I check
my progress on my bucket list items and long-term goals. I also evaluate how I am
doing in different areas of my life such as health, relationships, career, finances, etc.
The monthly review has four steps:
Review: Look back at the past month and reflect on what happened. What did you
accomplish? What did you learn? What did you enjoy? What did you struggle with?
What did you fail at? What did you improve? What did you change? How did you
feel?
Celebrate: Acknowledge and appreciate your achievements and learnings.
Celebrate your wins big and small. Express gratitude for

How to Conduct an Effective Annual Review

✿An annual review is a great opportunity to evaluate your past year and set goals
for the next one. It can help you celebrate your achievements, learn from your
challenges, and align your actions with your values. However, many people struggle
with how to conduct an annual review that is meaningful and useful. Here, I will
share with you two different templates for an annual review that I have found helpful:
one by myself and one by Tiago Forte, a productivity expert and the creator of
Building a Second Brain.
My Template for an Annual Review
My template for an annual review consists of four steps: gratitude, reflection,
learning, and planning. Here is how I do each step:
Gratitude: I start by writing down a list of things I am grateful for in the past year.
This can include people, events, experiences, opportunities, resources, etc. I try to
be as specific and detailed as possible. This helps me appreciate what I have and
cultivate a positive mindset.
Reflection: Next, I review my calendar, journal, notes, photos, and any other records
of the past year. I look for patterns, themes, highlights, lowlights, and surprises. I ask
myself: What did I do well? What did I enjoy? What did I struggle with? What did I
learn? What did I miss? What did I regret? What did I change? What did I discover?

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This helps me gain insights and perspective on my past year.
Learning: Then, I identify the key lessons and takeaways from the past year. I write
down what I learned about myself, others, the world, and my work. I also write down
what skills or knowledge I acquired or improved. This helps me consolidate my
learning and recognize my growth.
Planning: Finally, I set goals and intentions for the next year. I use the SMART
framework to make sure my goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant,
and Time-bound. I also write down why each goal is important to me and how I will
achieve it. This helps me clarify my direction and motivation for the next year.

Tiago Forte's Annual Review Template

✿Tiago Forte's template for an annual review is based on his PARA method, which
stands for Projects, Areas, Resources, and Archives. PARA is a system for
organizing your digital information and managing your projects. Here is how Tiago
uses PARA for his annual review:
Projects: Tiago reviews his list of active projects and decides which ones to
continue, complete, delegate, defer, or delete. He also adds any new projects that he
wants to start in the next year. He makes sure that each project has a clear outcome,
deadline, and next action.
Areas: Tiago reviews his list of areas of responsibility and evaluates how well he
performed in each one. He also considers if he needs to add or remove any areas or
change their priority or scope. He makes sure that each area has a clear purpose,
standard, and frequency.
Resources: Tiago reviews his list of resources and updates them with any new
information or insights that he gained in the past year. He also checks if he needs to
create or acquire any new resources or get rid of any outdated or irrelevant ones. He
makes sure that each resource has a clear topic, format, and location.
Archives: Tiago reviews his archives and organizes them according to his PARA
structure. He also deletes any duplicates or unnecessary files or folders. He makes
sure that his archives are searchable, accessible, and backed up.

The Benefits of an Annual Review

Both templates have their advantages and disadvantages. My template is more
focused on emotions and experiences while Tiago's template is more focused on
actions and outcomes. My template is more flexible and personal while Tiago's
template is more structured and systematic. You can choose the template that suits

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you best or combine elements from both.
The main benefit of doing an annual review is that it helps you close the loop on your
past year and prepare for your next one. It allows you to celebrate your wins, learn
from your losses, and plan your moves. It also helps you align your goals with your
values and vision.
An annual review is not a rigid or formal process. It is a creative and personal
process. You can adapt it to your preferences and circumstances. You can do it
alone or with others. You can do it at any time or frequency that works for you.
The most important thing is to do it with honesty and curiosity. An annual review is
not a judgment or a comparison. It is a conversation with yourself about what
matters to you.

Both templates have their advantages and disadvantages. My template is more

focused on emotions and experiences while Tiago's template is more focused on
actions and outcomes. My template is more flexible and personal while Tiago's
template is more structured and systematic. You can choose the template that suits
you best or combine elements from both.
The main benefit of doing an annual review is that it helps you close the loop on your
past year and prepare for your next one. It allows you to celebrate your wins, learn
from your losses, and plan your moves. It also helps you align your goals with your
values and vision.
An annual review is not a rigid or formal process. It is a creative and personal
process. You can adapt it to your preferences and circumstances. You can do it
alone or with others. You can do it at any time or frequency that works for you.
The most important thing is to do it with honesty and curiosity. An annual review is
not a judgment or a comparison. It is a conversation with yourself about what
matters to you.

Conclusion
In conclusion, productivity is crucial for any organization or individual who wants to
achieve their goals and maximize their performance. Productivity can be influenced
by many factors, such as efficient systems, the environment, tools, skills, habits, and
feedback. By understanding these factors and applying effective strategies to
improve them, one can enhance their productivity and enjoy higher quality, efficiency,
satisfaction, and well-being. Productivity Ninja is a book that offers practical and
effective strategies for managing time, attention, and energy in the modern

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workplace. The author, Graham Allcott, draws on his experience as a productivity
coach and consultant to provide a comprehensive framework for becoming more
productive and less stressed. The book covers topics such as how to set goals,
prioritize tasks, deal with distractions, overcome procrastination, and create a
positive work environment. The book also includes exercises and tools to help
readers apply the concepts and techniques to their own situations. Productivity Ninja
is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their performance and well-
being at work.

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