Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
A technique we are able to change into more productive is by recuperating at something. As we change into higher, we are able to do things faster and with higher quality.
Up to now, in our series about productivity, we’ve been talking about improving productivity by:
- Understanding what’s urgent and necessary (The Eisenhower Matrix)
- Doing probably the most difficult things first (Eating the Frog)
- Budgeting our day so we slot in routine maintenance tasks (The three/3/3 Method)
- Setting time parameters so we stay focused (The Pomodoro Technique)
But what happens when we want to learn how you can do something … productively? Years ago, comedian Jerry Seinfeld shared a method for recuperating at something, which has since been named “The Seinfeld Strategy”. The strategy is easy and easy: do it on daily basis. For instance, if you should be a greater author, then write on daily basis. Whether you’re feeling prefer it or not. It doesn’t must be good. You don’t need to point out anyone. Just write.
Seinfeld went on to say that he keeps a giant calendar in his office and when he completes the duty, he marks it off with a giant “X” on his calendar. There’s something very satisfying about seeing all of those accomplished “X” marks.
We will do the identical thing after we’re attempting to change into more practical and efficient at something – which can lead us to being more productive. Do it on daily basis. You don’t must spend hours on it. In the event you’re concerned about procrastination, perhaps adopt the Mark Twain “Eat a Frog” approach and do it very first thing. That way you aren’t tempted to push it off and possibly ignore it.
So far as marking off the duty in your calendar, you possibly can determine if a giant calendar is true for you. My Hobonichi planner has a 365 checklist that I can mark off when completing tasks. You can even do a search in your favorite web browser for “task tracker coloring page” when you want something more creative.
The Seinfeld Strategy jogs my memory of something that a former boss of mine used to say, “How do you eat an 800lb elephant? One bite at a time.” After all, he wasn’t talking literally about elephants. The purpose was the perfect strategy to tackle big tasks is to interrupt them down into small parts. To me, the Seinfeld Strategy is about working on a goal someday at a time.
We will use the identical principle with other big tasks. I even have just a few projects that I’m working on immediately that I’ve broken down into 12 smaller tasks. I do one a month. By the tip of the 12 months, I’ll be done. It’s not overwhelming and if I would like to push it off a few days, I can. It’s very satisfying to take a look at the project and say, “Wow! I can’t imagine how much I’ve been capable of do. And in just a few months, it’ll be done.” This may very well be considered one of those 3 routine maintenance tasks that we talked about within the 3/3/3 Method.
I feel the Seinfeld Strategy will be very helpful with regards to developing recent habits and taking just a little little bit of time every day to work on goals. The hard part goes to be commitment. It may well be very tempting after we’re having a nasty day to only skip it … but we want to stay committed to forward progress. Because as we get well, we are going to improve our productivity.
Image captured by Sharlyn Lauby somewhere off the coast of Miami, FL
The post Productivity Series [Part 5]: Break Big Tasks into Small Parts appeared first on hr bartender.
