Don’t get too excited now! I know the title suggests that I will be writing the ultimate guide right here, all by my lonesome, but alas, that is far from the truth. This is a meme, which was started by the Instigator Blog, and it is essentially a group writing project. I myself was tagged by Paul Enderson (whose tips you should also check out) and am very excited to share a few tips of my own. Actually, the best part about all of this, is that people are wanting to release a compendium of all of the tips as a free e-book. How cool would that be? Anyhow, lets check out some of my tips!
Disclaimer: My tips are going to be heavily geared towards web designers; It’s kinda what I know… kinda… I mean, I could talk about how to be productive at school, but really, I am the biggest procrastinator when it comes to academics. But for some reason, I can get stuff done when it comes to the internet.
Itemize
Before you itemize, just make a list of the things you need to get done, in a very general sense. Write down (or better yet, type out) the projects you have into one list. Next, break up each of those projects into a list of specific tasks. Don’t worry if your list is long; just write it all out. Congrats, you have just itemized. Now the next thing you need to do is…
Prioritize
Early on in my self-proclaimed “career,” I would waste tons of time just doing tasks that were really not that important. Let’s say you have a couple of projects going on; one for a client and another personal one. Make sure you get that client’s stuff in order first; even if you are way ahead of your deadline, who knows what unfortunate circumstances will arise? Be sure to always take on important tasks on your itemized list first! In fact, that is how you should be ordering your task list.
Deadlines
This is perhaps the most crucial thing when it comes to productivity, but probably the hardest to self-enforce. Sure, if someone is paying you, there will certainly be more pressure to complete a task by a certain time. However, you should be treating your personal tasks the same way. Starting a ton of projects and not finishing one is just a glorified waste of time. Once you start getting into this habit, you will be incredibly more productive.
Desk?
It seems like some people feel that a desk is necessary for productivity. Now this may be true for some people, but I think it is more of a mental block than any sort of real impediment. God (or whatever creative being you idolize) has given us laptops and wi-fi networks. Those tools can really suffice. As a matter of fact, I don’t even have a proper desk; as I write this, I am at Starbucks, enjoying an overpriced ice coffee. Just to illustrate my point, I will make a list of digital ways to have your “desk” be with you, no matter where you are:
- Gmail: This is a no brainer. I also have some tips on how to make Gmail do more for you.
- Remember the Milk: This great online task list tool will help you itemize and prioritize.
- Google Notebook: This little tool, along with its Firefox plugin, can really be invaluable. Check out how useful it can be!
- For more, check out my comprehensive list of great online apps!
More Productivity Tips
If my little rundown wasn’t enough for you, that’s alright. I am not too insulted… But I’ll tell you what; go read the lists by Andy, Dawud and the Practical Chick. And if that isn’t enough, then check out the full list of participants. And if your thirst for knowledge still isn’t quenched… well… tough cookies; I have nothing left.
Who Wants a Piece?
Ok, here comes my turn to tag! I choose David, Teresa, Ilker, and “Linky.”
Nice piece!
I’d love to have the option of working on a laptop in Starbucks (especially with my coffee adiction), but WiFi simply hasn’t reached that stage yet in the UK.
There are too few hotspots, and they charge ridiculous amounts of money for stupidly small amounts of access…
Well, it can be pretty ridiculously priced here too, but I just have a T-Mobile hotspot monthly subscription, so the rates aren’t that bad.
Thanks so much for the link love. I enjoyed your tips – especially clearing the desk. Something I’m going to do right now…
Hey J David,
I don’t feel that a desk is a necessary by any means, but as I do spend a fair amount of time at one it has to be tidy. I can’t focus with clutter.
Thanks for the tag by the way. I’ve just started my first ever meme and if you’re up for it I’d like to see your response?
Ciao tio.
Hi JD,
Ok, I am tagged, but I only know about links
Thanks, but euhm: what am I supposed to do now? I never understood that Tagged thingy buuuut, explain and I am in!
@David: I would love to participate!
@Linky: So basically, if you get tagged it is usually for a certain meme, or topic. In this case, it is a list of things that you do to be productive. For complete instructions, just check out the original post.
I was never aware of Google Notebook so I signed up for the service after reading this post (I’m already using Google Docs and gubb.net as an ad-hoc to-do list system so hopefully this will make things easier) – thanks for the tip!
[...] The Ultimate Guide to Productivity by J David Macor [...]
[...] in The Ultimate Guide to Productivity from JDavid [...]
[...] j david macor: itemize, prioritize, deadlines, desk. [...]
“Before you itemize, just make a list of the things you need to get done, in a very general sense. ”
You said it’s better to do on the computer… I sort of disagree about that… Productivity with computers increases, but it also decreases at times too. I like to write my lists of things to do on paper, even a post-it (several drafts later)… I something next to my screen not on it… and I can write these things down without distraction.
Other than all that mumbo jumbo… thanks for the nice read… and the links!
I use my Outlook for my tasks and deadlines. Since, I am completely computerized for my job, I prefer the “on the computer” method as it is always in my face.
Thanks for this site!
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Good observation, Ghettodefender!
And I think any American city would be just as risky, so that it was Chicago is beside the point, imo.
Hmmm
I also use my Outlook for my tasks and deadlines.
Cheers!
Thank you for link.
here’s hoping the yt editors and all-powerful analytics tool pick better clips than last year
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