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Productivity & Time-Management

Share tips, processes, ideas, and advice - we all need it! ;)

Network Leader: Rebecca Thorman

Networks > Productivity & Time-Management

Rebecca Thorman They say that productivity drops dramatically after the 4th of July until the beginning of September. (http://bit.ly/ba5Sm8) My company is actually revving up, but it's still difficult sometimes to get into the swing of things. I try to exercise and do as much possible outside so when I'm inside working I don't feel bad about missing the sun. How do you fight the summer productivity blahs?

3 days ago from Productivity & Time-Management and Work/Life Blur

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Becky Benishek: Like Julia, I also try to walk during lunch. This means actually eating lunch at my desk before or after, but I don't mind that. I have a couple ...MoreLike Julia, I also try to walk during lunch. This means actually eating lunch at my desk before or after, but I don't mind that. I have a couple walking buddies which makes it all the more enjoyable. We don't always talk about work, either!
@Rebecca, at my old company I gave one of my friends a puffy paper sun (with sunglasses) to hang in her cube. It helped her all year round. :)
2 days ago

Chris Parker: I might be an oddity here but I suppose since there are morning and night people I guess there could be Summer and Winter people. I am more of a ...MoreI might be an oddity here but I suppose since there are morning and night people I guess there could be Summer and Winter people. I am more of a Winter person, so I get more productive in the Summer just because I do not like being out in the heat. When it is very cold in the Winter I stay inside as well. If it is between 30 and 50 is when I get less productive since that is when I want to be outside enjoying the weather.
2 days ago

Kenji Crosland Read this article recently which talks about a "Crisis in the personal development movement" (http://bit.ly/daLuaZ) Do you think the personal development movement needs to be more evidence based? It seems dangerous for self-help gurus to give advice based on anecdotes and their own personal observations alone when so many people rely on what they say.

4 days ago from Ask A Coach, Blogging Ideas and Productivity & Time-Management 1 more

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Kenji Crosland: @Slawomir - An interactive system would be good. I'm wondering what that would entail...

@Zachary - I agree. Improved performance of ...More@Slawomir - An interactive system would be good. I'm wondering what that would entail...

@Zachary - I agree. Improved performance of the client is probably the best measure. Scientific studies can't account for a the instinct that certain coaches may have to guide one person one way and another person another way. THAT can be difficult to quantify. Coaching studios WOULD be a good way of going about it. Different schools of thought can band together and determine what works best for them as coaches.

@Caroline - Regulation would be good, although I wonder how practical it would be. Maybe we could require every coach to get some sort of certification, like physical therapists or chiropractors? Or is coaching too "varied" a discipline to have such certs.
3 days ago

Caroline Ceniza-Levine: @Kenji, there already are certification programs so I don't know if the answer is more regulation especially there are so many forms of coaching. ...More@Kenji, there already are certification programs so I don't know if the answer is more regulation especially there are so many forms of coaching. As coaching requires a functional, action-oriented client I don't feel it's a stretch to require the client to do his/her own due dligience. When I hire coaches for myself, I don't value the certification, and I'd like to have the option to choose whom to hire.
3 days ago

Sabera (Kapasi) Photographer NEW post on my personal blog: The Dependent US visa and the educated spouse - How to constructively use your time: http://bit.ly/c1cAWp

3 days ago from Productivity & Time-Management and Personal Development

Frank L. Knorek Jr. I recently returned from vacation in NYC and Ocean City, NJ. Before this I was a workaholif and burned out. http://tiny.cc/0o7ry
What are your workaholic tendencies, and what strategies and actions have you taken to overcome them?

5 days ago from Productivity & Time-Management

Rebecca Thorman: I can be a workaholic. I really think exercise helps a lot. Not only does it help me be more productive, but restores a sense of balance as well. ...MoreI can be a workaholic. I really think exercise helps a lot. Not only does it help me be more productive, but restores a sense of balance as well. I like to run outside (not in a gym - it's not the same). I also have to consciously make plans with friends. And travel is great. I love to take an extra day or two when I have to travel for work, and I often travel with my boyfriend for his work too. We take a lot of weekend vacations too.
5 days ago

Chris Paugh: Frank, through the years I have found that if you don't plan some down time for yourself, no one else will! It is important to take that time and ...MoreFrank, through the years I have found that if you don't plan some down time for yourself, no one else will! It is important to take that time and rejuvenate and it will help you work more efficiently. I think it is all about discipline and balancing your life. Working should only be part of your life!
5 days ago

TOP IDEA: Sadya Siddiqui Shakespeare & Gen Y: instead of having a TO DO LIST , maybe its time we had a TO BE LIST. my theory is that if i cannot match each item on my to-do list with my to-be list , then something on each list is either redundant or missing. For example: To do list item: send cv to 2 recruiters...corresponds with....To be list item: to be part of a better work environment.

To be or not to be that, indeed, is the question- Shakespeare its seems was a personal development guru of his time.

7 weeks ago from Gen-Y Journey: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals, Productivity & Time-Management, Ask Penelope Trunk!, I am Gen Y and Personal Development 3 more

Krystle Chung, Colleen Brady, Christina, Aurian Campbell, Sa'adia Waseem, Nat B, Mae Buzen and Sophie Carter and 5 others recommended this

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Vivian Ajetunmobi: The one thing I'm sure I cannot live without is a to do list. The concept of the To BE LIST gives a different spin. I think it gives more purpose ...MoreThe one thing I'm sure I cannot live without is a to do list. The concept of the To BE LIST gives a different spin. I think it gives more purpose to the list and makes you more result oriented with the mentality that you are improving and getting better every day. Great idea
2 weeks ago

Sadya Siddiqui: @Julia and @Vivian, i later wrote a post on this on everydaybright.com More@Julia and @Vivian, i later wrote a post on this on everydaybright.com http://su.pr/1Jdo48 which is Jen G's blog . do check it out!
2 weeks ago

Ryan Paugh Are you making some time during the 4th of July weekend to relax? Catch up with family and friends? Not work? The 4th is always that time during the summer when I realize that I've been moving too fast and I need to slow down. Go outside and enjoy yourself this weekend. Hang out with the people that are important to you. The work will still be there next week.

Happy 4th of July!

4 weeks ago from Productivity & Time-Management, Work/Life Blur and Work-Family Balance 1 more

Julie Allemagne, Lois Wilson and blake hall recommended this

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Ty Unglebower: I just picked up the Samuel Adams Summer Ale for this purpose.
3 weeks ago

Christina: so very true! growing up that was my mom's favorite saying...the mess will always be there tomorrow but my kids will grow up fast...spending time ...Moreso very true! growing up that was my mom's favorite saying...the mess will always be there tomorrow but my kids will grow up fast...spending time with her came first! I loved it and think everyone should realize that work will always be there, those that are important to you may not.
3 weeks ago

Ronalda Koster Has anyone tried managing their time using Chrometa? Is it helpful to understand how you spent your day and where to minimize procrastination? Are there any other tools you would recommend that track the time you spend on your PC and online?

4 weeks ago from Productivity & Time-Management

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Carlee Mallard: Too bad they don't have a Mac version yet. It looks really cool though, so when they get a Mac version I'll definitely have to try it out.
3 weeks ago

Rebecca Thorman: I really like Chrometa, Ronalda because it's all automatic and when you're idle, it prompts you to tell it what you were doing. So smart!
3 weeks ago

Carmille 20 Quick Tips For Better Time Management: http://www.lifehack.org/?p=11815&akst_action=share-this

3 weeks ago from Productivity & Time-Management

Elysa Rice: if this were a test I'd fail. I'd fail at most "better time management" lists. I am queen ADD multitasker don't do schedules or routines very ...Moreif this were a test I'd fail. I'd fail at most "better time management" lists. I am queen ADD multitasker don't do schedules or routines very well. I find I'm most creative when I'm hoping from one thing to another. I drive some people crazy but it works for me.
3 weeks ago

Rebecca Thorman Hope you all had a fabulous 4th of July weekend! Loved mine - it's one of my favorite holidays! Who's working today? I have today off as a flex holiday, but will work enough so I can take it off another day. If you're working, are you at the office? Or are you just doing a bit from home?

3 weeks ago from Productivity & Time-Management, Human Resources, Madison MAGNET, The Madtown Crew and Work/Life Blur 3 more

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Jonathan Yankovich: I took the day as not much was going on, but I'm really looking forward to re-engaging this week. 4 days feels more like a sabbatical than a ...MoreI took the day as not much was going on, but I'm really looking forward to re-engaging this week. 4 days feels more like a sabbatical than a weekend! I am a freelance web developer and run the risk of forgetting that I have a job :) Currently opening up the week at Barriques in Fitchburg, looking at a grey sky and listening to old ladies eat scone.
3 weeks ago

Rebecca Thorman: Thanks for that picture, Jonathan. :) I'm looking forward to re-engaging fully today, but did quite a bit yesterday as well. Today is still ...MoreThanks for that picture, Jonathan. :) I'm looking forward to re-engaging fully today, but did quite a bit yesterday as well. Today is still "Monday" for me though, so it just feels like I was able to get ahead yesterday which is nice.
3 weeks ago

Rebecca Thorman I am not a fan of the image of a tortured artist and the prevalent paradigm of creatives moseying along until inspiration strikes and that they are the chosen for such talent. Real success has nothing to do with that and everything to do with hard work. Since I'm a huge fan of organization and spreadsheets, I loved this video of Joan Rivers (http://bit.ly/cF1JuG) showing her method for organizing the jokes of her decades-long career (I have a library card file too, Joan!)

4 weeks ago from Creatively Inspired, Productivity & Time-Management and Blogging Ideas 1 more

Annabel Candy recommended this

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David Macauley: I've always wanted one of the old wooden "card catalog" pieces of library furniture - now I have an excuse to buy one if the opportunity arises :)
3 weeks ago

Annabel Candy: Love this! And I don't think creatives need to be poor either:)I find an (unpublished or private) blog a good way to organise ideas too. Nothing ...MoreLove this! And I don't think creatives need to be poor either:)I find an (unpublished or private) blog a good way to organise ideas too. Nothing really beats paper though.
3 weeks ago

Karolyn Chowning The fiscal year ends tomorrow, and the buzz is thick in my department about reductions of programs and staff. I had to take a mini Brazen-break for my sanity.

How do you keep focused (and on what?) during this kind of uncertainty? How do you prioritize searching for other salary-jobs and determining the viability of freelance income while working full-time? How do you know when to leap?

4 weeks ago from Career Changers, Education, I am Gen Y, Government and Public-Sector and Productivity & Time-Management 3 more

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Stephanie Springer: I have been through this at a few places. It's hard to keep focused, unfortunately. At some point you have to ignore the rumors - and yet it's a ...MoreI have been through this at a few places. It's hard to keep focused, unfortunately. At some point you have to ignore the rumors - and yet it's a good idea to keep your eyes open. As far as freelancing goes, can you freelance on the side (as a slash job perhaps?) while continuing your full time job?

I ran across this the other day and it may be of use: Job hunting while on the job - LinkedIn is a great tool, but what else can you use to keep your job search a secret? http://pinn.it/12I
4 weeks ago

Karolyn Chowning: Thanks Stephanie! It's nice to know that this has happened before & it'll happen again.

A little bit of everything (and none ...MoreThanks Stephanie! It's nice to know that this has happened before & it'll happen again.

A little bit of everything (and none of it at work!) is my plan for now... and at work, there's deep breathing and developing a marketing plan for my program to quell my fears.
4 weeks ago

Sara Gallagher Can playing World of Warcraft earn you a promotion? Forbes suggests it's possible. http://cptl.st/deBqIc

My response, from the perspective of a recovering gamer, is here: "Ding! The World of Workplace http://bit.ly/anQsa9

What do you think? Are video games worth the time suck to learn strategy, teamwork, and what Hagel calls the "questing disposition?"

4 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs, Productivity & Time-Management and Gen-Y Journey: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals 1 more

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Raquel Elle Bell: I have a client who has built an entire company around this concept it's called Executive Command. It utilizes strategy gaming to help leaders ...MoreI have a client who has built an entire company around this concept it's called Executive Command. It utilizes strategy gaming to help leaders understand how their teams work together. It also incorporates role reversals to put team members in leadership roles and leaders in team member roles. It's a great tool and coupled with strategy development and leadership development it completes the package. Here's the link http://www.executive-command.com/
4 weeks ago

Stephen Alred: I think it depends on how you are found out by an employer. If they are in the game and notice that you are taking initiative that you normally ...MoreI think it depends on how you are found out by an employer. If they are in the game and notice that you are taking initiative that you normally don't take in the office. It may put you on their radar for a promotion.
4 weeks ago

Ryan Paugh I can't believe that it's almost July! I feel like I've barely had a chance to enjoy the Summer yet. Does anybody else feel this way? How are you making time to do the summertime activities that you love without falling behind at work. Maybe you just have to accept the fact that some of your work stuff is going to have to wait until later ... What do you think? Help me out so I can start enjoying my Summer :)

5 weeks ago from The Adventurous, Outgoing, Free Men/Women, Productivity & Time-Management and Travel Addicts 1 more

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Ryan Paugh: @Kelly -- Great advice! I find that I'm very productive right before and right after I go on vacation. I'm productive beforehand because I am ...More@Kelly -- Great advice! I find that I'm very productive right before and right after I go on vacation. I'm productive beforehand because I am very motivated to get ahead and I'm productive afterward because I feel refreshed.
4 weeks ago

Kyle Callahan: @Ryan -- you know what that all means don't you? We should get more paid vacation time! Businesses would be so much more efficient, because ...More@Ryan -- you know what that all means don't you? We should get more paid vacation time! Businesses would be so much more efficient, because employees would be more rested and more energized to work.
4 weeks ago

JenG Have you seen Sadya's brilliant guest post on my blog about ditching To-Do lists and creating To-Be lists instead? It's nothing short of brilliant. Not only is it her first time writing a blog post, it's the first guest post I've hosted. Here's to a wonderful set of firsts! http://su.pr/1Jdo48

5 weeks ago from Productivity & Time-Management, Personal Development, Blogging Ideas, Brazen Bloggers and Creating a Life You Love 3 more

Annabel Candy, Ryan Paugh, Elysa Rice, Sadya Siddiqui and Stacyann Forrester and 2 others recommended this

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Delta Waters: in the end...i mean The End...the inbox will still be full...it never goes away. it is a curse of our western culture. i've seen perfectly laid ...Morein the end...i mean The End...the inbox will still be full...it never goes away. it is a curse of our western culture. i've seen perfectly laid back people drawn into the eddy of constant activity. this is a great thread...like you said, it's very individual. even activities that are meant to relax us like exercise, a movie, etc become part of the to-do list. i'm convinced that everyone just needs to take a nap...the great equalizer.
4 weeks ago

Sadya Siddiqui: yup Delta, no matter what we do, we will always have a to-do list. maybe its a good thing , its a reminder that u need to move forward in life. ...Moreyup Delta, no matter what we do, we will always have a to-do list. maybe its a good thing , its a reminder that u need to move forward in life. but when it hits on ur self-esteem u have to wonder abt it. remember how in the old days a teacher wud a make a kid write a sentence 100 times as punishment, well thats what my to-do list felt like , only thing was i was the teacher & the kid.
4 weeks ago

TOP IDEA: Grace Boyle I'm in the midst of completing an annual review for the startup I work for (been there almost 2 years!) We're feeling a little more grown-up and it's the first time we're doing them (formally). As I was filling out some of the questions, adding objectives, goals, looking back, etc. I thought how useful it was.

Then I thought, what do entrepreneurs do? How do you track your goals if you're working alone (ahem, lifestyle design)? How do you follow your progression and give yourself milestones?

4 weeks ago from Work/Life Blur, Web Startups, Inspiring Leadership and Productivity & Time-Management 2 more

Erin Lariviere How do you make time for yourself? When you've got back-to-back meetings and calls, how do you Tungle some time for yourself to get things done and maintain sanity?

http://www.tungle.me/Home/blog/4-ways-to-tungle-yourself-some-time/

5 weeks ago from Tungle.me - Meetings made easy, Productivity & Time-Management and Blogworld 2010 1 more

Elysa Rice recommended this

Danielle Bullen: @Erim, I shut off the Outlook email alert and check email at specific times during the day, not every time the little bell dings.
5 weeks ago

Rebecca Thorman: I schedule time in for myself, just like I schedule everything else. I've increasingly been making the work/life boundaries clearer so that when ...MoreI schedule time in for myself, just like I schedule everything else. I've increasingly been making the work/life boundaries clearer so that when I'm home I don't have to worry about work and just have "play time" - I also love exercising which is some of the best "me time" we can have that also makes me feel productive :)
5 weeks ago

Lindsay Keegan Can anyone recommend an online product management tool they've been able to use successfully (ie Basecamp)? I have so much going on, and not having a way to sort it all out and get to it online is really stressing me out. I've tried Toodledoo, but I'm not having much success.

4 weeks ago from Productivity & Time-Management

Rebecca Thorman: You might want to check out/google The Action Method (from Behance), Remember The Milk, and Teux Deux. The Action Method is gaining in popularity ...MoreYou might want to check out/google The Action Method (from Behance), Remember The Milk, and Teux Deux. The Action Method is gaining in popularity from Scott Belsky's book Making Ideas Happen. Personally, I created my own system in Google Spreadsheets so I could customize it... works for me :) Good luck!
4 weeks ago

4 weeks ago from Productivity & Time-Management

Ellen Nordahl What resources have you found to be valuable in time management? At Epic, all employees receive a copy of "Getting Things Done" by David Allen, and everyone has a professional development fund to put toward materials that are beneficial to their career development. I'm putting some of mine toward "Rework" by Jason Fried, but I would love to hear any recommendations for productivity-focused books.

5 weeks ago from Epic, Project Managers and Productivity & Time-Management 1 more

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Ellen Nordahl: Great advice! I've noticed a lot of articles about the pitfalls of multitasking lately - the Harvard Business Review blog has offered several ...MoreGreat advice! I've noticed a lot of articles about the pitfalls of multitasking lately - the Harvard Business Review blog has offered several thought-provoking posts on the subject.

How (and why) to Stop Multitasking: http://blogs.hbr.org/bregman/2010/05/how-and-why-to-stop-multitaski.html

In Defense of Multitasking: http://blogs.hbr.org/silverman/2010/06/in-defense-of-multitasking.html

I'll definitely look in to the Lifehacker book (I read the site daily), and I'm intrigued to learn that there's a follow-up to Allen's first book. Your Brain at Work also sounds like an interesting read. Keep up the awesome suggestions! (And Eric - I agree - it is great to feel like your company is truly devoted to providing the resources you need to stay sharp and on top of your game).
5 weeks ago

John Heartlein: Autofocus has worked for me.
MoreAutofocus has worked for me.
http://blog.alecsatin.com/autofocus4/
5 weeks ago

Vickie Elmer I'm working on some articles and blog posts on time management and productivity for creative types - in part to improve my own performance and learn as I write. What's the one tool you find most useful in managing your time, energy and focus? And what are the big time wasters you're trying to shrink or escape from? (I've cut back on Twitter and Facebook lately and it seems to give me more time for summer joy and productive work.)

5 weeks ago from Productivity & Time-Management

Rebecca Thorman There are lots of funny noises in our office today since so many of our guys are watching the US-Algeria game. We have a gym with a large TV where half the office is sitting with their laptops and a great many others are watching it from their computers. Still others stayed home to watch the game! Has your company been watching the World Cup? Have you? Are you even trying to get work done this morning?

5 weeks ago from Alice.com, Productivity & Time-Management, Fit Freaks, Rant Sports and Women in Sports 3 more

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ChaChanna Simpson: We are all watching at our computers and yelling at them. It's nice to know I'm not the only one not doing any work.
5 weeks ago

Cameron Plommer: This is one perk of being unemployed ;)

Good to hear your work environments aren't slave drivers and stopping people from watching ...MoreThis is one perk of being unemployed ;)

Good to hear your work environments aren't slave drivers and stopping people from watching such an important game!
5 weeks ago

Erin Lariviere Complete this statement: "What I hate most about meetings is...."

7 weeks ago from Tungle.me - Meetings made easy and Productivity & Time-Management

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JRandom42: what Dilbert has been talking about sincd 1990.
5 weeks ago

Carlita Pitts: Nothing being accomplished. You brainstorm all of these great (or not so great) ideas and nothing gets implemented. A complete waste of time.
5 weeks ago

Rebecca Thorman Our CEO and President are traveling again today. It's so interesting how quiet it gets when they're not here. Not bad, just different. Does your boss' physical presence make a difference in your office? What does your answer say about the future of things like co-working, telecommuting and flexible work arrangements? Do you need to be face-to-face with your team to be successful?

6 weeks ago from The Boss-Employee Relationship, Travel for Business, Alice.com, Productivity & Time-Management and Coworking 3 more

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Jennifer Koren: I have managed in both an office an environment and also a work from home environment and I can 100% say that you do not need to be face-to-face ...MoreI have managed in both an office an environment and also a work from home environment and I can 100% say that you do not need to be face-to-face to have a successful team.

Actually I feel like people are more focused when they are not in the office since all of the office politics are non-existent. Excellent communication skills and having a stellar staff is a must for telecommuting but if you structure it correctly and have the right equipment then there is no need to work face to face.

My current staff is positioned all over the east coast and works all different hours. We have our own internal community as well as video conferences and trainings to keep the communication flowing on a daily basis to ensure that we all stay connected.

I do have an office to go to but when I go in I am distracted by the office politics and social atmosphere and it takes a few hours off of my day where I could have been more productive.
6 weeks ago

Lee Thompson: I agree with Jennifer...in having the flexibility to work from home a few days a week or to go into the office, either works. Face-to-face a few ...MoreI agree with Jennifer...in having the flexibility to work from home a few days a week or to go into the office, either works. Face-to-face a few of times a month seems to work well enough for the group in which I work and for me.
6 weeks ago

Ronalda Koster Can you multi-task with precision and focus?
I’d love to coin myself a “super multitasker”, afterall I did have 6 applications, 8 browser windows, 12 queries, a phone call and several emails on the go while completing two quick multitasking tests. How did you do?
http://theinsighteffect.wordpress.com/2010/06/13/are-you-a-multitasker/

6 weeks ago from Productivity & Time-Management

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Justin P Williams: That's a clear cut case of multitasking if you ask me.
6 weeks ago

Jeremy Tadman: The rule of thumb is if two things are related, then it's two actions but carrying out the same "task". It's clear that cleaning the house and ...MoreThe rule of thumb is if two things are related, then it's two actions but carrying out the same "task". It's clear that cleaning the house and participating in a conference call aren't related.

On the other hand, unless you're vacuuming, this would be a fairly limited and (mostly) harmless form of multitasking as the two activities use completely different faculties (conf call: speech and hearing. Cleaning: eyes and hands). You risk missing a spot or accidentally missing something the people on the call are saying, but depending on the situation this might not necessarily be all that bad.

As with most things, it's all about balance.
6 weeks ago