Book Excerpt
CONCLUSION
Since the questions we asked opened a window into a day in the life of a productivity expert, we wanted our final conclusion to reflect this. So, here’s our summary of what a productive day should look like.
The perfect day starts the night before. Outline your goals. Whether this is a simple to-do list or time blocking, make sure tomorrow’s objectives are clear. Then sleep on it.
Everyone needs a different amount of sleep. Know what works for you and structure your schedule around that. Nearly all of our experts cited adequate rest as essential to maintaining productivity.
Wake up bright and early. Leave enough time to spend at least an hour and a half preparing for the day. Whether it’s reading, yoga, Pilates, running or simply thinking. Follow this with a healthy breakfast and you’re good to go.
Get to work. Now that you’ve prepared mentally, it’s time to take on the day. This period is when you’re at your most productive, so use it wisely. Let the calls go to voicemail, put your cellphone on silent and don’t answer emails. Emails are rarely worth your most energized and motivated moments. Unless it’s a creative meeting, don’t take it.
If you need time constraints, use a timer! Or the Pomodoro Technique.
Once you’re into the afternoon, time block to focus on admin and less important tasks like responding to emails and taking meetings. This will stop you from getting distracted and help you to focus on one thing at a time.
Because your brain is slower, this is the best part of the day to incorporate technology. So, start up your favorite tried and tested apps and use them to help you take notes, see your reminders, book appointments and whatever else is important. And remember, saying “no” can be more productive than “yes”.
By this point, you should have had a highly productive day. So, use the evening to relax with friends or family. But remember: A little planning the night before can go a long way toward having a successful, fulfilling tomorrow.
CONCLUSION
Since the questions we asked opened a window into a day in the life of a productivity expert, we wanted our final conclusion to reflect this. So, here’s our summary of what a productive day should look like.
The perfect day starts the night before. Outline your goals. Whether this is a simple to-do list or time blocking, make sure tomorrow’s objectives are clear. Then sleep on it.
Everyone needs a different amount of sleep. Know what works for you and structure your schedule around that. Nearly all of our experts cited adequate rest as essential to maintaining productivity.
Wake up bright and early. Leave enough time to spend at least an hour and a half preparing for the day. Whether it’s reading, yoga, Pilates, running or simply thinking. Follow this with a healthy breakfast and you’re good to go.
Get to work. Now that you’ve prepared mentally, it’s time to take on the day. This period is when you’re at your most productive, so use it wisely. Let the calls go to voicemail, put your cellphone on silent and don’t answer emails. Emails are rarely worth your most energized and motivated moments. Unless it’s a creative meeting, don’t take it.
If you need time constraints, use a timer! Or the Pomodoro Technique.
Once you’re into the afternoon, time block to focus on admin and less important tasks like responding to emails and taking meetings. This will stop you from getting distracted and help you to focus on one thing at a time.
Because your brain is slower, this is the best part of the day to incorporate technology. So, start up your favorite tried and tested apps and use them to help you take notes, see your reminders, book appointments and whatever else is important. And remember, saying “no” can be more productive than “yes”.
By this point, you should have had a highly productive day. So, use the evening to relax with friends or family. But remember: A little planning the night before can go a long way toward having a successful, fulfilling tomorrow.
About the Book
Title: The Productivity Book
Author: Michael Brecht
Genre: Non-Fiction / Time Management
At Doodle, we understand that productivity isn’t how much you’re doing, it’s how much you get done. So, we spoke to 30 productivity and time management experts to figure out just how they do it. The result: The Doodle Productivity Book! It can’t make more hours in the day. But, it will show you how to get the most out of the time you do have, so you can work smarter, and not harder. Filled with personal stories, insightful anecdotes and sound advice, this book is a fresh examination of the habits that shape us—and how others have managed to break free of them.
Title: The Productivity Book
Author: Michael Brecht
Genre: Non-Fiction / Time Management
At Doodle, we understand that productivity isn’t how much you’re doing, it’s how much you get done. So, we spoke to 30 productivity and time management experts to figure out just how they do it. The result: The Doodle Productivity Book! It can’t make more hours in the day. But, it will show you how to get the most out of the time you do have, so you can work smarter, and not harder. Filled with personal stories, insightful anecdotes and sound advice, this book is a fresh examination of the habits that shape us—and how others have managed to break free of them.
Author Bio
http://productivity-book.com/
Twitter
http://michaelbrecht.com/
Buy the book on Amazon
- Since 02/2014 Doodle AG, Zurich/Berlin
- Since 2009 Founding Partner Tropfenjaeger
Online WineClub for selected clients in Europe. - 3 years Founding Partner 52weine Wine Shopping Club
Exit to strategic Investor Pallhuber in Germany - 5 years Goodingoo Media, Australia
Online Media, Marketing & Export Consulting Firm for Australian Businesses working in Asia - 3 years knowledgeTools, Berlin
Strategy Consultant and Acquisition of Growth Capital for Founder - 3 years Founding Partner and CEO of urbia.com
Leading family portal for the young family in Germany (today part of German Media company Gruner & Jahr) - 2 years Board Member GE Capital IT Solutions, UK
Restructuring and Integration of UK subsidiary in European parent company, further growth with two acquisitions in the UK - 7 years Managing Partner CompuNet, Berlin/Leipzig
Grew business from 5 to 300 employees in Berlin and former Eastern Germany, Exit to GE Capital subsidiary - 1984-89 WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management
Focus on Entrepreneurship, Finance and Marketing - 1982-84 Trainee at Deutsche Bank AG in Duesseldorf
http://productivity-book.com/
http://michaelbrecht.com/
Buy the book on Amazon
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