Last night, as I was making my to-do list for today, I smiled contently at "komment on Neville's great post".

 

I also note, for each day, a couple of habits I'm working on - a simple checkbox for habit stacking, a line to scrible some gratitude, and a broad time block schedule.

 

Also, 3 daily goals and the most important thing to do for the day.

 

Then, at the end of the day, a quick review and setting the stage for the morrow.

Nice system Katz!

 

I used to have a GIANT to-do list of stuff, but by the end of every day I still felt "not accomplished" and "unsatisfied" I still had so much work left.

 

But different people work well differently, so this is a great little system that works for you, awesome!!

Hey Toluwanimi I feel ya....definitely created an endless to-do list when you add to the same day.

 

I like the 10 items idea! I usually don't put a limit on the number of items on the to-do list but I agree, if it gets SUPER LONG it's unlikely I'll do allllll of them!

Thank you Ruheth, much appreciated! I'll try to give more game 😏

That's awesome Yotam!

 

I actually used to do the 3 daily goals thing also (not sure where I picked that up from....maybe one of those journal things).

 

I did for about 20 days or so, but usually the goals ended up being the same thing over and over so I stopped.

 

Whatever helps make a day better I'm down with, so glad you found a great system!!

Hey Macky so glad this has helped you already!

 

I've been using this same system for YEEAAARRSSS now and it's been great.

 

As for ear phones, I personally use earplugs a lot when working as it drowns out noise from the outside world:

https://copywritingcourse.com/ear-plugs/

 

....but if you're in an office setting then big earphones definitely help deflect people from talking to you.

 

Awesome you have a system in place for productivity :)

Hey Sadaf thank you very much, and glad this works for you! Possibly book-worthy comment :)

 

It's crazy how effective a small sentence like, “I’ve got it on my to-do list for tomorrow” can completely change expectations.

 

Hope you start using it and it helps keep you more sane with work :)

Hey Jagadeash sounds like you've got a great plan in place for accomplishing all your tasks, congrats!!

Oh geez, those voice notes are super annoying!!

 

I'm not sure if it's appropriate to say, but if someone sends me a long video or voice note, I simply respond with, "Too long, can you plz summarize?"

 

....and they usually will respond via email or text with what they want!

Hey Nico, then use this method and it will make you far happier!

 

I actually get a little "addicted" to trying to finish my to-do lists....which keeps me productive.

 

This might possibly be book-worthy :)

Hey Marisa, at the end of the post I address this. Basically if you say "I'll have this by 3pm tomorrow" (or something like that), and they need something much quicker they will tell you right away.

 

You can also ask "When exactly do you need this by?" so you can clarify the question and everyone is on the same page!

Thanks Emma! I noticed that Tweet got a lot of attention so I decided to make a slightly more in depth blog post to show/explain the process. You were heard :-)

Glad you liked it Gary, I've definitely got a lot of use out of this method and hope you do too :-)

That's a great tip Marian!

Oh wow, glad you have a system that works so well for you Angelo! Possibly a book-worthy comment :)

Oh that's an interesting way to make sure you don't get bombarded with work right away!

Hey Neville,

 

Great tips ESPECIALLY about not adding stuff same day. I tend to do that which leads to burn out fast because it's never "done". I get trapped like a  hamster on a wheel.

 

One other trick I use for myself is to employ the Pomodoro technique (timed sessions of 25 minute and then a small break) to make sure I'm getting up. Sometimes I'll put on an 80s tune and dance or play with my pups or step outside for a bit.

 

Working at home I can get stuck in the same position for a while if I don't set my timer and I start to lose energy fast if I'm not moving!

 

There are online apps that can time you like this free tomato timer

or sometimes I use an actual egg timer like this one

 

Thanks again!

Completing my tasks each day is always a tough one for me. I struggle through it because it is always must to achieve with limited time.

 

I have no system or tips I follow but with this you have sent, I will try it out and see how effective it will be.

 

Thanks Neville!

Put a timer on for each task so you don't end up doing the same task for 3 hours. Usually the Pomodoro method is what I use with 30 minutes doing one task and then 5 minutes pause and then back to 30 minutes.

 

Sometimes, 30 minutes is not enough for a task but having these reminders help keeping track of time.

I do a variation of this. As a copywriter, I don't want my clients to get used to getting an immediate reply. I will often schedule my assignments to go out later than I finish them. Agree, you have to train clients to respect your time. 95% of them are totally fine, but there's always one or two who think you're at their disposal 24/7/365.

1. To do list

2. Ear plugs

3. Pomodoro (timer) method

 

p.s. thanks for the reminder about not adding more things to the list.

 

p.p.s. after about 8-ish years reading your blog, I still get something out of it. Love seeing your emails.

 

p.p.p.s. when does the student become the master?

I use 1 and 2, but never been a big Pomodoro person for some reason (although soooo many people love it)!

 

Glad you've been following along for so long, maybe a book is in order. I'll send it to Bamboozal :-P

Great tip Myri! So many people use the Pomodoro Method, I should probably give it another whirl :)

Well hopefully this system helps you Helen!