An article in The New Yorker magazine entitled, “The Rise and Fall of Getting Things Done” summarized the personal productivity industry’s growth and development. The article concludes by recognizing the limitations of personal productivity and asking if there is a more effective way to accomplish our tasks. To clarify, the author suggests is that personal productivity tools alone are not a solution. In fact, we have to adjust our expectations and improve our communication to manage “our frenzied work lives.”
Expectations and Communication
Technology has created a world where we can be available 24 hours a day. But that doesn’t mean we should be available 24 hours a day. For example, within corporate cultures, management might implement some rules to facilitate employee productivity. These rules could include:
- No meetings on certain days or during specific times of the day.
- Ensure work tasks are equitably balanced among employees.
- Limit employees from attending meetings unrelated to their primary job tasks.
- Increase response time to non-urgent communication.
These rules can work equally well if you are a solopreneur. Although it can be much harder to adhere to the rules you set for yourself. However, by managing your own and your customers’ expectations at the beginning of each interaction, you can establish a reasonable pace and accomplish quality work.
Personal Productivity Tools
Establish your productivity philosophy first, then choose the productivity tools that best fit your philosophy. Over the years, I have written about many tools and apps that can help. Taking the time to get your physical workspace and office organized is a great start. Create a to-do list and make it work for you (and consider making a to-don’t list as well). Improve your skills on your existing software and invest in a password manager. Take some time to declutter and organize your email inbox too.
There are many personal productivity tools and systems you can use to help you become more effective. Out of Chaos would be happy to help you choose what works best for your business. Contact us today for a virtual or in-person productivity consultation.
