FROM: Study Hacks (edited)
1. Choose a schedule that provides the ideal balance of effort and relaxation.
2. Take drastic action to avoid violating this schedule.
You may have to dramatically cut your number of projects, change your daily habits and upset people.
Example:
I have two types of project so I have two project lists. At any one moment I’m only working on the top project from each list. When I finish one, I move to the next. No time is wasted switching between many projects.
When a new project appears I estimate when it will get to the top of the list and promise a delivery date. People will accept a distant due date if you deliver.
If my queue is too crowded to get a project done in time, I turn it down.
If a project starts to take too much time, I drop it.
If something very important comes along, I drop the less important project. No one really cares about small scale efforts. You are judged on your important projects.
I work where no one can find me.
I start early. Sometimes real early.
I don’t tolerate procrastination.
I check and respond to email only a few times a day. I always respond within a reasonable timeframe and get things done so people adjust.
Habit-based schedules: I do regularly occurring work at a fixed time on a fixed date. For instance, I write blog posts on Sunday morning.
See also:
Procrastination Tips
Focus on Process Not Results
Do Bad Plans Cause Procrastination
Rigid Rules For Productivity
The Virtue of Short Term Goals
How To Succeed Without Willpower
20 Minute Rule for Productivity
