Have you ever considered what your typical day really looks like? Or how it may change somewhat systematically based on week, month, quarter, or even season?
I’ve been more interested in these types of things recently as I’ve entered into a familiar season of life and am beginning to exit one that’s lasted for 7 years. The point of attempting to take a step back explicitly and intentionally is to log these changes in my own rhythm of life so that I can not only document them but begin to optimize them.
You see, these seasons have come and gone more than a few times and although I feel like I’m getting better at managing them, working in them, and expressing them to those that matter most (like my wife who has to “deal” with me the most) I still know that it’s not enough to just muck through it and expect the very best.
As I result I’ve been detailing in my notebook what my days look like, attempting to discover patterns that work and the environments that I find myself in when I really begin to hit my stride.
Have you ever considered doing this for your work?
You may find a number of interesting things about yourself, such as:
- The time of day that is most optimal for very specific tasks.
- The types of things you eat that really seem to accelerate your work.
- Certain people that really get your juices flowing that really accelerate your work and your energy levels.
- There are certain types of conversations that really just “work” and then there are those that really don’t – conversations that take away from your energy levels.
- It seems that certain applications and tools provide more joy in their use than others. Making note of them.
And the list goes on and on. I coach and mentor others to find these things explicitly but I do it even for myself time and time again. If your goal is to be more productive, more collaborative, and more successful in the things that you do (or plan to do) then it behooves you to optimize your workflow and typical day structure.
What about you? Have you ever tried this activity in an explicit way? What’s it going to take?
John, I am REALLY loving your posts lately. Extremely inspiring and thought provoking. Keep it up!
Yes! I agree. John, you really are providing some great content.
Great thoughts John, this is something I really should do more of so that I make sure I’m spending my time in the best ways possible.
it’s quite simple to do.
I would be interested to see a sample of your notebook to get an idea of how exactly you do the planning.
it wouldn’t impress you at all.
I have been trying to do the same with my days lately. I have been trying to optimize the time I have throughout the day and week. I’m also finding out the types of tasks that I need to complete and what’s the most efficient way and environment to complete them. I thought that my bus rides in the morning would be a great time to do create content, but find out it’s a better time to consume content. Do you group the tasks like that? Are there things you find are easier to get done at Starbucks vs in the 8BIT office?
yes. definitely. there are certain things that just are done better in certain isolated environments.
Great Thoughts,
Most of the people I coach try to reinvent themselves to be productive rather than discovering themselves. It is especially important to look at what your season of life is. Right now I have four kids under 8 yrs old so writing in the evenings is not possible anymore. If I want time to read or write I need to get up before them or catch quiet chunks of time somewhere.
Thanks again for the great post.
Oh, that’s very interesting – the idea of reinventing yourself vs. discovering yourself. Going to ponder that.
yes. agreed dorian!
Great post, John. I am embarking today on Attempt 3,057 to optimize my day. I homeschool while working from home and so my day is very hectic. I get into a rut of trying to do these things simultaneously – I can answer emails while sitting next to the kids as they do their math, etc., – but it really works better if I set aside chunks during the day that are solely for one purpose. Like right now – I’m not supposed to be on the computer. But they’re all working happily, so…I should still get off the computer. You’ll have to excuse me.
…
#LOL! you made me laugh.
John, you’ve been providing some thoughtful content lately (though your stuff is usually pretty good. LOL).
Actually, I’ve been thinking last night and this morning about your post from yesterday. What really struck me as somewhat profound was this statement: “Execute. Do the work. Get it done. Do it with excellence.”
Do it with excellence. Great stuff!
thanks charles! i’ve got old posts that are coming into fruition.
Great thoughts. Productivity and reflection are highly correlated for success. If you know your engery levels and can manipulate your day accordingly, it will only improve your productivity (and probably your happiness too).
um. yes on the last part!
John,
Your intentionality about time management is very provoking! Good stuff, man.
thanks! i don’t have it down perfectly but I try!
Great stuff as always John. I’ve been crazy busy for months now but am always reading and sending people your way for knowledge. Just wanted to say hey.
That’s a good idea. Journaling the day to find the patterns. Thanks for that idea. I might do it.
you definitely should!