- The Productive Solopreneur
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- TPS #14 How to Productivity: Simplified
Welcome Back Solopreneurs,
Hunter here.
It seems like everyone and their mother has "new" ways to be productive. Everyone claims to be an expert at showing you how to win back your time through productivity "hacks."
But today, I'm not going to do that.
I'll be the first to tell you... I'm not an expert.
I'm just a solopreneur making his way in this world.
But I have learned a thing or two from working full-time, going to school full-time, and starting a business online simultaneously.
Keep in mind, these are beliefs and concepts that served me well & they might not serve you well.
That's okay.
Whatever works for you is the best thing for you to do.
Let's dive in.
Productivity: Simplified.
Everything I have read about productivity boils down to 5 main components.
Prioritize Tasks
Eliminate Distractions
Utilize Technology
Take Breaks
Keep it Simple
Let's dig a little bit deeper– On the surface, these are just too basic and not all that helpful.
1. Prioritize Tasks
I prioritize each task into one of five tags in my workflow setup. (In this order)
Meetings
Quick Tasks
P1
P2
P3
I prioritize meetings above all because they are time constrained. Meaning it requires my full and undivided attention.
Next, I have quick tasks, things I can do in 5-10 minutes that aren't a part of my deep work blocks.
Finally, we have P1,2,&3.
These are my priority status on what I will do each day in my deep work blocks and how important they are for me to complete.
Some things can always be pushed off to the next day. It's just the way it is.
2. Eliminate Distractions
Sounds easy enough right?
But in this modern age, it's harder than ever.
My phone is constantly dinging with notifications, and the worst part is that none of them are ever that important.
Most of the time, they can wait. All I'm doing by responding or checking them is pulling my focus out of my work.
What do I do to counteract this?
For starters, I start by turning my phone on Do Not Disturb/
But recently, I also tried out this new station called Brain.fm and it has been fantastic for getting me into the flow state.
Finally, I set a timer—something to remind me of what I'm doing in the first place. At any time, I can look over and see the time ticking down, reminding me to get back to work.
3. Utilize Technology.
But don't get caught up trying to use technology for everything. It's meant to help us be more productive, not taking time away from us constantly searching for the *right* productivity app.
As I'm sure you know by now, I use Notion. But there are SO many great alternatives like:
• Rome• Obsidian• Evernote• Google Keep
I could keep going.
The point is:
Pick the ones that work for you, and run with them.
It doesn't have to be perfect or pretty at first. (It never is)
Let chaos reign, then reign in the chaos.
4. Take Breaks
But what? How? Why? When??I know. It's counterintuitive.
But, letting your mind relax by going for a walk or going to the gym allows creativity to spark.
99% of the time, if I'm stuck or don't know what to write about, a nice long walk will fix that.
If you try to be productive every waking hour, you will burn out faster than a match in the rain.
I like to take around a 2-3 hour break in the afternoon to go the gym (if I didn't in the morning), take a walk, read a book, or just indulge in my guilty pleasures. I find that after the 2 hours, I come back to my work more refreshed than ever.
5. Keep it simple
Possibly the most important tip on this list.
Do not underestimate the power of simplicity. I don't know about you, but when I work, sometimes I end up making my task so much more complex than it needs to be.
Even as I'm writing this, I have had another realization about a project I need to do. (not kidding)
I'm telling you, this works. Keep it simple.
Well, there you have it.
As you can tell, I'm no expert.
But the beautiful part is, you don't need to be.
All you really need is the discipline to stay focused and the ambition to want to get things done. (That's for another issue)Anyways, I would love to hear your favorite productivity tip. Reply to this email and I'll be sure to message you back.
I'll see you back here next Saturday.
Best,
Hunter.
Whenever you're ready, there are 2 ways I can help you.
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