10 life hacks for better productivity

10 Life Hacks For Better ProductivitySimon Guest, Neudesic

10. Where is your time going?» Analyze your calendar - pie chart of your time

» Use RescueTime

» How much time doing work vs. Facebook?

9. GTD Methodology» Learn GTD (Getting Things Done) Methodology from

David Allen

» Most people do not have a system for managing their workload

» Many people still carry everything in their head

8. Task Organization» Many different task lists around

» Experiment with the ones that work with you, and learn to trust it

» My favorite is a variant of TaskPaper

7. Capture Ideas at the Right Time» The best ideas come at some really random times

-- Shower, in bed, at grocery store, etc.

» Pen and paper by the bed - I thought of this presentation at 5.20am on Sunday!

» Email/call myself a task when I'm on the road

6. Apply Agile Principles to your work week» Weekly sprint to plan week

» Daily "standup" to check task list

» Regular backlog grooming

5. Learn to Delegate» If there is nothing to learn, and your

participation is non critical, delegate

» Not direct order, but maybe an opportunity for someone more junior to learn?

» Delegate using SMART technique-- Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely

4. Use Tools More Efficiently» What are your mundane tasks?

» Common tools are so powerful, but underused most of the time

» Learn keyboard shortcuts - how much can you do without touching the mouse?

3. Structure your day» When do you work your best? Morning or Afternoon?

-- Structure the day accordingly

» Dedicated time for catching up with news/email-- Then shut it all off while you work

» For creative/development time, make sure you take breaks-- Pomodoro Technique

2. What's your hourly rate?» Set yourself an hourly rate based on your income

level

» For example, $50 per hour

» Would you pay $100 to attend that 2 hour meeting?

1. Mind/Body Connection» The mind cannot function effectively without good

health-- Sleep: Minimum of 8 hours-- Exercise: Everyday-- Food: Diet that improves your mental performance

» Don't be frightened to prioritize your health-- Avoid the mindset that 80 hour work week makes you a hero

Top Ten Again--- 10. Where is your time going?--- 9. GTD Methodology--- 8. Task Organization--- 7. Capture Ideas at the Right Time--- 6. Apply Agile Principles to your day--- 5. Learn to Delegate--- 4. Use Tools More Efficiently--- 3. Structure your day--- 2. What's your hourly rate?--- 1. Mind/Body Connection

Thank you!