Productivity

OP started with:

"I think I am at least somewhat more productive than average, and people sometimes ask me for productivity tips. So I decided to just write them all down in one place."

If you're not interested in productivity tips, maybe don't read and comment on posts that are titled "Productivity" and start with a paragraph like this? I kind of sense that you want to have a meta-level discussion on whether we should worry about optimizing productivity in the first place, but sometimes the article just isn't for you, you know?

Given there is only so much time in the say I've always looked at productivity as a way to minimize wasting said time. Some people opt to fill in the time gained with more work and some people choose to use the time gained for leisure. Both are correct as long as you are still maintaining a healthy balance.

Which programmer enjoys typing, or which builder enjoys the physical activity itself? It's about the way to the end result, getting from nothing to something, or not? For the professor it would be the understanding and success of his pupils.

The stuff in between nothing and something, especially what you don't like, could be an opportunity if theres nothing in reach that already solves the problem.

Although not an opus on the subject, you may enjoy this article: https://aeon.co/essays/take-your-time-the-seven-pillars-of-a...

Great points and very similar to how I have evolved for productivity.

I like/have to create/maintain lists as well to offload, the lists/todos need to be lightweight as well so that it doesn't become a chore but an exploratory period where you get prepped. Sam's way of writing them on paper, starring important ones and transferring them also help with the thought process on them. I have lists/todos for ideas, immediate tasks and long term tasks. I make a onesheet document for everything I am working on and it helps as a jump off point to get started.

To help with efficiency I use RescueTime and pomodoro to get started or a check on when the balance of productivity is out of wack. Use tricks like leaving a compile issue or nearly completed item at night to wake up and start in on. Starting is the hardest part, fool yourself by telling yourself you will just work for 20 minutes or a few pomodoros at the start, those days end up being my most productive many times.

The ideas on working efficiently and when you tire switch to something else or take a break are good. Sometimes you have to crunch but as long as there are breaks and that isn't the norm it is good discipline and professional.

Engineers/programmers don't take into account the health aspect enough. The points on health and sleep are also very important for the right mental motivation. Get up and move around every hour, have a sit/stand desk, eat an apple, eat well most of the time and be well rested. Use motivational tools like music and when stuck move around, do pushups, crouches etc to get the blood flowing. I have different music tracks for 'get it done' and 'ship it' times, like Mitch Murder or Blood Brothers [1]

Schedule in time for leisure and don't be mad at yourself if you need to chillax, games are great to get you thinking quickly. Allow some padding for times when you get in a rut, get out and do something fun with the family or friends.

Make sure you get done what you set out to get done every day and adjust as you learn more about your capacity/style if you aren't meeting that. Capacity is good lighter, it is better to get more done than you planned than getting lots done and feeling bad because you didn't get it all done.

Have a regular delivery and ship early and often.

[1] https://soundcloud.com/maddecent/sets/blood-bros-series