So what todo list software do you use?
Fooling myself to work
11–20 of 81 posts
Re: Fooling myself to work
#12I actually like your advice but it's such an obvious sales pitch for your software. Your ulterior motives make me nauseous. P.S. I would probably try your software if it wasn't stuck in windows land. Why not make a WebApp?
Reminded me a lot about GTD, for that there's Things (OS X/ iOS) and I also know of http://gtd-free.sourceforge.net/
Re: Fooling myself to work
#13I can not recall that exact title of the book something about ants and elephants (looked on amazon - did not recognize those books) but these are my takeaways from it:
1. state your goals
2. write down your milestones - must be actual measurable metrics
3. write reasons why you will not reach them - expect the unexpected; yes you can not expect all the unexpected but this is preparing you so that when there are issues, which are guaranteed to happen, this is how you need to respond without your emotions totally taking over.
4. Write down what you will do when you encounter these problems. Again be specific. Think of this a as a recipe book/play book.
5. write down the rewards you will give to yourself for each milestone achieved. You need to put a positive feedback loop as incentive. Worked in kindergarten with goldstars.
6. and from the another book: Influencer: The Power to Change Anything answer the 2 Qs:
Do I think I can do it? (meaning skills and resources)
Is it worth it to me to do it?
Wow, a lot of work? Sure is. Worth it. Yes.
Re: Fooling myself to work
#14#9 is perhaps the best tip (start thinking about your most important task before you goto sleep). Particularly in combination with #3 (do a specific task first thing when you wake up and start at the computer).
I find that 'working momentum' is highest beginning as soon as the computer turns on in the morning. For this reason, each day I will typically schedule 3 hours of focus on one specific task/project/vision; before doing anything else. Trust me, anything you focus on for a solid 3 hours a day will eventually get done... probably sooner than you expect.
Re: Fooling myself to work
#15So what todo list software do you use?
I'm also a big fan of swift to-do list. Really well made and simple to use.
The lite version is a free-to-use download.
Re: Fooling myself to work
#16I actually like your advice but it's such an obvious sales pitch for your software. Your ulterior motives make me nauseous. P.S. I would probably try your software if it wasn't stuck in windows land. Why not make a WebApp?
I thought the list was good without having any intention of looking at the software mentioned. Also, if I were to write a similar list I would probably mention a bunch of software in a similar tone as the author does, except I would obviously not be the author of any of the software.
Re: Fooling myself to work
#17A pretty good list of tips, however I've gotten more mileage over the years by digging deeper into my procrastination to understand its roots. Most often than not there is some fear or dissatisfaction tied to the procrastination that needs to be heard. Checking in with myself and becoming aware of these deeper feelings forms the foundation on which long term productivity is possible.
Re: Fooling myself to work
#18Counter-experience to 2. Not eating at the computer:
I used to take a break to eat food - I'd watch TV or read a magazine while eating. However, this context switch would be costly, and when I got back to the computer, I'd be starting to get tired from digesting the food.
By coding while eating slowly, I was able to realise massive productivity gains. This only works if, like me, you don't mind eating luke warm food.
Then, instead, I'd take the break/nap after eating, and would not have my productivity affected by the energy spent digesting the food.
Re: Fooling myself to work
#19#9 is perhaps the best tip (start thinking about your most important task before you goto sleep). Particularly in combination with #3 (do a specific task first thing when you wake up and start at the computer). I find that 'working momentum' is highest beginning as soon as the computer turns on in the morning. For this reason, each day I will typically schedule 3 hours of focus on one specific task/project/vision; be…
I'm not so sure about that. Thinking about work before going to sleep is also a pretty good way to make it hard to fall asleep, especially if it's something stressful. And lack of sleep is my #1 cause of loss of work efficiency.
Re: Fooling myself to work
#20A pretty good list of tips, however I've gotten more mileage over the years by digging deeper into my procrastination to understand its roots. Most often than not there is some fear or dissatisfaction tied to the procrastination that needs to be heard. Checking in with myself and becoming aware of these deeper feelings forms the foundation on which long term productivity is possible.
Seconded. Forcing or fooling myself to do something is a symptom of an internal split - one part "forces" and the other resists. Going to the roots of both parts (Why do I want to do this task? Why do I resist doing it?) usually helps.
There's also a good book about the usual suspects behind the resistance and some weapons against them. "The Now Habit" by Neil Fiore. Fear of not doing the task perfectly, unconscious resistance to authority, etc.