Dec 05 2005
Getting Out of a Rut…
In recent weeks, I’ve found myself doing very little when I’m supposed to be doing some work, whether it’s college work or real world work.
Since it was affecting my project, I decided to talk to my supervisor about it. He had a few interesting tips for me…
- Use a mind mapping tool (such as FreeMind) to keep my To Do List, so I don’t have to keep so much in my head…
- Keep a journal of how long I spend on different tasks, so that I have a record to stop any doubts
- Limit the time I spend in front of a computer, since I’ll always find something to do on it
The advice I got was good. I began keeping my To Do List as a mind map, which is quite interesting and something I’d never considered. In the spirit of no 2 and no 3, I also got myself a proper leather bound journal (I’m a bit of a stickler for such things – proper tool for the job and all – I am after all a self confessed perfectionist!).
So far, things have improved. The memory map is working, I don’t have to think about so many things anymore. Over time, I may even reduce the amount of things I forget to do as well. /me crosses fingers
No 3 is a tough one for me. I use my PowerBook for so many things, a workstation, a multimedia centre, a TV, a newspaper, etc. Hence I decided to not just use a text editor as a journal, but a proper, bound journal instead.
The real test for this new approach is this week though, I’ve a number of things to do in college, for work and my business, not to mention attending such things as the IE-NOG meetup on Wednesday and Gary’s birthday on Saturday. Yep, definitely a good test for this improved system.
Writing down your todos is a very good idea. I’ve been doing that for years, and find it allows me to actually see what needs doing and get it done, whereas before that, I would have a huge list of things, but not know where to start.
These days, my day starts by looking through my todo list, adding anything I might think off, then making “points” of things I think I can take care of that day.
Another thing I like to do is to only keep unfinished business in my Inbox (in email), and categorise everything after I’ve done it. For instance, my Inbox at the moment has 14 emails in it, relating to three different jobs and a mortgage application. Those emails will stay in my inbox until I’ve finished all points raised in them. This way, I know instantly what work is pressing, and when it was asked for.
I’d like to point out as well that if your apathy is “not like you”, then it could possibly be related to the season. The light here during the winter can be very depressing, causing Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is a kind of depression. It’s sort of like jet lag – your body doesn’t know whether it’s awake or asleep, and your mind just doesn’t feel upto doing anything. If you think that might be part of what’s stopping you from getting stuff done, then maybe investing in some brighter lights might help (oh – and step away from the powerbook!).
Two buzzwords for you: 43Folders and GTD. Buy the book. Don’t click the link and wait for it. Go into town now and buy it.
Buy/borrow GTD, it’s worth a read. Actually, it’s worth a re-read, and I found the second reading much less painful than the first.
I’d be far less enthused about 43folders though, but ymmv, or something.