Thread by @sbyrnes

1/ Happy New Year!

To help you get 2019 off to a strong start, here are my top productivity hacks, advice and tips assembled over 20 years of personal focus on improving productivity.

#productivity #HappyNewYear2019 #workplace

2/ Every night, right before you sleep, write down the top 3 things you need to do tomorrow AND anything that is bothering you.

Getting it out of your head will help you sleep better and get a faster start in the morning.

3/ Before taking a break from any complex work, always write down where you are and what you were doing.

It will save you a lot of time when you pick it up again, even if it's just an hour later.

4/ Always leave your phone on "Do Not Disturb." Permanently.

Interruptions kill productivity and letting your phone grab your attention at will guarantees interruptions constantly. Schedule calls or return messages when you take a break.

5/ No more games on your phone. Games are designed to be addictive and like any addict your desire will always lurk in the back of your mind during the day at work.

If you like mobile games, get another device and leave it at home.

6/ Put exercise and sleep on your calendar, just like meetings. Staying healthy is part of your job since it directly impacts your performance so treat it like part of your job.

No more feeling guilty for exercising or sleeping, they are part of your job.

7/ If you need new ideas, get out of your comfort zone. Go someplace new, read a book on a new topic or learn a new hobby.

Getting your mind to think in new ways is the best way to generate new ideas in anything you do.

8/ If you hit a wall, don't force your way through. Take a break, rethink the problem from the ground up and consider other approaches.

Your best work happens when it comes naturally, forcing it will only lead to burn out and mediocre results.

9/ Solicit feedback. Everyone around you has something helpful to share with you, but they won't unless you ask.

Asking is scary, no one wants to hear about their faults, but facing them head on is better than avoiding them.

10/ Celebrate your wins. Even small successes are important to recognize on the long road that is your career. If you always focus on what's next you'll find that you focus on the struggle which leans to burn out.

Everyone wins, allow yourself a pat on the back.

11/ Don't listen to me. You are unique, what works for you will be different than literally everyone else. These are suggestions, experiment with them and see what improves your productivity.

I do all of these things myself, if you have questions or need help just ask me!

/END