# Productivity There are a whole bunch of things out there in the world about how to be the most *productive*, how to get the most stuff done in the finite period of time we have on this earth. But the most important thing with *productivity* is to do as much as you can, and to the highest standard possible, but *in a way that seems sustainable*.[[Do as much as you can and to the highest standard possible in a way that seems sustainable.|º]] Being hard on yourself is not a particularly good way of getting things done.[[Being hard on oneself is not a particularly good way of getting things done.|º]] Indeed, as [[Oliver Burkeman]] says, “Doing a bit *less* is an excellent way to get more done.”[[“Doing a bit less is an excellent way to get more done.”|º]] *Indeed*, even Adam Smith[[Adam Smith|º]], who might, along with Henry Ford[[Henry Ford|º]], be called the king of productivity, said this: "The man who works so moderately as to be able to work constantly not only preserves his health the longest, but in the course of the year executes the greatest quantity of work.”[["The man who works so moderately as to be able to work constantly not only preserves his health the longest, but in the course of the year executes the greatest quantity of work.”|º]] So even on the most *capitalist* view of things, sustainability is key.[^1] Get stuff done by not being mean to yourself.[[“Getting stuff done by not being mean to yourself.”|º]] Allow yourself to welcome life's daily tasks with enjoyment, rather than feel that you have to endure them with discipline.[[Allow yourself to welcome life's tasks with enjoyment, rather than endure them with discipline.|º]] The best thing is if you can allow enjoyment, rather than productivity, to lead you into activity.[[Allow enjoyment, rather than productivity, to lead you into activity.|º]] Don’t let perfection be the enemy of good enough.[[Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good enough.|º]] If we are to discuss productivity techniques, here are a few: - Tune out all distractions.[[The best way to get something done is to tune out all distractions.|º]][^2] - Bundle similar tasks together to keep your mind focused.[[Bundle similar tasks together to keep your mind focused.|º]] The more specific the bundle is, the greater your efficiency will be.[[The more specific your bundles of tasks, the greater your efficiency will be.|º]] - Write down thoughts on a piece of paper as they arise, and then move back to the task at hand.[[To keep from getting distracted by your thoughts, write them down as they arise and then move back to the task at hand.|º]] - Plan your day in a way that allows for analytic work in the morning, administrative work in the early afternoon, and creative work in the early evening.[[To optimise your day it is best to do analytic work in the morning, administrative work in the early afternoon, and creative work in the early evening.|º]] %% # Reference ```dataview LIST FROM [[]] OR #productivity AND !outgoing([[]]) AND -"Templates" WHERE file.name != this.file.name SORT file.name ASC ``` # Archive - %% [^1]: I’m not sure I ever expected to quote Adam Smith positively. [^2]: See, however, some advice on dealing with interruptions (whatever interruption means).[[Interruptions|º]]