New Productivity Hack

I handle multiple projects, most of the time. To do this effectively, a system needs to be in place, otherwise, dates will be missed and deliverables will not ship. As such, I am always on the look out for new productivity hacks that optimize the systems I have in place. The core tool that I use is the OmniFocus suite. Very powerful, synchronizes across devices and integrates into all major programs very nicely. Putting lists together and working your way through them is probably 30% of the battle. Putting check marks in front of all those line items, is a lot harder.

I used the Pomodoro Technique for a while. I was frustrated by my inability to log activities effectively, integrate with my project management tools and a lack of an effective reporting feature. I have managed to find a really good tool, one I have enjoyed using thoroughly since then. It is called Vitamin-R and it does all the things I wanted, very effectively.

What I like about the theory around this technique of breaking your tasks up into slices and working through them without distraction, is the ability to get started. Tasks like starting a proposal, making a presentation deck or even something smaller like writing a blog post are difficult to get started on. Getting started on a large task in batches of 10 – 20 minute slices, increases your ability to reach a state of “flow” and breaks that vicious procrastination cycle.

I would recommend you start off with something like the Focus Booster App. If the technique suits you, move up to some of the paid products which give you more functionality and control. Good luck!

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