Podcast on the Productivity Show
September 15, 2008It’s been a while coming, but the podcast I recorded with Tony way back in June is finally up!
In this episode, regular host of the Productivity Show Tony Goodson is in the hot seat! This was my first attempt on this side of the mic. Despite a nervous start where I sound like I’m on speed and a few mixed metaphors towards the end, I’m quite pleased with it – and really enjoyed doing it.
Download here. Show notes here.
Enjoy.
Embracing Procrastination
July 15, 2008Apparently, in Ancient Egyptian there are two hieroglyphs that effectively translate to ‘procrastinate’.
The first translates to mean: “laziness in completing a task“, which is how most of us typically use the term today. The second–more interestingly–means something like: “the useful habit of avoiding unecessary work and effort“.
Procrastination a useful habit? On the surface, that seems to fly in the face of conventional wisdom. But having thought about it further, procrastination can also be seen as a valid form of reduction, leaving you with things:
- that need to be done;
- that you want to do; and
- that others will help you complete (or partially complete).
In other words, a bit of procrastination saves your energy for the vital things!
Well, that’s my excuse and I’m sticking with it for the moment. I’m going to embrace it, rather than force myself to do things I’m not really up for.
I’ve awoken my inner adventurer
June 18, 2008I’ve been busy over the last couple of weeks. Much to do and see. Since starting out on my solo journey, I’ve rediscovered my inner adventurer and I’ve been exploring. It’s been good to have the time to wander and try some different things and to pursue new interests.
Here’s a couple of things that have been occupying my thoughts, and my time outside of normal ‘business’ activities:
Podcasting: I’m writing this post having just finished recording my first podcast as a host. For episode #40 of the Productivity Show, the tables have been turned and I interviewed regular host Tony Goodson. I really enjoyed the interview and the process, so hopefully that comes through. We had an interesting chat anyway. So, it’s in the can — you’ll just have to wait a couple of days for post-production and publishing on TPN. I’ll post a link when it’s up.
Complexity: My friend, and fellow facilitator Viv McWaters has been writing some really good posts. I loved her description of an a-ha! moment she had when looking at Shawn’s sketchkast on the Cynefin model and complexity. I remember having a similar moment when I read a Kurz and Snowden paper. I also enjoyed reading this post because of her pondering on the need to be doing vs. being. It certainly expanded my thinking on my approach to productivity. I think that I might of mentioned something about this in today’s podcast.
Solopreneurship: I’m not alone. A couple of other friends–Michael and Keith have also just started out on their own and are busy setting up their respective businesses. We certainly have lots in common. Keith is busy helping to ramp up the Melbourne KMLF again for Knowledge Management practitioners. Michael is back blogging and has written some interesting articles of late. Well worth a look if you’re interested in the intersection between technology and the human face of business. I’ll be keeping a close eye on their progress, and wish them well — good luck guys!
Social Media: I’m really looking forward to this. Finally, Melbourne gets a Digital|Social Media conference: PubCamp Melbourne on 23rd June. It should be a great event. The format is a little different to your standard conference–it will be divided into 1. a more formal conference style and 2. an unconference–which I’m really happy about. An unconference is similar to Open Space Technology — it’s largely self-directed, and so should be less structured and hopefully more engaging and conversational than normal.
Micro-blogging: I’m really enjoying the conversations on Twitter and the feeling of connectedness. It’s tough sometimes working at home by yourself and feeling isolated. A couple of tweets have made me laugh, a couple have made me gasp. None have made me cry (yet). Who needs a water-cooler for those off-the-cuff conversations anyway? Follow me if you’d like.
Getting things done with a Moleskine
May 2, 2008This is going to sound pretty simplistic, but one of the best things that I’ve done to significantly improve my productivity is carry a notebook with me at all times. My preference is the moleskine.
I receive many comments from people about my moleskine. Perhaps it’s because I guard it closely and don’t let it out of my sight? Or perhaps, it’s because it looks like a passport and they think I could be trying to make a quick get away anytime soon?
The truth is, the molekine Is my front-end collection system for GTD. It’s been over 18 months since I started using the molekine/GTD productivity combination and I seriously don’t know how I ever managed to get anything done previously.
GTD rests on the principle that you need to off-load what needs to get done from your head — ideas, tasks, notes, inspirations, sketches — by recording them somewhere. This is so fundamental to stress-free productivity.
So, I carry my pocket-sized moleskine everywhere I go. And I do mean ‘everywhere’. I’m literally never without it. If I do find myself without it, I start to break out in a cold sweat of panic and dread. Of course, I could just get another notebook, or scrap of paper, even a simple napkin would suffice — but let’s not discuss logic and reasoning here.
I have a couple of friends who — after seeing me do it almost religously — have also adopted this practice (and love the molekine too). They have commented to me about their own successes, which I’m really pleased to share.
I’m also keen to share GTD experiences with others, both new and experienced. I’ve set up a facebook group for Aussie GTDers. Join me there, or feel free to contact me.
