How I Have Time For Everything (life changing technique)

Summary

The video discusses a 3-pillar model for achieving productivity and focus: profession (your job/studies), obsession (what you're passionate about), and decompression (destressing activities). It emphasizes scheduling time blocks free of distractions for your obsession, while also scheduling decompression to avoid burnout. To stay focused, acknowledge emotions like fear and boredom instead of distracting yourself. Also use self-empathy vs criticism when you struggle. Mastering your attention and emotions takes practice but allows you to achieve your goals.

Takeaways

• 🙂 Overcoming distraction is a universal struggle that predates modern technology, highlighting the importance of mastering one's focus.
• 💻 Balancing a demanding job, personal life, and hobbies is achievable through years of trial and error, research, and the application of time management strategies.
• 📚 The 'Profession, Obsession, Decompression' model is a framework for organizing one's life into work, passions, and relaxation to maintain balance and productivity.
• 📲 Mastering distraction involves intentional time management, like using time blocks for focused work, as inspired by Jerry Seinfeld's writing process.
• 💰 Profession encompasses the work or studies that provide financial stability, while Obsession refers to passionate pursuits outside of one's job.
• 😍 Decompression activities are essential for mental health and sustaining long-term productivity, but often overlooked in pursuit of work and goals.
• 📌 Time blocking, labeling tasks, and scheduling decompression can create a structured approach to managing professional and personal life.
• 💭 Attention management is a superpower in the digital age, enabling individuals to achieve goals despite the plethora of distractions.
• 🙋🏻 Emotions like boredom and fear often underlie procrastination and distraction, and recognizing these feelings can help in staying focused.
• 👏 Adopting a kind and empathetic inner dialogue promotes resilience and productivity, especially in overcoming setbacks and maintaining motivation.

Q & A

What is the main model the speaker uses to organize their life?

The main model consists of three pillars: Profession, Obsession, and Decompression.

How does the speaker define 'Profession' in their model?

Profession is essentially your job or main source of income. For full-time students, studying is considered their profession.

What does 'Obsession' refer to in the speaker's life organization model?

Obsession refers to something you are passionate about and think about all the time, which is not your day job. It's something that energizes you and you're excited about.

What activities fall under 'Decompression' according to the speaker?

Decompression activities are those that help you destress, which you enjoy but are not necessarily obsessed with, like watching a Netflix show or spending time with friends.

Why does the speaker believe decompression is important?

The speaker believes decompression is crucial for long-term success and mental health, as it prevents burnout and ensures one is not overly stressed.

What is the biggest problem our society faces, according to the speaker, and how does he manage it?

The biggest problem is distraction, particularly from social media. The speaker manages it by mastering his own distraction through time blocking, a technique learned from Jerry Seinfeld.

How does the speaker utilize time blocking to enhance productivity?

The speaker dedicates specific time blocks for focused work or study, during which no other activities are allowed, mirroring Jerry Seinfeld's approach to writing.

What technique did the speaker adopt from Jerry Seinfeld for staying motivated?

The speaker adopted the technique of marking successful time blocks on a calendar to keep track of productivity and stay motivated by visual progress.

How does the speaker handle emotions that lead to distraction, such as the urge to check the phone?

The speaker acknowledges these emotions, recognizing them as manifestations of fear or boredom, and uses this awareness to stay focused on the task at hand.

What change in self-talk does the speaker credit for overcoming setbacks in productivity?

The speaker credits a change to more empathetic self-talk, treating themselves kindly after missing a study session, instead of using harsh and critical language.