World's shortest productivity course, actually

Summary

This productivity course provides actionable techniques to help you achieve your goals. Start by defining your top 5 most important goals. Break them into daily and weekly tasks, and schedule time to complete them. Useful productivity hacks include planning your day the night before to reduce stress; the 'Jerry Seinfeld staring technique' to get focused when feeling uninspired; practicing deep work in 90 minute distraction-free sessions to maximize productivity; and reading books which research shows boosts critical thinking and problem solving abilities.

Takeaways

• 😀 Reflect on your goals before trying productivity hacks, or you may end up going nowhere fast
• 👍 Streamline your goals to the top 5 most important ones, like Warren Buffett advises
• 📅 Break big goals down into weekly and daily tasks to schedule them effectively
• 🗓️ Plan your day the night before to save time and reduce stress
• 😐 Use the Jerry Seinfeld blank staring technique when feeling uninspired
• 🧠 Apply deep work principles to maximize focus and productivity
• 📚 Reading books boosts focus, critical thinking and problem solving
• 📝 Journaling and meditating, when done right, are productivity gamechangers
• ✏️ Having clear goals and a schedule enables deep, distraction-free work
• 🏆 Applying these techniques can make you highly effective and productive

Q & A

Why is it important to write down your goals before trying productivity hacks?

Without clear goals you might find yourself going nowhere fast, even if you try all the productivity hacks. Writing down your goals helps you focus on what truly matters.

What does Warren Buffett advise us to do with our goals?

Warren Buffett advises us to circle our top 5 most important goals and toss aside the rest, so we can focus on the vital few instead of getting overwhelmed by too many goals.

How can breaking down your goals help with productivity?

Breaking down big goals into bite-sized weekly and daily tasks makes them more manageable and actionable. It's like prepping for game day.

Why is scheduling important for productivity?

Scheduling frees up mental energy from constantly deciding what to do next. Having a schedule with flexibility but consistent daily blocks is key.

What is the benefit of planning your day the night before?

Planning the next day in advance reduces stress and saves time wasted figuring out what to do. It eliminates uncertainty which is a productivity killer.

What is the Jerry Seinfeld staring technique?

When feeling unmotivated, stare at a blank wall or workspace for 5-10 minutes, doing nothing. This simple act can help beat creative ruts and get started.

What is deep work and why does it matter?

Deep work means concentrated, uninterrupted focus for around 90 minutes at a time. You get way more done through intense focus vs unfocused long hours.

How can reading books boost productivity?

Reading books boosts focus, critical thinking, and problem solving skills - all vital for productivity. It's an intense mental workout.

Should you completely avoid your phone while working?

It's best to ditch your phone entirely while doing deep work, even keeping it in another room. The notifications are too distracting and break concentration.

What are some key takeaways from this productivity advice?

Key takeaways include: write goals, focus on the vital few, schedule effectively, plan ahead, use deep focus, stare technique to beat ruts, and enhance mental skills with books.