On Monday I listened to an eye-opening interview with “Deep Work” author, Cal Newport on the Asian Efficiency Podcast.  A fan of Cal’s based on his relatively radical stances on focus and work flow, I teach his work in my talks on productivity.  Warning: nothing he suggests is easy, but based on trials with myself and my clients, I’m thoroughly convinced his ultra-strict methods WORK.

Fantasy:

You set a timer to work on a very specific project. You immediately dive into deep focus and concentration, effortlessly producing your best work within minutes.  At the end of your prescribed period of focus, you realize you have eliminated your to do list and/or written the next great American novel.

Reality:

You sit down to write your newsletter. Three sentences in, a Messages text pop-up sends you into a peripheral conversation that has nothing to do with writing said newsletter. 

Who doesn’t procrastinate?

Why are no one’s hands raised? 

Kelly Ayers over at Career Contessa has compiled a list of 6 apps for procrastinators. I haven’t tried any of these, but am most eager to download Self Control.

The folks at Gmail have put quite a bit of effort into corralling data on email styles and replies.Their findings cover everything from subject lines, questions, send times, email length, and even emotion in emails - all to teach us how to receive quicker and better replies. 

Joshua Millburn, half of the famous duo, "The Minimalists" guest posted A Day in the Life of a Minimalist on Leo Baubata's Zen Habits blog. You’ll agree that Joshua has absolutely earned the label “minimalist,” not just by buying less, but also scouring his days for superfluities, thus, finding true breathing space in his life. This is one of the most unique and inspiring “day in the life” posts I have ever read, stressing habits over routines.

Maria Popova reads the greatest works of literature and non-fiction (and blogs about them) so we don’t have to! In her recent post The Difference Between Routine and Ritual she essentially provides elegant Cliff’s Notes on Anne Lamott’s book Stitches: A Handbook on Meaning, Hope, and Repair. Popova, fascinated by routines and rituals, illuminates the important difference between the two in her reflection on Lamott’s Stitches...