It’s a joy and a challenge to work with a whip smart client who has tried it all and looks to me for some out-of-the-ordinary advice. I knew she and I would be working on her email last week. She didn’t want someone else to tell her to create more email folders and just reply to things on time.

My clients aren’t as interested in what’s new in the world of productivity as they are in what actually works.   The dilemma of where to focus in a world of information overload feels like a modern dilemma, though the quest for working more efficiently isn’t a new one.  I’ve been re-reading the 80 year old book Think And Grow Rich. 

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.