Productivity

Like most mid wits i'm a sucker for Productivity Porn. I've gone down the "productivity" rabbit hole. I've watched a stupid amount of YouTube's greatest "Top 10….things to make me not suck " hits.

The best I can tell, these productivity YouTubers are either a) stupid, b) lying or c) controlled by evil puppet masters looking to take over the world.

The question most people seek an answer to is "How do I get more things done?"

Let's assume you've got a good idea that you're working on, or you're in a job you like. If you thought about leaving your job for a long period, consider changing. If you don't have a idea, start there. A Good Idea is the most important.

For me, the trick to "get more things done" looks something like this.

Motivation

  • What you work on is the most important. More than hard work. Dedicate time weekly to only think about what to work on.
  • Separate thinking from planning. Set time every week to plan.
  • Develop your own beliefs about the world. Good taste is a very important thing. More than hard work.
  • Be around ambitious people, they're better to be around. Ambition is contagious.
  • Accept that you will lose motivation for periods. Wait for it to pass.

Prioritization & Calendar

  • Everything is a project. Keep lists for projects and tasks. Review and cut from your lists weekly. Keep all your lists in the same spot.
  • Create goals. 10+ yr, 1 yr, monthly, and daily goals. Do this in all parts of your life. Revisit them often.
  • 3-4 hrs of focus time daily when you have the most energy. Remember slow is smooth and smooth is fast.
  • Avoid most meetings. If required, don't take 1 hr meetings. 15 minutes, or 2+ hrs.
  • Accept that there is a limit. Find ways to off load things you don't do good.

Exercise & Sleep

  • Do hard things. Become a Challenge Junkie.
  • Nature rejuvenates the soul. Spend more time outside then indoors.
  • Lift heavy weights 3-4 times a week and do lots of cardio. The best way to do cardio is by doing sports you love.
  • Clear your mind before bed. TV is not clearing your mind, it's distracting it.
  • Sleep outside, and if you can't sleep with a thin blanket. Cold and dark are the priorities.

Nutrition

  • A couple cups of coffee in the morning. Make it by hand.
  • Eat a high protein, low carb diet during the day. And drink lots of water.
  • Avoid sugary, refined, or ultra-processed foods. They taste good, but destroy your energy.
  • Take time to eat with people. It's wonderful.
  • Avoid depressants like alcohol, weed, and all forms of masturbation (physical, mental, and digital).

Minimalism

  • Cut more than you add. Often the solution is to remove. Remove tasks, requirements, expectations, rules, assumptions, beliefs. Remove more than you add.
  • Make more than you consume. And consume only what is necessary.
  • Live out of a backpack for 1 year. Be able to do this always.
  • Every season, purge your personal belongings. Don't store anything other than cherished memories.
  • As soon as you can, pay to have chores done. Cleaning, yard work, errands, laundry, food

Chris Bertulli