I don't know if you are like this, but I find my productivity goes in spurts. I am an insane workaholic for a bit, then it slows down and I get lazy. This ebb and flow usually comes when I start and complete a project. When I am working on a project I feel like I am overwhelmed but that the world is within my grasp, but then when the project is complete I slack off.
I recently read about a system that Jerry Seinfeld used called "Don't Break The Chain" and I think it may be just the thing my compulsive mind needs to get things in order. I am going to experiment with it, and it starts with me explaining it to you.
Basically, you need to target the every day things you need to work on. For me that includes Writing my book, reading business articles, writing my blog, growing my company and getting some exercise. Now you print off a calender for each task and set out a minimum requirement. Using writing for example, I am forcing myself to write for 30 minutes a day. Most times I will write for much more, but this is the minimum time needed for me to feel satisfied with my progress.Once I have completed the task, I can go to my calender for that task and put a big X on it. Then, I will try not to break the chain of X's that are on the calender.
I think setting low minimums for the day and also allowing yourself vacation time is a must. The calenders need to be in a place you see every day as well, so that if there is a day without that coveted X, you feel shame, I mean... you couldn't find 20 minutes to run on your treadmill?!?!
In theory it sounds great. I bought a bulletin board for my bedroom and printed off some calender from HERE so that every day when I wake up and when I go to sleep I see the calenders, and those Xs can cheer me on!
Shane GoodfellowSqueak E Cleaners
www.SqueakECleaners.com
(519) 402-3401
