Strategy for the day

In my hunt for productivity I discovered this handy little blog about strategies that you could take for the day, and realised I use a fair number of these.

Project touching

Touching base and doing actions in as many project as you can in one day. Nothing actually gets completely finished, but the majority of projects take that one step forwards. Perhaps keeping a project tally for the day would be motivating.

Pushing the big project rock

When one project needs launching, finishing or is generally behind, dedicating a nice 2 hr+ block will kick it in the right direction. When times get stuck or boring, a re-evaluation or trying another strategy is called for.

Mosquito zapping

One of the advantages of living in non-quality-controlled Asia is the battery powered mosquito (and fly) zapper. Somehow it’s very satisfying doing that non-toxic bug sweep before bed. A day dedicated to knocking away all those little tasks will reduce your list’s little tasks or mosquito problems, and it feels ever so satisfying to see the greatly reduced size of those lists.

Bottom of the stack (oldest first)

Like cleaning the garage, much of this work may actually be “oh yeah” work and require evaluation. If they are all still relevant, then do them NOW. This one helps keep you moving with the times and not let those late or boring tasks slip. Perhaps some form of counter would be good for motivation – or look to the outcome for incentive to move those fingers (vision it complete).

Top of the stack (newest first)

This one happens naturally for me. Sometimes it seems like a higher priority, other times it’s a little like a squeaky wheel or mosquito zapping. Things come flying in from all angles. Whether it’s due to the 2 minute rule (if it’s under 2 mins do it now) or you are motivated not to let things add to your list – sometimes there are just days to complete all those things flying in to make them go away and stop interrupting you. On these days it’s pointless starting a big task anyway due to the interruptions.

Squeaky wheel

This can be a little like the top of the stack or an old task you have forgotten. Better get on top of things to oil the squeak. While we are thinking about the squeak – How did this get to the squeak-phase? After completing the task, analyse the squeak for future prevention. Perhaps it’s time for the bottom of the stack?

Future flying (goal driven)

This often happens on weekends or quiet time for me. A session dedicated to reviewing those goals and working towards them. Already underway? What about those someday/maybes? Or research this? These sessions are the completely selfish “I want to work towards my future” sessions that need to happen every so-often to keep you on track with those goals.

Hmm… for today I need to push that big project wheel of study and make sure I stay on top of requirements. How about you?