Ep 35: A Productive 2019 – Process

Welcome to episode 35, where we continue our focus on productivity – this time looking at the benefits of having a productivity system that works for you.

In recent episodes, we explored the benefits of having a purpose and meaning to your work, of being able to effectively prioritise how you use your resources and of being truly ‘present‘ when working.

The principle of ‘Process’ underlines the need to be systematic, organised and specific when dealing with your workload. We outline the simple GRADE system and how a process-oriented approach allows you to focus on the work, rather than the vague sense you’ve forgotten something important!

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution here

There is no one, perfect system for organising, prioritising and clarifying your workload – just think about the diversity of roles, responsibilities and working cultures there are out there! However, the principles we outline in this series should help you identify a way of working that takes off some of the pressure, brings clarity and allows you to focus to better effect.

A productivity system could be a notebook, a productivity app (something we covered in Episode 10) or an intricate spreadsheet. The bottom line is that you trust it, you put everything in it and you use it.

As always, we welcome your feedback – so get in touch via Twitter or our feedback page to let us know what you think, ask us questions about what we’ve discussed or suggest new topics you’d like to hear us cover.

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Resources mentioned in this episode

Productivity news

Tripmode – an app to manage your data usage when on the go

‘Productivity porn’ blog post: https://www.worklifepsych.com/productivity-porn-a-distraction-in-plain-sight/

Wellbeing news

The health benefits of walking in nature: http://www.bbc.com/capital/story/20190304-why-walking-makes-you-a-better-worker

Walking versus sitting: https://news.stanford.edu/2014/04/24/walking-vs-sitting-042414/

Effectiveness news

Goal-sharing and competitiveness: https://digest.bps.org.uk/2019/02/26/how-competitiveness-leads-us-to-sabotage-other-peoples-personal-goals-at-the-expense-of-our-own/

Blog post on coaching for productivity topics: https://www.worklifepsych.com/sometimes-its-the-simple-things/