How To Build Your Perfect Productivity Plan
This past week I was interviewed for a podcast on productivity. At the end of our recording session, the host and I got into a (very nerdy) conversation about different productivity strategies.
While each of us had our favorites, one thing that we both resoundingly agreed on was the value of personal experimentation when it comes to putting together the most helpful and powerful productivity plan, both for ourselves and our clients.
With so many different productivity tools and techniques out there in the world, the idea of cobbling together an effective plan for ourselves can feel overwhelming. But here’s the thing that we all forget (and yes, I include myself in here): you don’t have to get your plan right the first time. The method(s) that works perfectly for one person might not work perfectly for another.
So experiment to figure out what works for you.
For example, some people love having a Morning Ritual to get them started on their day. Some people hate the idea and would instead let their mornings flow organically without a timed-out, rigid schedule. That’s ok.
Some people make a hugely detailed to-do list before they start their workday, while others just jot down the highlights of what they need to get done. As long as you end the day feeling like you accomplished what you wanted to, then each technique works just fine.
Some people subscribe to doing a certain number of timed focus sessions. Some people embrace “inbox zero” as their guiding principle. Some set up Sprints or Batch their tasks. Some check-in daily with an Accountability Partner.
All of these (and a whole lot more) work. But they don’t all work for everyone in the same way. So experimenting to see what works for you will enable you to put together the plan that makes you the most efficient with your time.
In the years that I’ve been working in the Productivity space, I have researched, tested out, and written about A LOT of different ways that you can be productive, overcome procrastination, build stronger habits, work with your willpower and self-control, and use your focus like a laser. The problem is, you can’t possibly incorporate every one of them into your day.
This is precisely why you need to experiment and put together a plan that includes the ones that work best for you.
Think about building your personal productivity plan in the same way as creating your perfect bowl of ice cream at an ice cream shop.
Imagine at the shop that they’ve got 24 fantastic flavors to choose from, plus 18 different toppings that you can put on your ice cream. That’s a lot of options, and while my choices will work for me, there’s a good chance that your preferences will be different. Through a process of trial and error, I’ve determined that my favorite combination is French vanilla ice cream topped with crushed chocolate chip cookies and a little bit of sea salt.
My combination works for me, but it probably won’t work for you.
It’s the same way with putting together your efficient and effective personal productivity plan.
Your plan just has to work perfectly for you. You need to take the time to experiment with what’s out there, knowing that it’s perfectly fine for you to try different methods and tools until you cobble together the perfect plan that works for you and you alone.
Yes, some tools will feel too weird, some techniques won’t fit with your schedule, and some strategies will be too involved for you. But there will be tools you love and techniques and strategies that will radically change your ability to get things done.
You just need to experiment and find what’s perfect for you.
Productivity isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of thing. Be open-minded. Be curious. Experiment and find the perfect mix for your personal productivity plan.
(Now I want ice cream.)
