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#ProdChat – 02/16/2013 – #Productivity & #Change

#ProdChat – 02/16/2013 – #Productivity & #Change

Tonight’s #ProdChat was inspired by "Who Moved My Cheese?," the book by Dr. Spencer Johnson and Dr. Kenneth Blanchard. How do you stay productive during change? It was a great chat, so read on! Hope you can join us next week!

  1. In case you missed last week’s #ProdChat, here’s the transcript:
  2. And, here’s the start of #ProdChat for Wednesday, February 6, 2013…

  3. Welcome to #ProdChat, the weekly #productivity chat! Topic: “Being Productive During Change”
  4. Me three! :-P RT @michgunn: me too “@nmhouston: #prodchat … Expect heavier than usual tweeting from me . . .” #prodchat
  5. Let’s start things with intro’s. In 140 characters, tell us a bit about you. And, do you use to a specific #productivity system? #prodchat
  6. Hi, everyone! Michelle here. Just a productivity and software geek… Oh and a big fan of GTD and OmniFocus. :) Psyched for #prodchat
  7. Same here! RT @nmhouston #prodchat — starts at the top of the hour! expect heavier than usual tweeting from me . . .
  8. RT @rsidneysmith: Welcome to #ProdChat, the weekly #productivity chat! Topic: “Being Productive During Change”
  9. If everyone doesn’t know me, I’ll just say, “Hi, I’m Ray. I’m the host of #prodchat and a #productivity geek.” ‘nough said. ;-) #prodchat
  10. Hey.. I’m Isabel. I love productivity, getting things done and omnifocus (my friends joke I have OCD) #prodchat
  11. Great to be joining #prodchat tonight. Staying productive with lots of changes this year, so the topic is relevant!
  12. Hi everyone! I’m Natalie, a productivity coach & academic. I help people who want to gain focus & move forward on their goals. #prodchat
  13. @TaraRodden don’t think so but maybe helps one to do the less than “evident” stuff at one’s lleaisure or when thought about? #prodchat
  14. I focused this evening’s discussion around “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Drs. Johnson and Blanchard. Let’s see how this goes! #prodchat
  15. They’re just jealous ;) MT @IsaPinaud: …I love productivity, getting things done and omnifocus (my friends joke I have OCD) #prodchat
  16. I’m a productivity/executive coach, host of the #GTD Virtual Study Group. Love #Evernote #Scrivener #prodchat
  17. A1: For me, it’s the change that happens when I don’t have the time/energy to deal with the change at hand. #prodchat
  18. @michgunn They ust might be since I’m perfect and all haha ;) #prodchat
  19. A1: Change can produce a lot of uncertainty & fear, which blocks many people’s productivity. #prodchat
  20. A1 I don’t think it’s tough to be productive – easier than the opposite? #prodchat
  21. :) RT @IsaPinaud: They just might be since I’m perfect and all haha ;) #prodchat
  22. RT @nmhouston: A1: Change can produce a lot of uncertainty & fear, which blocks many peoples productivity. #prodchat
  23. Hello #prodchat friends. Having technical difficulties but doing my best to be here
  24. RT @nmhouston A1: Change can produce a lot of uncertainty & fear, which blocks many people’s productivity. #prodchat
  25. A1 Productivity requires knowledge of the tasks at hand and therefore control… you can’t control most changes #prodchat
  26. A1 Maybe it’s just that there’s less automatic behavior during change. Lots more thought goes into next steps… slower progress #prodchat
  27. @rsidneysmith I honestly can’t recall off hand but do remember being unimpressed #prodchat not much of an answer but my truth
  28. @GTDbloke It’s okay…it’ll come back to you as we continue the conversation. I’m really interested about this remnant dislike. #prodchat
  29. RT @IsaPinaud A1 Productivity requires knowledge of the tasks at hand and therefore control… you can’t control most changes #prodchat
  30. A1 maybe it’s the fear of the change itself ’cause surely one knows being “prouctive” is the best course as in any scenario? #prodchat
  31. Good evening, my name is Jonathan, i’m pretty unproductive and i want to fix that. #prodchat
  32. MT @michgunn: A1 Maybe its just that theres less automatic behavior during change. Lots more thought goes into [it]… slower… #prodchat
  33. .@TaraRodden said “Discomfort” which I think is really important — being aware of one’s discomfort, however it shows up #prodchat
  34. @IsaPinaud Yes, such a great GTD / MIAW concept: control versus perspective. #prodchat
  35. Hey, Jonathan! Welcome! RT @ionathanalcant: Good evening, my name is Jonathan, im pretty unproductive and i want to fix that. #prodchat
  36. @rsidneysmith A1 depends on the personality but sounds a logical proposition #prodchat
  37. MT @nmhouston .@TaraRodden said “Discomfort” which I think is really important — being aware of one’s discomfort… #prodchat
  38. A2 I have not read this book, but I do agree that fear makes people avoid change. It paralyzes you. #prodchat
  39. @rsidneysmith for instance I’d imagine most here enjoy change assuming in reasonable control #prodchat
  40. @rsidneysmith remind us, why do they call success “cheese”?? just curious :) #prodchat
  41. @ionathanalcant Welcome, Jonathan! You’ve come on a great night to think about changing your productive habits! :-) Ask Qs! #prodchat
  42. @ionathanalcant Hi Jhonny :) … Everyone this is my long time friend Jonathan #prodchat
  43. @nmhouston I have this belief that all change happens because of “discomfort.” cc @TaraRodden #prodchat
  44. @nmhouston In the book, the allegory is of mice chasing after their food source, cheese. :-) #prodchat
  45. ditto RT @IsaPinaud: A2 I have not read this book, but I do agree that fear makes people avoid change. It paralyzes you. #prodchat
  46. @nmhouston I imagine it’s because success is the goal just like cheese is the goal for mice in a maze (havent read the book) #prodchat
  47. A2. Even positive change, like a new job, can bring up fear as well. Fear of failure and fear of success are both fears. #prodchat
  48. @GTDbloke But most change doesn’t happen under our control. I think that’s kind of the point? #prodchat
  49. RT @michgunn: ditto MT @IsaPinaud: A2 … I do agree that fear makes people avoid change. It paralyzes you. #prodchat
  50. If you haven’t read #WMMC, here’s a link to it:  http://goo.gl/M78J8  (affiliate) Options for you, teens, children & more! #pprodchat
  51. A2 Fear works like an anesthetic, not only in regards to changing habits, but anywhere in your life fear paralyzes you. #prodchat
  52. MT @nmhouston: A2. Even positive change, like a new job, can bring up fear as well. Fear of failure and fear of success… #prodchat
  53. @rsidneysmith yes that was a personal qualification – but change is relative -good change or change for personailities like change #prodchat
  54. @nmhouston Amen! And, both fear of success/failure happen concurrently just in differing perspectives on the same matter. #prodchat
  55. .@rsidneysmith a spiritual/holistic approach to productivity would say that happiness is never outside. The cheese is within you. #prodchat
  56. Know it all too well. :( MT @nmhouston: A2. Fear of failure and fear of success are both fears. #prodchat
  57. Hi all. Monitoring this eve… Always a great chat here. :) #prodchat
  58. RT @nmhouston: a spiritual/holistic approach to productivity would say that happiness is never outside. The cheese is within you. #prodchat
  59. +1 MT @rsidneysmith: both fear of success/failure happen concurrently just in differing perspectives on the same matter. #prodchat
  60. So how do you help people get over fear of failure? Fail and learn fast? Move quickly. Constant feedback loops? #prodchat
  61. RT @nmhouston spiritual/holistic approach to productivity would say that happiness is never outside. The cheese is within you. #prodchat
  62. Sometimes you get both at the same time “@michgunn: @nmhouston: A2. Fear of failure and fear of success are both fears. #prodchat
  63. RT @CTrappe: So how do you help people get over fear of failure? Fail and learn fast? Move quickly. Constant feedback loops? #prodchat
  64. Even intentional change is scary! Not just forced change… Definitely fear of failure (including shame) and success. Good times.. #prodchat
  65. @apinaud Sorry to hear about the tech difficulties! Glad you’re hanging in there! Welcome and happy February! #prodchat
  66. good Q “@CTrappe: So how do you help people get over fear of failure? Fail and learn fast? Move quickly. Constant feedback loops?” #prodchat
  67. You do it, again and again. You may never get over, you just don’t allow the fear to conquer you “@CTrappe: #prodchat
  68. MT @michgunn: Even intentional change is scary! Not just forced change… Definitely fear of failure (including shame) and success #prodchat
  69. @CTrappe You can’t really get over your fears you can only choose to ignore them acknowledging they are illogical. #prodchat
  70. Q3: “…NOTICED HOW [YOU] DON’T WANT CHANGE WHEN THINGS CHANGE?” (p.21) – HOW DO YOU ANTICIPATE/MONITOR CHANGE? #PRODCHAT #productivity
  71. Yup! “@apinaud: Sometimes you get both at the same time “: @nmhouston: A2. Fear of failure and fear of success are both fears.”” #prodchat
  72. @CTrappe Normalize discomfort and reward effort. Emphasize learning. #prodchat
  73. @CTrappe some strategies to get over fear of failure: create safety net or backup plan; recall how learned from past failures #prodchat
  74. Yes Indeed RT @michgunn Even intentional change is scary! Not just forced change…#prodchat
  75. Oh man, the quoted tweets can get tricky with the quote within a quote… HA! #prodchat
  76. @CTrappe I tend to think that (just like “exposure therapies”) experiencing facing the fear/s over and over again help to resolve. #prodchat
  77. A3 I think if you were able to anticipate it, it would lose the point. I believe change is thrust upon us as hidden opportunities #prodchat
  78. Ah, the trick might be recognizing the fear, though… tricky sometimes figuring it out exactly #prodchat
  79. This applies to much, beyond fear of failure RT @TaraRodden: Normalize discomfort and reward effort. Emphasize learning. #prodchat
  80. okay – turning the Q volte face how do the changers mitigate the expected fear? #prodchat
  81. @CTrappe I’ve coined “failing with grace” with is not failing for the sake of it, having a social safety net, and communicate^10. #prodchat
  82. RT @IsaPinaud A3 I believe change is thrust upon us as hidden opportunities #prodchat
  83. Also helpful: taking little tiny steps into the fear. You don’t have to dive into the deep end right away: dip toe into water. #prodchat
  84. A3 Also I believe we never want change forced upon us. We automatically dislike it because its out of our control, but… #prodchat
  85. @TaraRodden slowly but surely. I spent about five hours yesterday working on perfect citation. #prodchat
  86. Woah. This convo is soooo moving…love every gem from you, folks! :-D #prodchat
  87. RT @GTDbloke: okay – turning the Q volte face how do the changers mitigate the expected fear? #prodchat
  88. A3.2 but… you must look at all change as opportunities to grow or learn. Don’t anticipate it, embrace it. #prodchat
  89. A3: I always look for little signs of change happening always around me (not paranoid-like), and try to align myself for it. #prodchat
  90. @nmhouston Doesn’t it, though? I think normalizing discomfort is one of the most life changing lessons I got from #DaringGreatly. #prodchat
  91. The Wikipedia article ( http://goo.gl/gCSZb  on #WWMMCis a really great primer/cheatsheet, although the book is worth reading… #pprodchat
  92. @profkrg @TaraRodden We’re rooting for you, Kenna! (perfect citation or not!) ;-D #prodchat
  93. Fear is always there. You just move regardless. Ship regardless. #prodchat
  94. A3: I think you just have to take a leap of faith. Regret is worse than fear, in my opinion. #prodchat
  95. @GTDbloke As I said earlier you must realize fear has no logical grounds behind it :) #prodchat
  96. @nmhouston Thanks! It took me a while to really wordsmith the concept…teach it in many #entrepreneurship workshops now. #prodchat
  97. MT @nmhouston: …taking little tiny steps into the fear. You dont have to dive into the deep end right away: dip toe into water. #prodchat
  98. Thanks so much! @rsidneysmith: @TaraRodden We’re rooting for you, Kenna! (perfect citation or not!) ;-D #prodchat
  99. One of the powerful insights from chats like this one is that feeling fear is part of being human. Remembering that helps. #prodchat
  100. @GTDbloke Yes, awareness is a way I’d characterize it. As aware as anyone can be when trying to just live life to the fullest. #prodchat
  101. Yes! RT @profkrg A3: I think you just have to take a leap of faith. Regret is worse than fear, in my opinion. #prodchat
  102. +1 “@profkrg: A3: I think you just have to take a leap of faith. Regret is worse than fear, in my opinion. #prodchat
  103. RT @profkrg: A3: I think you just have to take a leap of faith. Regret is worse than fear, in my opinion. #prodchat
  104. But sometimes fear does have logical reasoning, giving us reason to pause and plan rather than barrel ahead into the change #prodchat
  105. @IsaPinaud I agree, fear and logic are like oil and water. Mixing them is your mind is futile. cc @GTDbloke #prodchat
  106. MT @michgunn: But sometimes fear does have logic, giving reason to pause and plan rather than barrel ahead into the change #prodchat
  107. Q4: FOR MOST, WE HAVE PERSONAL>>WORK>>PERSONAL TRANSITIONS IN OUR WORKDAYS. HOW DO YOU MANAGE FAST-PACED CHANGE? #prodchat
  108. Isn’t that the point of fear, to keep us from making dumb mistakes that could be avoided on the second (third, fourth) go around? #prodchat
  109. I swear Twitter slows down during this chat. I’m calling it a conspiracy against productivity. #prodchat
  110. @michgunn I would say that “fear” is an emotion (illogical) and “joy” is an emotion (illogical). Reason leads to better action. #prodchat
  111. +10! RT @profkrg: I swear Twitter slows down during this chat. Im calling it a conspiracy against productivity. #prodchat
  112. A4: I’m not sure that’s a fair assumption anymore. I find that work and life blend as a way of life. Not a lot of transition. #prodchat
  113. @michgunn Not if it is keeping you from doing what you really want to do #prodchat
  114. yes that’s what I meant to say. Thanks Ray! :) #prodchat
  115. A4: Considering my workdays on the road, I hold dearly to routines so that the change that happens is dependable (mostly). #prodchat
  116. A4 Creating a transition zone or ritual can help bring awareness, help you be present w/ where you are (work or home) #prodchat
  117. @rsidneysmith A4: I use the structure of having heavy & light lifting days. That allows me to deal w/ change more effectively. #prodchat
  118. I agree RT @profkrg A4: I find that work and life blend as a way of life. Not a lot of transition. #prodchat
  119. True! “@IsaPinaud: I guess the issue is when to recognize if it is logical or not @michgunn#prodchat
  120. @profkrg I would agree that the 9-5 workday is receding for many, but most still clock-in-clock-out, no? I don’t have stats. #prodchat
  121. +1 RT @profkrg: A4: Not sure that’s a fair assumption anymore. I find work & life blend as a way of life. Not a lot of transition. #prodchat
  122. I wonder if not having a transition is negative. #prodchat
  123. A4 Make sure you aren’t falling for the tricks life plays on us like “I have to fill up my stapler NOW”. #prodchat
  124. MT @nmhouston: A4 Creating a transition zone or ritual can help bring awareness, help you be present w/ where you are (work/home) #prodchat
  125. RT @mikevardy: A4: I use the structure of having heavy & light lifting days. That allows me to deal w/ change more effectively. #prodchat
  126. I like this model! MT @mikevardy:I use the structure of having heavy & light lifting days to deal w/ change more effectively. #prodchat
  127. A4.2 You have to set priorities and not fall for the little things in other words. Make sure you are working towards real goals #prodchat
  128. @profkrg I think I fall into the Zen response to…transition is. Neither positive nor negative. Perspective matters. #prodchat
  129. @rsidneysmith I’m not sure if most people work that way. I don’t keep any regular schedule. My husband’s is a bit more typical. #prodchat
  130. @IsaPinaud Wait? I don’t have to fill up the staplers? (All four of them in my office!) ;-) #prodchat
  131. But staplers are important. @IsaPinaud: A4 Make sure you aren’t falling for the tricks like “I have to fill up my stapler NOW”. #prodchat
  132. @profkrg I’m curious on that. It certainly makes a difference in so many ways in which we interact in prof/pers life these days. #prodchat
  133. @nmhouston It works for me, especially with the fact that I am also a stay-at-home dad. #prodchat
  134. @IsaPinaud I tend to fall in this kind of behaviour very often, i need to correct it #prodchat
  135. @rsidneysmith @profkrg Unless you ran out of staples (which you shouldn’t) and urgently need to staple a document then NO! haha ;) #prodchat
  136. A4. I guess I’m atypical here. I need a beginning and an end; a recovering workaholic. Otherwise, I slip back into always working. #prodchat
  137. @rsidneysmith my gut tells me that the traditional 9 to 5 is obsolete, but I fear it’s being replaced with constant work. #prodchat
  138. Q5: IN WHAT WAYS (TACTICS, TECHNIQUES, STRATEGIES) HAVE YOU TRIED TO KEEP CHANGE RELEVANT, POSITIVE IN YOUR LIFE? #PRODCHAT #productivity
  139. @profkrg Yes, and that’s what I personally want to resist (after having been there for 15 years). #prodchat
  140. sometimes the option of ignoring part or all the imposed change is better in balance than being overwhelmed by it? #prodchat
  141. @rsidneysmith @profkrg I think fluid boundaries are a factor (both pos & neg) for many people, esp due to mobile tech #prodchat
  142. Yes! #yoda Surprisingly, I have them in relationships but not with my work. RT @TaraRodden: @rsidneysmith Boundaries, you need. #prodchat
  143. A4: I also find the use of contexts and/or tags is always helpful when dealing with change. Kind of keeps you grounded. #prodchat
  144. @IsaPinaud @rsidneysmith We have an amazing assistant who bought me the world’s best stapler. It’s worth the praise. #prodchat
  145. @TaraRodden Well, that’s not true. Past tense. I didn’t have them with my work. I feel like I’m much better today. #prodchat
  146. @rsidneysmith I agree. It’s important to set your own boundaries or you never stop working. Brain needs to relax to be creative. #prodchat
  147. . @nmhouston that reminds me of my time as a reporter: shoot for the big story, but have a backup if you can’t get there … today #prodchat
  148. @rsidneysmith Depends on if you mind that role. Some people identify themselves through their work. #prodchat
  149. RT @nmhouston: @profkrg I think fluid boundaries are a factor (both pos & neg) for many people, esp due to mobile tech #prodchat
  150. Try thinking about your priorities more often.Write them on a piece of paper and put them where you will read them #prodchat
  151. RT @nmhouston: I agree. Its important to set your own boundaries or you never stop working. Brain needs to relax to be creative. #prodchat
  152. MT @mikevardy: A4: I find the use of contexts and/or tags is always helpful when dealing with change. Kind of keeps you grounded. #prodchat
  153. Yes. @nmhouston: @rsidneysmith I think fluid boundaries are a factor (both pos & neg) for many people, esp due to mobile tech #prodchat
  154. @profkrg @rsidneysmith Maybe you should refill your stapler during your transition stage haha ;) #prodchat
  155. A5: practice reframing: How many different ways can you view this change? What lessons might it be offering? #prodchat
  156. RT @IsaPinaud: Try thinking about your priorities more often.Write them on a piece of paper and put them where you will read them #prodchat
  157. @CTrappe How do you build buy-in from anyone on anything? WIIFM, give care/compassion first, and show value. #prodchat
  158. RT @nmhouston: A5: practice reframing: How many different ways can you view this change? What lessons might it be offering? #prodchat
  159. A5: Journaling/review can be helpful. Reflection at the end of the day/week/month can really help see how you’ve dealt w/ change. #prodchat
  160. Nice! RT @nmhouston: A5: practice reframing: How many different ways can you view this change? What lessons might it be offering? #prodchat
  161. BTW, I’ve launched Productivity Book Group! Info:  http://goo.gl/szV9b (G+ event) or h http://goo.gl/14lmJ site). Join us! #prprodchat
  162. @IsaPinaud @rsidneysmith Excellent plan! “I’m refilling my stapler, then I’m going home.” #prodchat
  163. @ionathanalcant Yes, priorities tend to always be “hiding in plain sight.” cc @IsaPinaud #prodchat
  164. @michgunn King Richard III’s body was recently found and positively identified. His grave was under a parking lot. #prodchat
  165. Whoa! MT @TaraRodden: King Richard IIIs body was recently found and positively identified. His grave was under a parking lot. #prodchat
  166. @TaraRodden Thanks, Tara. I was completely lost there. ;) Happens sometimes on #prodchat
  167. @TaraRodden I think @joshgroban quipped that at this rate we’ll never find Hoffa’s body then. ;-P #prodchat
  168. @GTDbloke Great! Hope you can make the calls…if not, you can always listen to the podcasts of the Productivity Book Group calls! #prodchat
  169. @michgunn Oblique ref was “a horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse” which is attributed to R the 3rd. #prodchat
  170. Q6: WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR SUCCESS STORIES, WHERE YOU’VE BEEN ABLE TO CHANGE FAST, ENJOY IT & BE READY AGAIN? #prodchat
  171. Got a fly…dinner time. Great hanging out for a little bit in #prodchat. See you on the Internets!
  172. @mikevardy Enjoy dinner, Mike! Thanks for coming to spend some quality #productivity time with us! #prodchat
  173. A6: My career transitions haven’t been planned and yet have been exciting and I’m looking forward to the next one (who knows?)! #prodchat
  174. Yes, exactly. Things fly by in #prodchat even when you’re paying attention. ;) RT @GTDbloke: @TaraRodden @michgunn staplers? #prodchat
  175. @rsidneysmith Mine either! I always get a call and go check out an opportunity. The rest is history. #prodchat
  176. A6: Starting college..At the time I had 3 jobs, training for a fourth, designing costumes for a play and doings MUNs #prodchat
  177. RT @profkrg: @rsidneysmith Mine either! I always get a call and go check out an opportunity. The rest is history. #prodchat
  178. MT @IsaPinaud: A6: Starting college..At the time I had 3 jobs, training for a fourth, designing costumes for a play and doing MUNs #prodchat
  179. A6 I’ve been successful in direction change on projects I was managing. Regrouping and reconfiguring teams/tasks… #prodchat

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