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#Prodchat – 07/03/13 – Getting Back to Productive!

 
 

#Prodchat – Getting Back to Productive! – 07/03/13

Have you ever “fallen off the wagon” of your productivity system? We all have. In this week’s chat, we discuss what takes us off our chosen path, and how to get back on it. Enjoy!

 
  1.  
    Welcome to #ProdChat, the weekly #productivity chat! Topic: “Getting Back to Productive!”
     
  2.  
    Productivity Book Group is now 7/20 noon ET! Join us as we discuss THE FRONT NINE by/with @mikevardy!  http://goo.gl/gonxO prodchat
     
  3.  
    Hi, all. Michelle here. I’m a productivity & organization geek. Love it. All of it. Psyched to chat about it any time I can. ;) #prodchat
     
  4.  
    Q1: HAVE YOU RECENTLY FELT OUT OF CONTROL WITH YOUR #PRODUCTIVITY? OR, WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU DID? #prodchat
     
  5.  
    wow… missing tweetchat for the hashtag appending… :/ #prodchat
     
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  7.  
    @michgunn Well, Tweetgrid is down now too because of Twitter API changes! What’s happening to all the tweetchat tools! #prodchat
     
  8.  
    A1 About a year ago I had a major priority shift. Realized my system was serving only one part of my world, but not the other. #prodchat
     
  9.  
    A1: I have certainly felt recently a little off my game…combination of work, and some health issues, have slowed my productivity.#prodchat
     
  10.  
    @rsidneysmith Well, hello, there, then. ;) I’m using TweetDeck. It seems to be working just fine (knock on wood)! #prodchat
     
  11.  
    @michgunn What part of your system was it serving? Was it doing well in that part? #prodchat
     
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  14.  
    Q2: WHAT USUALLY CAUSES YOU TO LOSE CONTROL OF #PRODUCTIVITY? (ISSUES ARE SOMETIMES POSITIVE TOO.) #prodchat
     
  15.  
    @rsidneysmith Are you feeling like you’re getting back to center? #prodchat
     
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  17.  
    @michgunn That’s good to hear! I just need to check out Tweetdeck again for purposes of the chat. #prodchat
     
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  19.  
    A1. Yes, definitely– but mine is because of laziness and a little bit of depressing. I’m getting back in my feet. #prodchat
     
  20.  
    A1 I think I lose control of productivity when I don’t keep my task system up to date. I need my roadmap! #prodchat
     
  21.  
    @michgunn Yes, I think so! It’s just going to take me another week of being healthy (sick since Sunday) and then getting in gear! #prodchat
     
  22.  
    @rsidneysmith Ah!! It’s vacation time already. Fourth of July tomorrow. :) #prodchat
     
  23.  
    @MCTheWriter Well, if you find your motivation the laziness goes away…and learn ways that stave depression! We’re here for you! #prodchat
     
  24.  
    Whoops… A2, not A1: I think I lose control of productivity when I don’t keep my task system up to date. I need my roadmap! #prodchat
     
  25.  
    A2: I think for me it’s part seasonal and part taking on too much (timing of commitments shift from my “perfect schedule”). #prodchat
     
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    @rsidneysmith That’s handy. At least that let’s you try to pre-empt it, knowing when the seasons are coming. #prodchat
     
  30.  
    My tweet uploads are running slow tonight. Hmm… #prodchat
     
  31.  
    I feel like we’re in Productivity-ists Anonymous tonight. ;-) RT @profkrg: A1: Yes. #prodchat
     
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  33.  
    @michgunn That’s certainly true! It’s one of the reasons why I start my “productivity year” off from the calendar year. #prodchat
     
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    @michgunn Yes, I’ve noticed some sluggishness on the Twitter-side too. #prodchat
     
  36.  
    A2: usually when I don’t use my capturing system and I have too many things swimming in my head. #prodchat
     
  37.  
    A2: usually when I don’t use my capturing system and I have too many things swimming in my head. #prodchat
     
  38.  
    Ditto. RT @profkrg: A2: usually when I don’t use my capturing system and I have too many things swimming in my head. #prodchat
     
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    A2 I’m with @michgunn, if I don’t update my Evernote, Asana, or paper task list, things get tricky! #prodchat
     
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    @michgunn I see my task system stop getting updated when I have lost control…it’s usually a symptom of a greater problem. #prodchat
     
  43.  
    Q3: WHAT/HOW DO YOU STOP THE ISSUE CONTRIBUTING TO YOUR LOSS OF CONTROL? #prodchat
     
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  45.  
    @profkrg Is that for lack of trust in the capturing system? What repels you from your capture tool? #prodchat
     
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  47.  
    @scrubly @michgunn Welcome to the #prodchat, Scrubly! I totally understand where you and Michelle are coming from!
     
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  49.  
    A3: Capture everything and start working through the list. #prodchat
     
  50.  
    A3: Capture everything and start working through the list. #prodchat
     
  51.  
    A3 Well, I force myself to do a good full review. Can’t know what’s on your plate without looking at the whole picture. #prodchat
     
  52.  
    A3: For me, it takes a PAUSE-AND-PLAN perspective to stop the spigot, address backlog and plan for the future. #prodchat
     
  53.  
    A3 Sometimes there’s just one thing I’m unconsciously trying to avoid, and that can upset the entire apple cart. :/ #prodchat
     
  54.  
    A3: I have to calm down and realize that I can’t do it all at once. That helps me prioritize. #prodchat
     
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    @profkrg I think you just haven’t found your motivation to do that activity or project. :-) #prodchat
     
  57.  
    @michgunn I do that! Especially if it’s something I don’t want to do. #prodchat
     
  58.  
    A2. The problem is I get distracted by about anything– people, music etc.. Once I do, it’s hard to get back on track. #prodchat
     
  59.  
    Oh yeah! RT @profkrg: A3: I have to calm down and realize that I can’t do it all at once. That helps me prioritize. #prodchat
     
  60.  
    @rsidneysmith I was talking about capturing. Sometimes I just stop. #prodchat
     
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  62.  
    @profkrg That’s great advice! Continuing to capture is so important to keep the “monkey off your shoulder,” @gtdguy would say. #prodchat
     
  63.  
    @MCTheWriter So how do you deal with distraction then? How do you keep it at bay? #prodchat
     
  64.  
    @MCTheWriter So how do you deal with distraction then? How do you keep it at bay? #prodchat
     
  65.  
    @michgunn That’s such a great insight! We all have things we’re trying to avoid, even if we’re not aware. #prodchat
     
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    @MCTheWriter Do you know what always gets your attention to get back on track? A particular song, mantra, quotation, etc.? #prodchat
     
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    A3 I stop, review my tasks, and prioritize my list. If it’s urgent, I somehow manage to unblock! #prodchat
     
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    @rsidneysmith @MCTheWriter In 25 Productivity Tips book @apinaud talks about setting a scene. He uses a piece of music to focus. #prodchat
     
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    @scrubly I think everyone needs a bit of _Unstuck_ by Dr. James S. Gordon too! #greatreads #prodchat
     
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    But only if it’s urgent? RT @scrubly: A3 … Unblock – get unstuck :) #prodchat
     
  74.  
    Q4: WHAT DO YOU DO THAT HELPS YOU GET BACK “ON THE WAGON?” #prodchat
     
  75.  
    I review my Horizons of Focus for clarity on my overarching purpose(s). #prodchat
     
  76.  
    @rsidneysmith @MCTheWriter #prodchat At times I’ll tell myself “It’s just _” It’s just an email, or meeting. “Easy-peasy” for encouragement.
     
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    A4: a lot of times an approaching deadline or event is a catalyst for me to get back on track. Other times I force myself. #prodchat
     
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    @rsidneysmith @MCTheWriter #prodchat At times I’ll tell myself “It’s just _” It’s just an email, or meeting. “Easy-peasy” for encouragement.
     
  79.  
    .@rsidneysmith Focus on small things for a concentrated time. I use a version of the #pomodoro technique:  http://www.pomodorotechnique.com/ #pprodchat
     
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    A4: For me, it really helps to return to my #productivity habits/rituals. If I focus on those, things clean up quickly. #prodchat
     
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    @scrubly @MCTheWriter Yes, keeping things in relative and reasonable perspective is really helpful! #prodchat
     
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    Reviewing my Horizons of Focus really helps me get back to the basics. Sometimes really clarifies if my “projects” were off-track. #prodchat
     
  83.  
    @cplong Welcome to the #prodchat, Christopher! The small things add up, for sure! Good advice!
     
  84.  
    Good one! RT @scrubly: At times I’ll tell myself “It’s just _” It’s just an email, or meeting. “Easy-peasy” for encouragement. #prodchat
     
  85.  
    .@rsidneysmith Thanks. Enjoying the #prodchat discussion. But also putting kids to bed.
     
  86.  
    dig it! “@cplong Focus on small things for a concentrated time. I use a version of the pomodoro technique:  http://www.pomodorotechnique.com/  #pprodchat
     
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    @rsidneysmith A4: I have to get back to exercising. Usually I’ve stopped, and productivity has declined. With it, I have energy! #prodchat
     
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    A4: I like to straighten my desk and working area so I can focus my mind. @MaryChayko @rsidneysmith #prodchat
     
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    Q5: SOME BELIEVE #PRODUCTIVITY IS ABOUT PERSEVERANCE IN GETTING BACK ON THE WAGON EACH TIME WE FALL OFF. AGREE/DISAGREE, & WHY? #prodchat
     
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    @cplong @MaryChayko @rsidneysmith I agree. Cleaning up is a good starting point for getting back on track. #prodchat
     
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    I totally need a clear desk to think. RT @cplong: A4: I like to straighten my desk and working area so I can focus my mind. #prodchat
     
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    @cplong @rsidneysmith A4: Yes! I too need some order in my work space…creates order in my mind. #prodchat
     
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    A5: I agree. But, hopefully, you develop good habits that result in the fall not being so difficult to recover from. #prodchat
     
  95.  
    A5: I agree. But, hopefully, you develop good habits that result in the fall not being so difficult to recover from. #prodchat
     
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    A5: I agree. But, hopefully, you develop good habits that result in the fall not being so difficult to recover from. #prodchat
     
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    A5: I’m definitely a believer in the positive side of “persistent starting.” Life is about the journey not the destination! #prodchat
     
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    A5 Productivity is about getting things done. It’s a never-ending cycle. Lather, rinse, repeat… #prodchat
     
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    A4 If I’m way off task, a break is usually in order, if only to find some inspiration and get motivated again. #prodchat
     
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    A4 If I’m way off task, a break is usually in order, if only to find some inspiration and get motivated again. #prodchat
     
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    A5: Agree…can’t be too productive if you don’t get back to things. But “rest periods” can enhance productivity overall. #prodchat
     
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    @profkrg Agreed, new tools and habits. And, new, exciting challenges that comes with a life well-lived! #prodchat
     
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    @rsidneysmith I totally agree with you. I am very positive- even when the negative is right in front of me. #prodchat
     
  105.  
    Great tweet-chat on productivity happening right now at #prodchat, for those interested.
     
  106.  
    MT @rsidneysmith: A5: Life is about the journey not the destination! #prodchat
     
  107.  
    A5: I study Aristotle, he said “Well begun is half done” (which was a proverb). @rsidneysmith #prodchat
     
  108.  
    @rsidneysmith yes. I like that second part! Making time for things you want to do. #prodchat
     
  109.  
    @MCTheWriter The positive side of things will always get you out of rut…the negative will always keeping digging for you! :-) #prodchat
     
  110.  
    A5 Agreed! Sticking to your rituals, to being productive means not falling ‘off the wagon’ just to quit. #prodchat
     
  111.  
    A5 Agreed! Sticking to your rituals, to being productive means not falling ‘off the wagon’ just to quit. #prodchat
     
  112.  
    @cplong @rsidneysmith Doesn’t Mary Poppins say that (“Well begun is half done”) too? :) #prodchat
     
  113.  
    Ha! Great saying! RT @MaryChayko: @cplong @rsidneysmith Doesn’t Mary Poppins say that (“Well begun is half done”) too? :) #prodchat
     
  114.  
    @cplong I couldn’t agree more. Also, I believe that course-correction is a good chunk of the completion skillset once begun. :-) #prodchat
     
  115.  
    @MaryChayko @cplong I didn’t realize Mary Poppins was such a great philosophy teacher as well as flying nanny!? ;-) #prodchat
     
  116.  
    Q6: WHAT TOOLS/APPS ARE OUT THERE THAT HELP YOU GET BACK TO PRODUCTIVE? #prodchat
     
  117.  
    #multi-tasker RT @rsidneysmith: I didn’t realize Mary Poppins was such a great philosophy teacher as well as flying nanny!? ;-) #prodchat
     
  118.  
    Heading out early! Have a great night! #prodchat
     
  119.  
    @rsidneysmith @cplong Oh, Mary Poppins is the best: “A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down” surely speaks 2 productivity! #prodchat
     
  120.  
    A6 The pomodoro technique, like @cplong mentioned, is great for focusing. #prodchat
     
  121.  
    A6: I am really big fan of Lift and SuperBetter apps to help with re-establishing productive habits. #prodchat
     
  122.  
    A6: I am really big fan of Lift and SuperBetter apps to help with re-establishing productive habits. #prodchat
     
  123.  
    A6b: Also, journalling daily using the method in the book, 18 Minute Ritual by Peter Bregman. #prodchat
     
  124.  
    A6b: Also, journalling daily using the method in the book, 18 Minute Ritual by Peter Bregman. #prodchat
     
  125.  
    A6 I like using the Clear app for a quick & dirty list of stuff to jumpstart productivity #prodchat
     
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    I have to remember that! MT @rsidneysmith: A6: journalling daily using the method in the book, 18 Minute Ritual by Peter Bregman. #prodchat
     
  128.  
    A pleasure to join the chat tonite, #prodchat! Didn’t know of these apps/tools…lots to think about…feeling inspired. Thx!
     
  129.  
    A pleasure to join the chat tonite, #prodchat! Didn’t know of these apps/tools…lots to think about…feeling inspired. Thx!
     
  130.  
    A pleasure to join the chat tonite, #prodchat! Didn’t know of these apps/tools…lots to think about…feeling inspired. Thx!
     
  131.  
    @MaryChayko So glad you could join us for #prodchat, Mary! We’re here weekly at 8pm ET! Next week we have @JasonWomack and @apinaud hosting!
     
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    @MCTheWriter Both are pretty fantastic for different reasons! Let me know if you have questions! #prodchat
     
  134.  
    I will- thank you “@rsidneysmith: @MCTheWriter Both are pretty fantastic for different reasons! Let me know if you have questions! #prodchat
     
  135.  
    This was super! Thanks, #productivity-ists! This #ProdChat has gone, but join us again next week! Check out the transcript in the a.m.!
     
  136.  
  137.  
    Well, thanks everyone! Good fun tonight. Looking forward to next week with @JasonWomack on #prodchat !
     

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