#ProdChat, the weekly #productivity conversation: goo.gl/Uk35l | Tomorrow’s Topic: “How to Decide What Not to Do”

Expect higher volume of tweets from me for the next hour while I join in on #ProdChat. Come on over for “How Do You Decide What NOT to Do?”

Focus is knowing what you’re working on, but also knowing what you’re not working on! How do you decide? Let’s discuss now on #prodchat!

Welcome to #ProdChat, the weekly #productivity conversation! goo.gl/Uk35l | Today’s Topic: “How to Decide What Not to Do”

So, let’s start with introductions! In a tweet, introduce yourself. #prodchat

I may be tweeting more than usual for the next hour. I’m participating in this week’s #prodchat

@michgunn Hey, Michelle! Welcome to #prodchat! :)

Hi everyone! Michelle, checking in… I’m a productivity enthusiast, #GTD practitioner, Mac addict, and #OmniFocus fan! #ProdChat

RT @michgunn Hi everyone! Michelle, checking in… I’m a productivity enthusiast, #GTD practitioner, Mac addict, and #OmniFocus fan! #ProdChat

@xianfox Welcome to #prodchat, Christian! I’m looking forward to the conversation!

Q1: ARE YOU GOOD AT DECIDING NOT TO FOCUS ON THE LEAST IMPORTANT PROJECTS / TASKS? #prodchat

Please add #prodchat to your tweets. Questions will come IN ALL CAPS as Q1, Q2, Q3, etc. Answer A1, A2, A3, etc. for readability!

Q1: ARE YOU GOOD AT DECIDING NOT TO FOCUS ON THE LEAST IMPORTANT PROJECTS / TASKS? #prodchat

Retail manager, #GTD and #evernote geek. #prodchat

A1: As a long-time Covey practitioner, I use the Merrill-Covey matrix to determine what I should be working on, so I’d say yes. #prodchat

All good geek things to be! :) RT @xianfox Retail manager, #GTD and #evernote geek. #prodchat

A1 Yeah, I’m pretty good at weighing priorities for both short-term and long-term goals and focusing on what’s important. #ProdChat

A1b: I think where I am most challenged is when I take on too much then prioritizing becomes a chore. :-P #prodchat

A1: my boss’ and my own productivity matrices don’t match. It’s a balancing act. #prodchat

@rsidneysmith Yeah, intrinsically I do that. I try very hard to not find myself in putting out fires mode all the time. :) #ProdChat

@rsidneysmith I use that system too #prodchat LOVE IT

Always is! ;)
RT @xianfox: A1: my boss’ and my own productivity matrices don’t match. It’s a balancing act. #prodchat

@xianfox That’s not a unique challenge, but such a difficult one. Can you have a conversation with your boss about it? #prodchat

Q2: WHAT FACTORS DETERMINE WHAT YOU FOCUS ON? (E.G., BOSS, DEADLINES, SPOUSE/PARTNER, ETC.) #prodchat

Q2: WHAT FACTORS DETERMINE WHAT YOU FOCUS ON? (E.G., BOSS, DEADLINES, SPOUSE/PARTNER, ETC.) #prodchat

@MaryMBacon Welcome to the #prodchat, Mary! Great to have you, and glad to have another Covey matrix practitioner among us! :)

A1: I end up working on what’s really important and high visibility urgent tasks from my boss #prodchat

@michgunn I’ve decided for my 2013-14 year, I’m cancelling projects that are not viable and focusing only on the most important. #prodchat

@michgunn I think that will definitely help on the weekly task/project management level of not having that happen as much. #prodchat

A2 I try to pay attention to what’s important on many levels… current, upcoming, and on the horizon… #ProdChat

A2: My Weekly Review (#GTD) determines what I focus on from week to week, then my Next-Actions list(s) do the rest. #prodchat

A2: My Weekly Review (#GTD) determines what I focus on from week to week, then my Next-Actions list(s) do the rest. #prodchat

@rsidneysmith Tried that. Not effective. I’m too sensitive, etc. #prodchat

A2b: If unexpected tasks/projects come along, again, I step back and assess it against my current week’s goals and Covey matrix. #prodchat

Again, super important to me to not let everything become a fire in order to deal with it… for my sanity. :) #ProdChat

@xianfox That’s tough when you know other things are important too… tough balancing act. #ProdChat

+1 RT @michgunn A2 I try to pay attention to what’s important on many levels… current, upcoming, and on the horizon… #ProdChat

Hi, #prodchat! How is everyone this evening?

That’s great! MT @rsidneysmith: For 2014… I’m cancelling projects that are not viable and focusing only on the most important. #prodchat

@michgunn For me, I need to look also at what has become backlogged because of current overcommitment. #prodchat

@profkrg Evening, Kenna! Great to have you! How’s my fellow runner doing tonight? :)) #prodchat

Q2a: Store, customer and volunteer needs come first. After that comes the real project list, then my boss’ pet projects. #prodchat

Hey, Kenna! RT @profkrg: Hi, #prodchat! How is everyone this evening?

@michgunn Hold me to it! ;-) #accountability #prodchat

@rsidneysmith lol. I don’t know that I deserve that label yet, but I’m great. #prodchat

Q2b: I need to make just enough forward motion each week with that last bit. #prodchat

You have an accountability partner, don’t you?? RT @rsidneysmith: @michgunn Hold me to it! ;-) #accountability #prodchat

@xianfox That’s a fair assessment of yourself and your situation. What are other viable solutions then? Change in perspective? #prodchat

@michgunn Hi, Michelle! It’s great to see you here! #prodchat

RT @profkrg: Hi, #prodchat! How is everyone this evening? > Doing well, I kept missing chat but finally got o, Hope you are well

@michgunn There’s only so much my accountability partner can do! ;-) j/k #prodchat

@xianfox Sounds good! Hopefully you’re tracking accomplishments in your Weekly Review so you can celebrate them! #prodchat

I read that you should stop occasionally during the day and ask “is this what I should be doing right now?” If not, shift tasks. #prodchat

@MaryMBacon This is a good one, Mary! Don’t miss it! #prodchat

Q3: HOW DO YOU CURRENTLY DECIDE WHAT NOT TO DO AT ANY GIVEN TIME? #prodchat

Q3: HOW DO YOU CURRENTLY DECIDE WHAT NOT TO DO AT ANY GIVEN TIME? #prodchat

Q3: HOW DO YOU CURRENTLY DECIDE WHAT NOT TO DO AT ANY GIVEN TIME? #prodchat

MT @profkrg …you should stop occasionally during the day & ask “is this what I should be doing right now?” If not, shift tasks. #prodchat

@profkrg Yes! And, don’t try to turn at 90 degree angles. It’s about incremental shifts in your work trajectory. #prodchat

@profkrg @MaryMBacon This is a good 1, Mary! Don’t miss it! #prodchat Switched from tweetdeck 2 hootsuite and lost a few streams, I’m back

A3 For me that’s all #GTD. Let’s me be perfectly clear that there’s nothing I’m Not doing that I Should be doing. #ProdChat

@rsidneysmith it usually just means stepping away from a shiny object for me. #prodchat

A3a: I’ve started a list that is literally called “Don’t Do This” and I keep it with me. It’s for habitual crap I tend toward… #prodchat

A3b: Twitter, reading my RSS feeds, focusing too narrowly on my clients’ writing projects. #prodchat

Q3: Calendar, upcoming commitments, available personnel all contribute to defining what to do/not do. #prodchat

Q3: Calendar, upcoming commitments, available personnel all contribute to defining what to do/not do. #prodchat

A3: I knock out anything that must happen that day before anything else. If it’s not on that day’s list, I shouldn’t be doing it. #prodchat

A3c: I’ve also created a standards list for general projects so that I know when to stop focusing on things that are “well done.” #prodchat

A3c: I’ve also created a standards list for general projects so that I know when to stop focusing on things that are “well done.” #prodchat

@profkrg What are shiny objects for you? #prodchat

@rsidneysmith I’ve heard great things about the “don’t do” list. Do you never allow yourself those items? #prodchat

@profkrg I need to start doing that…hitting the big tasks upfront in my day, so that I can manage the rest of the day calmer. #prodchat

But I like those things! @rsidneysmith: A3b: Twitter, reading my RSS feeds, focusing too narrowly on my clients’ writing projects. #prodchat

@MaryMBacon You can also try twubs.com/prodchat. It’s a really way to manage #prodchat. :)

@xianfox I forgot the “can I delegate this?” I love those items! #prodchat

@profkrg Oh, me too! And, it’s part of my professional world. But there’s a point where I’ve got to limit it. #prodchat

@profkrg I think for me, deciding what not to do, is about learning when to *stop* focusing on something and transition. #prodchat

@rsidneysmith Twitter, chatting in the office, reading things that should be saved for later… The normal stuff. #prodchat

+1 RT @profkrg @xianfox I forgot the “can I delegate this?” I love those items! #prodchat

RT @michgunn A3 For me that’s all #GTD. Let’s me be perfectly clear that there’s nothing I’m Not doing that I Should be doing. #ProdChat

@rsidneysmith @MaryMBacon I’m a big Twubs fan. I usually chat from regular Twitter on my phone. #prodchat

@profkrg Do you use Feedly, Pocket, Safari’s Reading List or another kind of tool? #prodchat

Hardcore mobile chat! RT @profkrg @rsidneysmith @MaryMBacon I’m a big Twubs fan. I usually chat from regular Twitter on my phone. #prodchat

@profkrg Delegating is most of my day. It’s just trying to get the right people focused on the right tasks. #prodchat

@rsidneysmith for me it happens in the afternoon when I’m crashing and I need to do lower level tasks instead of wasting time. #prodchat

@rsidneysmith I use @feedly. #prodchat

@rsidneysmith @MaryMBacon I’m basically a chatting badass (read: addict). #prodchat

@profkrg That makes sense! I’ve been getting up earlier and earlier these past few months, so I gym, running errands… #prodchat

@michgunn I guess it really comes down to the fact that my boss and I have vastly different sets of standards. #prodchat

@profkrg …by 9am, I feel like it’s 4pm and I’ve not started on my tasks/projects for the day! Lol. #prodchat

Been there… ;) RT @xianfox: I guess it really comes down to the fact that my boss and I have vastly different sets of standards. #prodchat

Rock on! RT @profkrg @MaryMBacon I’m basically a chatting badass (read: addict). #prodchat

@xianfox That’s a great realization/understanding. You can work from that platform effectively. Think creatively. #prodchat

Q4: ARE THERE STRATEGIES OR METHODS YOU HAVEN’T USED THAT YOU THINK COULD HELP YOU FOCUS ON MORE IMPORTANT THINGS? #prodchat

@profkrg Gotcha. I use @Feedly (browser), @MozThunderbird (Windows) and @ViennaRSS (OSX) for RSS feeds. #prodchat

A4 I’ve been considering @apinaud‘s two separate browser method. One for work, one for play #ProdChat

Q4 is exactly what I’d like to understand. I’m listening. #prodchat

A4 I also like the idea of RescueTime where it helps you NOT use certain apps for XX amount of time #ProdChat

A4: I constantly consider going totally back to a paper to do list. It just feels more organized and rewarding. #prodchat

@michgunn I fear that would give me anxiety, like when you’re dieting and all you can think about it chocolate and cheese. #prodchat

A4 Also… The #PomodoroTechnique. I know it works for many people. I keep thinking I should give it a try. #ProdChat

A4: Some combination of Magic Work Cycle (magicworkcycle.com), or @focusboosterapp, and @RescueTime to keep me focused. #prodchat

@michgunn Great minds think alike! cc @RescueTime #prodchat

RT @michgunn A4 I’ve been considering @apinaud‘s two separate browser method. One for work, one for play #ProdChat

@profkrg, I find paper helpful to get my head back in the game sometimes. But then I transfer it to digital for my own sanity #ProdChat

@ljthornton Is that what you use? Tips? Do you have a digital calendar or paper too? #prodchat

@profkrg … and ice cream… ;) #ProdChat

@michgunn Mmmm… Ice cream… #prodchat

D’oh!! RT @profkrg: @michgunn Mmmm… Ice cream… #prodchat

A4: There are several Web browser extensions that can shut off certain websites so you can focus on only work-centric sites. #prodchat

A4: Changing locations where you work on focused work only there, and non-important work elsewhere. #prodchat

A4: Using themes (OS, browser, colored pens, etc.) to determine the importance of what you’re working on. I’ve not tried. #prodchat

@rsidneysmith this is super helpful. I need total (rare) quiet in my office to focus, but I can hyper focus in coffee shops. #prodchat

@rsidneysmith this is super helpful. I need total (rare) quiet in my office to focus, but I can hyper focus in coffee shops. #prodchat

Q5: WHAT CAUSES YOU TO GET DISTRACTED ON THINGS YOU DON’T WANT TO (OR SHOULDN’T) DO? #prodchat

Q5: WHAT CAUSES YOU TO GET DISTRACTED ON THINGS YOU DON’T WANT TO (OR SHOULDN’T) DO? #prodchat

Q5: WHAT CAUSES YOU TO GET DISTRACTED ON THINGS YOU DON’T WANT TO (OR SHOULDN’T) DO? #prodchat

A5 Details… I love the details… and sometimes, well done is good enough. Sadly I like perfection. *sigh* #ProdChat #GottaFixThat

A5 Details… I love the details… and sometimes, well done is good enough. Sadly I like perfection. *sigh* #ProdChat #GottaFixThat

A5: Oh gosh! This is an easy list…anything tech, psychology, neuroscience, or law gets me jazzed and down the rabbit hole! #prodchat

A5: I get mired in, “is this done? Or, can it be improved?” #perfectionism #prodchat

A5: Something new and shiny. #prodchat

A5 And fires… and other people’s fires. :/ #ProdChat

A5: Or, I start a project, and instead I think of another project that needs work and then I do 45 tasks associated with that. #prodchat

A5: I used to have a gadget problem, but I’ve kicked that habit almost totally…it takes a lot to get a new toy now. #prodchat

A5 A big distraction for me is “doing” during my weekly “review”. Argh!! Hard to stop myself. #ProdChat

A5: I just run out of steam mid afternoon when I still have a ton of stuff to do. #prodchat

No smack talk about my beloved gadgets, please. ;O MT @rsidneysmith: A5: I used to have a gadget problem… #prodchat

@profkrg I find that a good 8oz of protein (e.g., almonds) really helps re-focus me. #prodchat

A5: I am a total perfectionist, so I try to do #allthethings #prodchat

LOL.None! RT @michgunn No smack talk about my beloved gadgets, please. ;O MT @rsidneysmith: A5: I used to have a gadget problem… #prodchat

Understandable. RT @michgunn A5 A big distraction for me is “doing” during my weekly “review”. Argh!! Hard to stop myself. #ProdChat

@rsidneysmith Do the cinnamon sugar coated ones count too? #prodchat #almonds

Yum! RT @xianfox: @rsidneysmith Do the cinnamon sugar coated ones count too? #prodchat #almonds

Last question coming in a minute… #prodchat

@xianfox Raw almonds are best…but any almonds will likely work! :) #prodchat

Q6: WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND MOST TO THOSE HAVING TROUBLE DECIDING ON WHAT NOT TO DO? #prodchat

Q6: WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND MOST TO THOSE HAVING TROUBLE DECIDING ON WHAT NOT TO DO? #prodchat

Q6: WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND MOST TO THOSE HAVING TROUBLE DECIDING ON WHAT NOT TO DO? #prodchat

A6: Get an accountability partner.  teamaccountabilityproject.org … #prodchat

A6 I like @GTDguy‘s advice to take a full inventory of projects and tasks, so your brain isn’t worried you’re missing something. #ProdChat

A6: Your time wasters are probably on the Internet. Take stock of what you’re doing there. #prodchat

A6: Create a tiered rewards system so that you’re rewarding yourself for doing the things most important to you. #prodchat

@profkrg Amen. Turn off your wireless router or card on occasion to see if that helps! #prodchat

A6 I also think weekly reviews are seriously helpful in knowing what’s on your plate so you can make on the fly priority decisions #ProdChat

@rsidneysmith #prodchat get a coach A6

MT @michgunn A6 @GTDguy‘s advice: take a full inventory of projects & tasks, so your brain isn’t worried you’re missing something. #ProdChat

RT @profkrg: A6: Your time wasters are probably on the Internet. Take stock of what you’re doing there. #prodchat >> very true!

You also had a good suggestion earlier, Ray. Unsure at work what NOT to focus on? Ask your supervisor for help prioritizing. #ProdChat

Yup. RT @profkrg: A6: Your time wasters are probably on the Internet. Take stock of what you’re doing there. #prodchat

RT @MaryMBacon #prodchat get a coach A6

Yeah, funny how helpful that is! MT @rsidneysmith @profkrg Turn off your wireless router or card on occasion to see if that helps! #prodchat

non sequitur… gotta say, I’m liking TweetDeck for #ProdChat. Feed in one column, mentions in another… nice!

I may have to try @profkrg‘s method of straight-up-mobile tweet chatting… sounds challenging! #ProdChat

@michgunn Oh, that’s like @TweetGrid. I should check @Tweetdeck and TweetGrid out again. #prodchat

@michgunn OMG! You’re gonna go hardcore mobile chatting too! #HMC #prodchat

@michgunn I like chatting from my sofa in the family room on my iPhone instead of having a computer in my lap. #prodchat

@rsidneysmith Yeah, only bummer is remembering to add the #. So I keep twitter (desktop app) open to catch my mistakes and add #ProdChat

@michgunn Yeah, I’ve done #prodchat from my mobile when I can’t be at my laptop, but it’s just too tough to host and chat simultaneously.

@profkrg That makes sense… although I wonder if I’d be able to keep up. I’ll have to give it a try one night. #ProdChat

Thanks #productivity enthusiasts for today’s #ProdChat! Join us next week for another great chat! Check out the transcript tomorrow!

@michgunn @rsidneysmith I just paste it on each tweet. #prodchat

Alrighty, guys. Great fun tonight on #ProdChat. Thanks for the tips and tricks!! I’ll see ya next week. Have a great one! :D

@rsidneysmith @michgunn I host from my desktop. I’m not that ninja. ;) #prodchat

@michgunn I also activate Twitter app to do notifications for mentions during #prodchat so that I don’t miss those when hashtag is missing.

Still… even just chatting mobile is pretty ninja! RT @profkrg: @michgunn I host from my desktop. I’m not that ninja. ;) #prodchat

@rsidneysmith Thank you! Another great chat! #prodchat

@profkrg I’m glad to hear that! I thought I was gonna have to up my skills! :-P cc @michgunn #prodchat

See ya! Have a good week! :) #ProdChat

@profkrg Thanks for joining #prodchat, as always! :))

Great #prodchat Thanks @rsidneysmith @michgunn @profkrg et al.

Thanks everyone #prodchat

@michgunn I hope you test it. It really works incredible well #ProdChat