A productivity workshop seemed like a silly idea for me.
No, not because I’m so productive. I could win shiny gold medals for wasting time, if there were official world records. But there aren’t, because it’s a hard thing to measure:
- Is staring at Facebook for hours waiting for another like to show up wasting time?
- Is opening email and then clicking “save as unread,” and having to deal with it again later, a form of wasting time?
- What about mindlessly eating crackers with butter, one after the other, while standing and sort of reading – but not really reading, because you’re thinking — the NY Times on the kitchen counter?
- Bolting to the bathroom in the middle of a project to play with eyebrow pencil because you were triggered by some thick-brow-endowed 20-year-old’s selfie on instagram — is that wasting time?
- And then opening pictures of yourself from the 80s to grieve for the caterpillar-sized eyebrows you once had but later laughed at during those plucking-happy 1990s: that might be wasting time. I don’t know, you tell me.
See, who’s to say what’s a waste of time? Brows need to be filled in.
All I know is, that’s been a snapshot of my typical day.
I’ve always felt out of control of my time.
(And my cracker-and-butter consumption. Why butter and not cheese? Don’t be ridiculous. Butter is a cheese. The best cheese.)
Around the holidays, a friend asked me what my big goals were for 2017.
I shrugged. My big goal is for something big to happen. Magically. Because I never trust that I’ll use my time well enough to make it happen. That’s why I let things happen more than I make them happen.
So yes, I’ve been wanting to be more productive.
But when my friend Selena Soo invited me to come to our friend Chris Winfield’s productivity workshop, I said yes because I liked Chris, wanted to see how he ran a workshop, and thought it would be fun. Not because I believed its promise that I would become “wildly productive.”
I never believe anything will work on me.
I love reading “tips and tricks” but that’s all I do with them. I brush them off with a sad, “Yeah, I should do that but I won’t.”
I’m not what you’d call an “implementer” or “massive action taker.”
UNTIL NOW.
OK, I don’t want to over-promise. But get this — I took one set of tips from Chris and actually put them into action. They weren’t new to me. I’ve heard them before and said, “Yeah, I should” before. Right voice, right time, I guess – something about the way Chris suggested this new habit convinced me to give it a shot. And it’s working.
Here’s what I’m doing:
Less email. And no checking email in the morning.
I know, duh.
How many times have we all heard not to check our email first thing? It’s a filthy habit. Reaching for my phone in my first wakeful moment and clicking that email icon while I’m still in bed feels as gross as lighting a cigarette. Or eating a Snickers for breakfast. But I’ve been doing it for years, saying I’d try to stop, without ever trying to stop.
At the workshop, Chris pointed out that checking email first thing puts you in “reactive mode.”
True.
How many times have I had grand, writerly plans for the morning — free-write, then write a blog post, then maybe even start working on a book! — only to be completely derailed by a friend’s email asking, “Hey, our neighbors are going to Sicily. Do you still have your notes from that trip? Any great restaurants they should hit?”
Must. Be. Helpful.
There goes the morning.
So after Chris’ workshop, I set a rule. Just for one day, I wasn’t allowed to look at my email until 11am.
And after 11, I’d check it no more than ten times a day.
Chris said his happiness level goes down if he checks more than ten times. So he keeps track with a post-it on his computer. I find post-its dirty. They always fall off and get that grime on the sticky part, and god forbid I should throw out a dirty post-it instead of keeping it floating around my desk till my husband asks, “Do you really need this?”
So anyway, I created a virtual post-it using the Stickies app on my Mac.
To keep my checkmarks low, I quit out of my email every time I’ve checked it. That way, the red notification light doesn’t nag at my dopamine-fiending, attention-hungry eye.
I’m proud to say it’s been over a week. 8 days clean of checking email in the morning and over-checking it all day long. I’ve also turned off Facebook notifications on my desktop and all social media push notifications on my phone.
Here are the results.
I’ve been writing every single morning, without fail. I have an actual streak now on 750words.com.
I started an instagram account just for Talking Shrimp, something I’ve been wanting to do. What is productivity but doing things you’ve been wanting to do? I’ve made a whole bunch of content for it already. I learned from my friend/web-and-graphics genius Michelle Martello how to make the quote cards in photoshop and have been doing them myself. Check it out here! And follow, of course. More on that experiment later.
I have that “on fire” feeling. Who knows how long it’ll last, but for once I feel like I’m in control of my day. Like I can get anything done that I decide to get done. Now I have to put my keyboard where my mouth is and start writing that book.
It’s kind of like I upgraded my own software and now, instead of getting interrupted every ten minutes by that spinning Mac pinwheel, I can complete a damn task. Actually, I did get a sweet new laptop. Christmas present from my husband. I can’t lie, that helps, too.
(OK, this “on fire” stage might also be called “manic.” It does run in my family. Keep an eye on me.)
I’m already less addicted to my phone. And, by extension, to all the social media. So freeing! This may not be a big deal to you, but I don’t even take the phone out of my pocket while waiting in line to pay for my watermelon chunks at Citarella. That’s a major phone-checking trigger.
Less distracted, more patient. I can wait till later to pencil in my eyebrows.
I feel capable of change. Remember how I said things don’t work on me? Well, maybe they can. Who knows what other good habits I could form? Maybe even quit ice cream? No, not that. But if I wanted to, I could. OK, here’s one I’d like to take up, if I could only sleep through the night: start getting up early. That’ll be the final step to kick me from “more productive than I was” to “disgustingly productive.”
My new goal is to be so nauseatingly efficient and prolific, I make you sick.
Can I keep this going? I think so. Here’s why.
Well for one, I’m enjoying it. The “not till 11” rule is like a game.
For two, I’ve been minding Chris’ advice for forming new habits. It’s this:
Don’t break the chain.
I guess this is the same as “Take it one day at a time.” But “Don’t break the chain” somehow landed better for me.
I did it yesterday and the day before.
I’ll do it today, too. So I don’t break the chain.
That’s how it works.
And before you know it, you’ve got a nice, long chain. Hey, my less-email-checking chain is almost a bracelet. A small child’s friendship bracelet, but still. Soon it’ll be a necklace, and then one of those long, wrap-around necklaces that look like you’re wearing a bunch of necklaces. Those are great for dressing up a t-shirt.
I’m on my way. Get ready to be grossed out.
Now you.
Do you check email first thing in the morning?
When it comes to improving yourself, do you feel like things “don’t work on you”?
What new habit would make you more productive?
Are you concerned for me that I’ve publicly announced my productivity streak, and worried that I’ll backslide in a huge and humiliating way? Hmm, you have a point.
TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS.
Oh my good god this is LIFE CHANGING. I tried ignoring my email until 11:00 today and the amount of extra work I got done was astroflippingnomical. Plus I’ve only checked 4x times today – planning to only check once more!
Thank you!!!!
Laura!
Your article has helped me realize some serious avoidant behavior.
I was so into “no email” in the morning, I went full hog. “No email.” But it wasn’t conscious or well thought out. I stopped checking email regularly or I’d read emails and mark as unread. Ouch. Now, I’m just a bad emailer.
Productivity hack – backfire.
The worst part is that I’ve replaced email with social media. I don’t do it in bed but I do it as soon as I get out of bed. So… I’m basically an avoidant-hijacker. It’s uglier than I thought.
This has got me so excited. You’ve inspired me to do a serious productivity makeover. If you can do it, I can do it! I believe. I believe.
Even though I am worried you’ll backfire in a public/humiliating way… But that’s because I’m still in major self-doubt. You’ve given me hope.
Productivity is the conversation I wrestle with the most. Confident in other areas of change. I just moved across country! I cook and exercise regularly… But focus + productivity, so little faith.
Since New Year’s, I said – less social media. And I have… but it’s haphazard. I need a reward system. I can check social media starting at 3pm every day. And the idea of MAKING A CHAIN is brilliant.
I’m going to start with un-roll. Clean up the email situation and get more efficient.
PS Tooootally excited by your FIRE and your new Instagram account. I’ve been waiting for it.
Thanks for writing more, because you’re one of my favorites.
Marcie
It seems you’re responding to comments again. I thought you’d given it up. Anyway, I was drawn by the picture above and the headline.
You use a classic direct marketing technique that one often sees in dieting advertising: “I’ve tried everything to lose weight. You name the gimmick, and I’ve tried it.” And sometimes they add (for believability) “And some of them actually worked…for a little while. And then the weight would come back.” Etc.
“Until I discovered X. I almost didn’t try it. After 579 ‘sure fire, can’t fail’ diet programs I weighed more than ever, so I figured this was just one more. So I almost didn’t open the email. But I’m sure glad I didn’t delete either…”
As copywriters, we often write this stuff, even if we haven’t tried any diets. It’s a job. But in YOUR case, I instantly believed that this was you. In part, of course, because I’ve been reading your posts for a long time, and I know you like watermelon chunks, just as my late mother did. I do, too, but the quality of flavor has gone way down, IMO.
But I also have the same attitude toward “productivity” program you do. They all make a lot of sense. I’ve heard all the concepts before. I’ve tried some piece of all of them for about 2 hours or maybe 2 days, then it’s back to…the usual. But it wasn’t back to the usual for you, and because we’re so similar in this one way, I was moved to try it.
So I pledged for that 100 day book and downloaded some of Chris’s freebies.
I bundle all those subscription emails into 1 via unroll.me, and then I can get away with checking email like, twice/day. Instead of 50, I have 5. Verra nahs.
Haven’t read all these to see if someone else recommended, but I bundle all those subscription emails into one via unroll.me, and then check email like, once or 2x/day. Instead of 50, more like 3. Pretty great
I did that too! Not foolproof, but pretty good. And of course I don’t even open it.
Love this topic. Love your post!
I too am so proud of myself & my productivity these past 3 weeks! Will also implement Chris’ idea!
I deleted Facebook app off my phone….it’s been so freeing….I go in 2-3 times a day from my desk top, but I also make it a point that I log off and notifications are not being pushed out to the right hand side of the screen….this simple delete has created such calmness, focus and productivity around here 😉 and the BEST part, I see it spilling over into other areas of my life 🙂 YEAH!
Rebecca
Yes! Turning off that thing on the upper right is EVERYTHING. There’s no way to resist it when it slinks onto the screen.
Love this! I’m ending the shame of starting and finishing every day with checking my e-mail…
It feels so good to make yourself wait in the morning! Still going.
I am a chronic phone-checker and it’s gotten to the point where it’s driving me – and everyone else – nuts.
Must. Put. The. Damn. Phone. Down.
This sweet tip may just be the kick in the knickers I need to get a chuffing grip.
Oh, and butter? TOTALLY a form of cheese. For real.
We are on the same page about butter, for sure.
Why is there no wine and butter party?
The checking is disgusting to everyone around us. That’s one great reason to stop. Also, when you stop, you can judge the other people.
I guess you won’t be replying to blog comments either, you gross productive person you.
Well, I guess we’ll live. I’ll get my dopamine some other way (but seriously, leaving comments is one of my ‘hits’.)
I haven’t been checking my phone in the mornings for a while, but I’ve started to slack a bit lately and say, “Just once won’t hurt.” Well, now that you’ve got everyone jazzed up about it, I guess it will hurt, so I’ll get back to dopamine free mornings.
It is true though, when I get to work, I feel the need to check emails. But really, they don’t know when I get in the office, or if I’m in an important meeting, so I can totally ignore them. Sometimes it’s even empowering. “You want me to respond right away, don’t you?” I’ll say to that email, then I’ll just let it sit there while I go do something else. “They don’t know that I saw it.” I’ll think. I have the power! (Unless they have that Outlook setting that notifies them that you read it, but you can also have a counter setting that notifies you that they want to be notified, and you can choose, ‘no’, so they still won’t know.)
Thanks for all your words.
I have that exact same thought! “They don’t know that I saw it.”
That’s why I’ll leave FB messages unopened for days. I don’t want the person to see that I saw it. Shhhh.
And of course I’ll still answer comments. I love them.
Shit. I’m reading this at 6.30am
Slack/whatsapp/email. I’m going to give it a try…just after I check your new insta account…
SO MANY THINGS TO CHECK. Remember when it was just email and it wasn’t even on your phone?
FIRST OF ALL, it was awesome to meet you at the workshop. I’ve always enjoyed your writing, so it was sweet to meet in person.
And secondly, I loved this post, because as much as I’d like to toot my productivity horn right now, I can’t say I’ve been following many of the tactics he shared. Doh!
But this post reminded me just how DOable this can be, and that I don’t need to throw everything at the wall at once. I’ve got my pristine little post-it stuck to my computer (I’ll give it a day before it winds up on the floor, covered in dog hair, but still), and I’m going to shoot for no email before 11am, too. I’m also going to take a stab at Morning Pages and Pomodoro tomorrow, because clearly the only way I can apply productivity tips is by attempting to do them all at once. We’ll see how that goes. 😉
Thanks for this post, Laura! Cheers to not breaking the chain. 🙂
If the post-it gets too fuzzy, do try the stickies app. It’s already on your computer if you have a mac. Or should be. Checkmark is option-v.
I haven’t tried pomodoro yet. I left before that! Gotta look into it.
Loved meeting you, too!
Great post Laura. So often I feel like you are describing me when talking about yourself. It’s comforting to know I am not the only one.
So how does one make those quote cards using photoshop?
I think my friend Michelle said she’d be making a tutorial on how to do the quote cards. If she does, I’ll share it!
I’m eyeing your chain and sending you major “that’s hot!” winks. 😉
Seriously love this. Post election I removed Facebook from my phone and devices, and really reduced my time on social. It was like opening up a new part of my brain!
I also try to limit my email time, too. Looove your writing in the morning streak, and the don’t-break-the-chain idea is gold, too.
P.S. Your eyebrows are looking fiiine! 🙂
Thanks for checkin’ out my chain, sista! And my brows. They a li’l patchy but could be worse.
Cheers to new neural pathways – I do wonder how much memory space in my brain is getting used up by the social media addictions.
i check my email i chase my tail yes i’m confused but so i’ve choosed
listen here laura michell and nora playing your game is just insane
the words you write they have no plight so wake yourself hear the good elf
and stop the crap and take your rap i’m going to sleep not one more peep!
p.s. you can publish my email, why not!
You drink all the liquor on the shelf?
I’m baffled, wondering who’s the good elf.
SOOOO agree the idea of not checking email or in my case, FB first thing in the morning… before I know it, 40 minutes have scrolled past in a blur of photos and posts 😉
The other thing that’s been really helping me is using an adapted version of the Pomodoro technique… Instead of the traditional 25 minute slots, I work in 60-minute or 90-minute chunks and don’t hop on to social or email, until that chunk is over 😉
Also, YAYY for streaks and chains 😉
My worst habit is still scrolling facebook when I come in the door (and wifi comes on). I stand there in my coat and shoes and hat and everything, scrolling or typing instead of taking off my damn coat, like I’m paralyzed. My husband always says, “what are you doing standing there, it’s creepy.” And I guess it is.
I’m right there with you, Laura (or with the way you’ve been). I read productivity tips. I love them! But I don’t do them.
I wish I did … but reality strikes. And it’s frustrating.
Yet, I still hope and I am optimistic that someday I will do all the things I want.
Knowing myself and how it’s like, I was a little worried about you declaring these things and then not keeping up. But I also belive in change. Mine and others. And I belive you can do this Laura.
The idea here is, if I can do it anyone can. I’m so bad at new habits.
Who knows if it’ll last, but 12 days in a row of being more productive means that much more done in the year! Or in my life. Right?
YES so glad I saw Marsha’s post sharing this one.
Congrats on your chain, LB! Just this weekend I went social media app-free and it was glorious.
Like you said – it’s those mindless triggers we’re not even AWARE of – I would find myself reaching for my phone and then remembering, “RIGHT – there is no legit reason for me to check FB right now.”
I love the idea of the list of 10 – think I’ll start using that on weekdays (playing with the idea of keeping weekends social media free).
Good to “see” you today 🙂
NEB! How lovely to have you over here.
The phone trigger is so strong for me, I have to take it out of my pocket (where I’m warming my hands and can physically feel the temptation constantly) and put it in my bag. It’s a crazy psyche magnet.
The 10x post-it is so helpful. Keeps me honest. And I do feel grosser as the number starts going up.
SM-free weekends sound so sane.
Thanks for dropping by!
Laura, you just fucking crack me up! Every time I see Talking Shrimp in my inbox, I automatically start smiling. YOU are a hoot! So now I’m finally going to have to join Instagram just to see your posts. That’s something I’ve been putting off. Now I have to.
I’ve also been putting off sitting my ass down everyday and writing so, for talking shrimp everywhere, I’m going to try and make a chain.
That makes me so happy, Pamela. Did you join Instagram yet? That account is my favorite new thing.
And did you start your chain yet? Mine continues uninterrupted. Yeah, I’m bragging.
Hi Laura,
Love everything you are doing and enjoying watching your ‘journey’ (haha….could not resist that ghastly word!).
BTW Shhhh….The second sentence of your above article has a typo thingy<:)
Thanks, Clive! Journey is even more ghastly when paired with something like a disease. As in, “Lyme journey.” (Yolanda on Real Housewives) Or “Herpes journey.” (No one’s said that but they will.)
I la la la la-love this.
Have you read “The One Thing” by Gary Keller? This has REALLY helped me focus and actually accomplish things for once.
Fits in perfectly with the No email before 11 idea.
I have not! I’ll check it out. After I read the book I’m reading, The Nix. So good.
I started on 750words.com recently and love it! The badges are super motivating to me. I hit Flamingo status and am working my way to the mighty Albatross!
I try and resist checking emails first thing as well. Some mornings I may make in only 5 or 10 minutes out of bed, but I’m pretty good about no checking while still in bed. I like this daily check off list tip though so will have to give it a shot to decrease how often I check it.
P.S. I love that I’m not the only one who opens an email only to mark it unread to deal with at a later date.
I am the QUEEN of “mark as unread.” Queen abuser.
How fun! I started leaving my phone outside of the bedroom when I go to sleep, so it’s physically impossible to reach for it first thing in the morning. The impulse isn’t the same when you have to get out of bed for it, it’s like once I’m out of bed there’s other things I’d rather do first.
Because I work in support and sometimes shit goes wrong while I’m sleeping, I do a cursory check of subject lines (I can see them in my lock screen) while I start my coffee, but if there’s nothing needing my immediate attention, I can take some time to write, or shower, or something else nice before I succumb to the email monster.
I’m loving your insta! I laughed out loud AND cringed with those first few posts. I’m looking forward to following you there (wow, that sounds super creepy).
Smart leaving your phone outside the bedroom. I sleep with mine on airplane mode so I can use the rain app. I need the white noise.
Thanks for the insta love! I’m having fun with it.
OOH. The ten times thing is GREAT.
I have been stricter at not checking email/FB before 10am and it makes the WORLD of difference.
I also don’t have the facebook or gmail apps, I make Chrome rather inaccessible (several windows to swipe through) and I try – TRY – to log out of them every time I finish.
But during-the-day not checking of email has been HARD. i LOVE this 10 rule, because it’ll make me wonder if I want to spend one of my ten hard enough. Thanks!
Ooh ooh AND – I use Baydin’s (free) app Inbox Pause, so that, if I have to go into my email for work, I can do it without seeing new emails. You *can find them if you need to check them, but it just adds one more barrier.
http://www.inboxpause.com
I’m totally going to install that! Great tip, M. I do keep opening my email to find old ones, look up shit, all that. And then I can’t unsee the new ones I saw!
I’ve long admired how you social-media-proof yourself. I think that’s how you have time to sketch, tell stories, do all the amazing things you do. Glad I could up your email resistance game in some way.