Discussion Forum > Taking advantage of the bladder in time management
Made me smile David - excellent idea! I'm busy forming new habits as we speak as I think this is key to being productive!
July 21, 2011 at 16:54 |
Alison Reeves
Alison Reeves
I've taken to taking 30 minute breaks after every 90 minutes, for a timeout at 10,12,14,1600h. Those 30 minute breaks are partly relax, but also partly do little work things that otherwise build up: papers on the desk, AF backlog, discuss status with workers, stretch muscles.
Keeps work fresh and productive.
Keeps work fresh and productive.
July 21, 2011 at 20:22 |
Alan Baljeu
Alan Baljeu
Suggest you use the backlog method which I have consistently recommended over the years:
1. Move the backlog out of sight and mind.
2. Work at your system for dealing with new stuff until you are confident that you can keep up.
3. Then, and only then, start to clear the backlog.
Step 2 must come before step 3 otherwise you will always be in the situation you describe.
1. Move the backlog out of sight and mind.
2. Work at your system for dealing with new stuff until you are confident that you can keep up.
3. Then, and only then, start to clear the backlog.
Step 2 must come before step 3 otherwise you will always be in the situation you describe.
July 22, 2011 at 0:51 |
Mark Forster
Mark Forster
Mark: I'm not sure if you are addressing David or me.
<<2. Work at your system for dealing with new stuff until you are confident that you can keep up. >>
For my case, I think this item has already been achieved. But perhaps there is a red flag in my scheme that I'm not seeing. One addendum to my post: The two-hour marks are flexible. Actual break times vary according to the day's flow.
<<2. Work at your system for dealing with new stuff until you are confident that you can keep up. >>
For my case, I think this item has already been achieved. But perhaps there is a red flag in my scheme that I'm not seeing. One addendum to my post: The two-hour marks are flexible. Actual break times vary according to the day's flow.
July 22, 2011 at 12:47 |
Alan Baljeu
Alan Baljeu
Alan:
<< I'm not sure if you are addressing David or me. >>
David.
<< I'm not sure if you are addressing David or me. >>
David.
July 24, 2011 at 21:57 |
Mark Forster
Mark Forster
I regret identifying backlog clearance as the context for my posting. It distracted attention from a finding that I had hoped might be useful to others, that associating a desired habit change to pee breaks is proving to be useful and not something I'd seen mentioned before.
July 25, 2011 at 11:55 |
DavidC
DavidC
DavidC:
Yes, I used to use this a lot when coaching people (though not in the context of pee breaks!). Any routine action, especially one which takes one out of one's normal work station can be associated with other actions, which would otherwise be neglected.
So you can build up a repertoire of little sub-routines.
For example, if you keep going into the kitchen to make yourself a cup of coffee, always deal with anything that needs washing-up. Keep a list of things you can pick up at the convenience store when you walk past it on the way to work. And so on.
Yes, I used to use this a lot when coaching people (though not in the context of pee breaks!). Any routine action, especially one which takes one out of one's normal work station can be associated with other actions, which would otherwise be neglected.
So you can build up a repertoire of little sub-routines.
For example, if you keep going into the kitchen to make yourself a cup of coffee, always deal with anything that needs washing-up. Keep a list of things you can pick up at the convenience store when you walk past it on the way to work. And so on.
July 25, 2011 at 13:33 |
Mark Forster
Mark Forster
Rather, I have to change my habits so that processing the pile becomes a natural activity. I've realised that I leave my desk several times a day, for lunch, meetings, getting tea, and, most of all, relieving myself of the burden of said tea.
I have managed to form a habit that whenever I return to my desk from any break, I process at least two items from the paper mountain. Often, I get sucked in and handle more than two.
I'm finding that this trick brings a rhythm of a natural kind to getting a current initiative advanced.