Getting Organized & Productive
Today's issue brings Leo Babauta's way of getting organized & Eisenhower Matrix (a productivity tool to make better decision)
The Joy of Getting Organized:
Leo Babauta discovers the joy of getting organized and emphasizes that it is not about being perfect or doing it all the time.
How to Get Started:
The first step is acknowledging the mess and deciding what you want to achieve by getting organized. Create buckets to sort things, and find tools (Notes, Files, Tasks, Emails) to fix your system. Don’t focus on the result, just enjoy the process. you will gradually start to feel more organized.
Overwhelm to Overjoy :
Work in short bursts, don’t finish everything at once. Focus on clearing things out rather than finishing. Take breaks and come with fresh eyes.
Inboxes & Buckets:
Inboxes are for collecting things including email, messaging apps, and browser tabs, while buckets are for storing them (Projects, Tasks, reading later). Regularly sort through your inboxes and move items to appropriate buckets. Don't overthink creating buckets, just make them work for you.
Ongoing: A Daily Flow:
Set aside a little time each day for inbox sorting, not living in them. Use your task manager and project buckets regularly. Have specific times for focusing on certain buckets, such as finances, chores, and errands. Embrace the cycle of things pile up and organize again.
Getting organized is not about perfection, but about bringing joy and play to the process. Embrace the natural phenomenon of things falling apart, and how to bring a zeal for organizing to the piles that have accumulated in your life.
Recommended Tools:
Notes: Roam Research, Supernotes, Apple Notes, Google Keep
Tasks: Todoist, Things
Email: Gmail, Superhuman
Browser: Arc browser
Files: Simple folders for work, personal, and finances
Find tools that you love to use
Source: The Joys of Getting Organized
How to be More Productive by Using the “Eisenhower Box”:
What is the Eisenhower Matrix?
The Eisenhower Matrix is a simple yet powerful decision-making tool that can help you prioritize your tasks and boost your productivity. It was developed by Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th president of the United States, based on the principle of urgency and importance.
How Does the Eisenhower Matrix Work?
The Eisenhower Matrix is a 2x2 grid that divides tasks into four categories:
Urgent and Important: These are tasks that need to be done immediately and that have a significant impact on your goals. Examples include meeting deadlines, responding to urgent emails, and handling emergencies.
Important but Not Urgent: These are tasks that are important for your long-term goals but don't require immediate attention. Examples include planning for the future, working on important projects, and learning new skills.
Urgent but Not Important: These are tasks that are time-sensitive but don't contribute to your overall goals. Examples include answering unimportant emails, attending unnecessary meetings, and dealing with interruptions.
Not Urgent and Not Important: These tasks can be eliminated or delegated. Examples include busy work, unproductive activities, and distractions.
How to Use the Eisenhower Matrix
List down all your tasks. Take some time to write down all of the tasks that are on your plate, both big and small.
Categorize each task. For each task, ask yourself: Is this task urgent? Is this task important? Based on your answers, place each task in the appropriate quadrant of the Eisenhower Matrix.
Take action. Once you have categorized your tasks, it's time to take action. Start by focusing on the urgent and important tasks. Then, schedule time for the important but not urgent tasks. Delegate or eliminate the urgent but not important tasks. And finally, eliminate or ignore the not urgent and not important tasks.
Additional Tips for Using the Eisenhower Matrix
Review your matrix regularly. As your priorities and goals change, so will your tasks. Be sure to review your Eisenhower Matrix regularly and make adjustments as needed.
Don't be afraid to say no. It's important to learn how to say no to tasks that are not important or urgent. By protecting your time, you can focus on what matters most.
Celebrate your progress. As you complete tasks and make progress on your goals, take the time to celebrate your successes. This will help you stay motivated and on track.
By using the Eisenhower Matrix, you can gain control of your time and focus on the tasks that will help you achieve your goals.
Source: How to be More Productive by Using the “Eisenhower Box”