Sunday, May 8, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
10 best tricks of fooling myself to work
In order to be successful, we have to work hard, no matter what. We can’t always be at the mercy of our motivation.
I am lazy. But that’s okay, because I have some tricks for fooling myself into working, every single day. Actually, I’m quite productive thanks to these tricks. I’m going to share the tricks with you now.
I will mention my own software, a task and notes organizer Swift To-Do List, in 2 of these tricks, but these tricks can be done with other programs (or pen and paper) too.
Actually, I think what follows is the best way of fooling yourself to work, because it works so well. It’s scary-effective.
So what’s the trick? Well, when I have a “Task X”, and I don’t feel like doing it, and I would much rather do anything else, but I know that doing this particular task is the best choice, I do this:
I tell myself that I will merely write down the steps needed to complete the task. Just a rough draft, at first, and that’s it. Maybe just 3 steps. I then add more steps, breaking the 3 steps into smaller sub-tasks. I then add some details, and thoughts, notes of things that I shouldn’t forget when doing this task. I just think the task through and write everything down. After a little while, I will be a proud author of “The Complete Guide To Finishing Task X for Dummies”.
(The actual way I do this is that I open my Swift To-Do List and fill the notes of the task I want to accomplish with all the steps and thoughts.)
Now, for some unknown reason, when there is nothing else to think about, and there is no way to screw this task up, because everything is laid out in front of me, I just start working on the task automatically. I might do just the first baby micro-step at first, but that’s OK. It follows to the next, and to the next, and before I know it, the task is finished.
Oh, and did I mention that my keyboard used to be a huge mess? I swear that there was a delicate living ecosystem inside it. Even if I am really trying to be super-neat, some of the foodstuff will fall into the keyboard. It happens to the best of us.
So what I do now is that I always sit to an actual table, like a civilized man, and enjoy my meal without staring at the addictive hypnotic evils of my computer screen.
Now, while I am enjoying my food at the table, I also kinda miss the computer. I’m eager to return to it and do some real work. The fake feeling of productivity while eating at my computer is eliminated.
Whenever I begin the day this way, the whole day flows in the productive-tone. But if I start by messing around on the social networks and reading news and articles, the whole day seems lazy and I accomplish a lot less in the end.
This trick has probably the biggest ROI (return on investment) of all of these. What’s the investment? Well, it takes just a little spark of my willpower to start working in the morning. This little morning-spark can ignite an enormous day-fire of productivity.
Being the navigator behind the rudder is easy in the morning. Much harder during the day.
Whatever you do, start working when you sit at your computer for the first time. Even if just for a couple of minutes.
When I return, I don’t do some random thing on “The Internets”. Oh no. I open my Swift To-Do List, see what’s next, and immediately start working.
Completed a small task? “Back to work.” Someone interrupted me? “Back to work.” Answered a call? “Back to work.” Had to reboot my computer? “Back to work.” Velociraptor looking at me behind the window, then leaving? “Back to work.”
“Back to work” is my Answer to Life, the Universe, and Everything. I just feel great every time I tell myself “Back to work” and resume working.
Whenever I need to know what to do next, I just bring Swift To-Do List up using a system-wide hotkey and I immediately see what’s next.
View modes, filters, sorting etc make this really easy. I can also manually reorder the tasks (see a video) to decide the exact order of my tasks.
When I have 1-3 super-important tasks, I often write them down on an actual physical paper, and put the paper in front of me. It will be a constant physical reminder of what I want to do. Works like a charm.
And don’t forget the exquisite pleasure of physically checking the tasks off, and joyously manufacturing a paper-ball as a token of your greatness.
I am lazy. But that’s okay, because I have some tricks for fooling myself into working, every single day. Actually, I’m quite productive thanks to these tricks. I’m going to share the tricks with you now.
I will mention my own software, a task and notes organizer Swift To-Do List, in 2 of these tricks, but these tricks can be done with other programs (or pen and paper) too.
1. The ultimate trick
When I really don’t feel like working, and it would take a superhuman force to get me working, this saves me. Every time.Actually, I think what follows is the best way of fooling yourself to work, because it works so well. It’s scary-effective.
So what’s the trick? Well, when I have a “Task X”, and I don’t feel like doing it, and I would much rather do anything else, but I know that doing this particular task is the best choice, I do this:
I tell myself that I will merely write down the steps needed to complete the task. Just a rough draft, at first, and that’s it. Maybe just 3 steps. I then add more steps, breaking the 3 steps into smaller sub-tasks. I then add some details, and thoughts, notes of things that I shouldn’t forget when doing this task. I just think the task through and write everything down. After a little while, I will be a proud author of “The Complete Guide To Finishing Task X for Dummies”.
(The actual way I do this is that I open my Swift To-Do List and fill the notes of the task I want to accomplish with all the steps and thoughts.)
Now, for some unknown reason, when there is nothing else to think about, and there is no way to screw this task up, because everything is laid out in front of me, I just start working on the task automatically. I might do just the first baby micro-step at first, but that’s OK. It follows to the next, and to the next, and before I know it, the task is finished.
When I am thinking about how to accomplish the task, I am already actually accomplishing it. And once I think it through, it seems ridiculously easy.
2. Not eating at the computer
I don’t know about you, but I have never accomplished *anything* while eating at my desk. I usually just read articles, or gaze at the code in Visual Studio while day-dreaming, at best. What’s worse, I even don’t enjoy the food that much this way, as my mind is split among 5 different things.Oh, and did I mention that my keyboard used to be a huge mess? I swear that there was a delicate living ecosystem inside it. Even if I am really trying to be super-neat, some of the foodstuff will fall into the keyboard. It happens to the best of us.
So what I do now is that I always sit to an actual table, like a civilized man, and enjoy my meal without staring at the addictive hypnotic evils of my computer screen.
Now, while I am enjoying my food at the table, I also kinda miss the computer. I’m eager to return to it and do some real work. The fake feeling of productivity while eating at my computer is eliminated.
3. Rudder of the day
When I sit down to my computer for the first time in the morning, I immediately start working. Because my brain is still half asleep, he doesn’t fully realize that I’m actually working, so he won’t protest. Poor little bugger.Whenever I begin the day this way, the whole day flows in the productive-tone. But if I start by messing around on the social networks and reading news and articles, the whole day seems lazy and I accomplish a lot less in the end.
This trick has probably the biggest ROI (return on investment) of all of these. What’s the investment? Well, it takes just a little spark of my willpower to start working in the morning. This little morning-spark can ignite an enormous day-fire of productivity.
Being the navigator behind the rudder is easy in the morning. Much harder during the day.
Whatever you do, start working when you sit at your computer for the first time. Even if just for a couple of minutes.
In my opinion, any work done “first thing in the morning” counts triple.
4. Real relaxation
Fake relaxation sucks. When I need a break, I do not eagerly launch Facebook, ICQ or solitaire, but I actually get up and get away from the computer! :-) I can go for a walk, read a book, prepare myself a fruit snack/smoothie/juice, take a nap, do some yoga, chat with a co-worker, or just generally chill out without looking at the darn computer screen.When I return, I don’t do some random thing on “The Internets”. Oh no. I open my Swift To-Do List, see what’s next, and immediately start working.
5. “Back to work” mantra
I’ve learned this one from Brian Tracy’s Time Management and Maximum Achievement programs. I just keep saying “back to work”, whenever appropriate, until it starts humming in my mind automatically whenever something distracts me.Completed a small task? “Back to work.” Someone interrupted me? “Back to work.” Answered a call? “Back to work.” Had to reboot my computer? “Back to work.” Velociraptor looking at me behind the window, then leaving? “Back to work.”
“Back to work” is my Answer to Life, the Universe, and Everything. I just feel great every time I tell myself “Back to work” and resume working.
6. Always knowing what to do next
Whenever I finish a task of any size, and I do not know what to do next, my productivity goes to the drain. So, I’ve come up with an easy way how to avoid this.Whenever I need to know what to do next, I just bring Swift To-Do List up using a system-wide hotkey and I immediately see what’s next.
Not having some productivity software associated to a system-wide hotkey is like riding without a steering wheel. You will get somewhere, but not where you want to go.
I have many separate to-do lists (a couple for each project), and I’ve created a new Priority called “Next”, highlighted by a bright green color. I assign this priority to tasks that I want to accomplish next.View modes, filters, sorting etc make this really easy. I can also manually reorder the tasks (see a video) to decide the exact order of my tasks.
7. Sheet of paper with the most important task
Although Swift To-Do List is awesome ;-), good old physical paper has an intricate quality that no software can offer: It exists outside of your computer.When I have 1-3 super-important tasks, I often write them down on an actual physical paper, and put the paper in front of me. It will be a constant physical reminder of what I want to do. Works like a charm.
And don’t forget the exquisite pleasure of physically checking the tasks off, and joyously manufacturing a paper-ball as a token of your greatness.
This has the biggest effect when you prepare such a paper before leaving work or going to bed, because it will be the first thing you see when you get back to work the next day.
8. Eliminating distractions
It’s a fact of this age that focusing is nearly impossible if you do not have some personal distraction-management strategy. I’ve ellaborated on this topic in one of my previous posts Create more productive environment at your desk (10 tips).9. When falling asleep…
When you are falling asleep, think about the most important task for the next day. Your subconscious mind will do half the job for you during the night.This might sound bananas to you, but I swear that it works. Your mind is busy during the whole night anyway (we all have dreams), so why not give it something productive to ponder on?
What’s your trick?
I lied. There are only 9 tricks. However, here is the Captain You to save the day!Sunday, April 17, 2011
41 things i learned by 40
June 8th marks my 40th Birthday. Here are 41 pieces of advice that I have learned along the way:
41. Don't worry too much about what others think about you.
40. Everyone has an ego. Tread lightly as to not bruise them.
39. Nothing produces results as much as taking action.
38. Don't gossip. What you say will always find its way back to the person.
37. People do business with people they know and like.
36. Jealous and petty people are just part of life.
35. Say "please" and "thank you". It will make you stand out from the crowd.
34. When you need help, ask someone.
33. Having written goals is an important step you achieving your dreams.
32. Over using credit cards will stall your financial future.
31. A supportive spouse is worth her weight in gold, and then some.
30. A true friend is excited for you about any event that makes you happy.
29. True friends are rare and should be cherished.
28. No job is secure. Have a "plan B"
27. Always find the best in other people. Do not focus on their flaws.
26. You are not what you drive or what you wear. Do not judge others by their cars, clothes or zip code.
25. You are a "brand". No matter what you do it impacts your reputation.
24. Luck does not happen by accident.
23. Start saving money when you are young. 10% of your income should always go to your 401K.
22. Dedicate time to think about your future. Know what success looks like.
21. You cannot love your kids too much!
20. Treat everyone with respect. You never know when they might circle back into your life.
19. If you are not knowledgeable about wine...Don't fake it.
18. Be-friend your competitors.
17. Regardless of your political beliefs - attend a presidential inauguration once in your lifetime. The whole thing is very cool.
16. Find a mentor.
15. Be a mentor.
14. Staying physically fit gets harder as you get older. But do it anyway.
13. You do not have to be smart to be successful. Tenacity trumps intelligence.
12. Having a strong network of professional contacts is the best career safety net.
11. Read a lot of books, magazines, websites, blogs and newspapers. Knowledge is power.
10. Writing a book is hard work. Promoting a book is harder work.
9. Develop your public speaking skills. Join a Toastmasters group and participate actively for two years.
8. There is no substitute for integrity.
7. Have friends who challenge you to be a better person.
6. If you know someone who wrote a book, read it. The biggest compliment you can give an author is to read what they wrote.
5. Helping others always comes back to benefit you.
4. Find a good lawyer, accountant and banker before you need them.
3. Learn to cook.
2. Opportunities exist. You just have to look for them.
AND THE NUMBER ONE THING I HAVE LEARNED:
#1 - Those who have achieved REAL success in life (financially, emotionally and spiritually) will never criticize your dreams and aspirations. Instead they will look for ways to share their own experiences to help lift you up to higher levels. Successful people are rarely jealous and welcome the achievements of others.
As with all free advice....remember, you get what you pay for.
Have A Great Day.
thom singer
41. Don't worry too much about what others think about you.
40. Everyone has an ego. Tread lightly as to not bruise them.
39. Nothing produces results as much as taking action.
38. Don't gossip. What you say will always find its way back to the person.
37. People do business with people they know and like.
36. Jealous and petty people are just part of life.
35. Say "please" and "thank you". It will make you stand out from the crowd.
34. When you need help, ask someone.
33. Having written goals is an important step you achieving your dreams.
32. Over using credit cards will stall your financial future.
31. A supportive spouse is worth her weight in gold, and then some.
30. A true friend is excited for you about any event that makes you happy.
29. True friends are rare and should be cherished.
28. No job is secure. Have a "plan B"
27. Always find the best in other people. Do not focus on their flaws.
26. You are not what you drive or what you wear. Do not judge others by their cars, clothes or zip code.
25. You are a "brand". No matter what you do it impacts your reputation.
24. Luck does not happen by accident.
23. Start saving money when you are young. 10% of your income should always go to your 401K.
22. Dedicate time to think about your future. Know what success looks like.
21. You cannot love your kids too much!
20. Treat everyone with respect. You never know when they might circle back into your life.
19. If you are not knowledgeable about wine...Don't fake it.
18. Be-friend your competitors.
17. Regardless of your political beliefs - attend a presidential inauguration once in your lifetime. The whole thing is very cool.
16. Find a mentor.
15. Be a mentor.
14. Staying physically fit gets harder as you get older. But do it anyway.
13. You do not have to be smart to be successful. Tenacity trumps intelligence.
12. Having a strong network of professional contacts is the best career safety net.
11. Read a lot of books, magazines, websites, blogs and newspapers. Knowledge is power.
10. Writing a book is hard work. Promoting a book is harder work.
9. Develop your public speaking skills. Join a Toastmasters group and participate actively for two years.
8. There is no substitute for integrity.
7. Have friends who challenge you to be a better person.
6. If you know someone who wrote a book, read it. The biggest compliment you can give an author is to read what they wrote.
5. Helping others always comes back to benefit you.
4. Find a good lawyer, accountant and banker before you need them.
3. Learn to cook.
2. Opportunities exist. You just have to look for them.
AND THE NUMBER ONE THING I HAVE LEARNED:
#1 - Those who have achieved REAL success in life (financially, emotionally and spiritually) will never criticize your dreams and aspirations. Instead they will look for ways to share their own experiences to help lift you up to higher levels. Successful people are rarely jealous and welcome the achievements of others.
As with all free advice....remember, you get what you pay for.
Have A Great Day.
thom singer
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Recipe: Cook the Book: Philly-Style Chicken Cutlet Sandwich
This month's Saveur magazine proclaimed that Philadelphia is the country's best sandwich city, and while I might be a bit biased living in Philly, I'm not about to argue.
One of the city's lesser known creations is the chicken cutlet, a pounded-flat, breaded and fried piece of chicken generally served in hoagie form, either with shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and oil and vinegar or with braised broccoli rabe and provolone.
Joe Yonan, author of Serve Yourself has adapted this Philly sandwich for solo dining with this Philly-Style Chicken Cutlet Sandwich. Dressing it up with a panko-crusted chicken breast and a sweet-spicy Peppadew mayo, this version is a little more refined than the classic but just as enjoyable.
Between the chicken, mayo, sharp provolone, and broccoli rabe, this is a sandwich that needs a sturdy roll, preferably a crisp, long one finished with a sprinkling of sesame seeds for real Philly authenticity.
As always with our Cook the Book feature, we have five (5) copies of Serve Yourself to give away this week.
Adapted from Serve Yourself by Joe Yonan. Copyright © 2011. Published by Ten Speed Press, a division of Random House, Inc. Available wherever books are sold. All Rights Reserved.
Ingredients
serves 1, active time 30 minutes, total time 30 minutes- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 stalks broccoli rabe, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 4 or 5 peppadew peppers, drained and finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 small (about 4 ounces) boneless, skinless chicken breast half
- Kosher or sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup Japanese-style panko
- 2 slices provolone cheese, preferably aged (piccante)
- 1 large soft Portuguese sweet roll or Philly-style submarine roll, halved
Procedures
- 1Pour 1 tablespoon of the oil into a medium skillet over medium heat. When it starts to shimmer, add the red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, for a minute or two. Add the broccoli rabe and sauté until the broccoli rabe is tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the broccoli rabe and red pepper flakes to a plate or bowl.
- 2In a small bowl, stir together the peppadew peppers and mayonnaise.
- 3Lay the chicken between two large pieces of plastic wrap on your work surface, and pound it to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Season it generously on all sides with salt and pepper.
- 4In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg to combine. Spread the panko crumbs onto a plate. Dip the chicken breast in the egg, then dredge it in the panko crumbs, turning it and patting them on with your hands to coat the chicken well.
- 5Pour the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil into the skillet over medium heat. When it starts to shimmer, lay the chicken cutlet in the pan and let it cook undisturbed until it is golden brown on the bottom, 2 to 3 minutes. Use tongs to turn the cutlet over, then lay the provolone pieces on the cooked side of the chicken, overlapping slightly, and cook until the bottom is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a serving plate.
- 6To assemble the sandwich, place the two roll halves on the serving plate. Spread one slice with the peppadew mayonnaise, then top with the chicken cutlet, broccoli rabe, and remaining roll half, and eat.
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