HOW I AM MORE PRODUCTIVE THAN YOU THINK

If you don’t already read this blog (or even know if I exist) you probably don’t believe me: bear with me anyway, as there’s a lesson in disguise. 


I’ve had a very productive couple weeks, some days harder than others. I had a pretty lax schedule generally before though; it went something like this:


  • Wake up and drink coffee/eat breakfast
  • Watch videos, movies, listen to podcasts all day every day (MAYBE read a book or article)
  • MAYBE DoorDash deliver or Instacart shop
  • Go to bed


Now even though I maintain I’ve been more productive these past couple weeks, I would like to point out my schedule has not changed that much. 


Here’s how it goes:


  • Wake up and drink coffee
  • Work on podcast or upcoming videos (schedule changes depending on video)
  • Go for a run (depends on day and time); run or not either way I take a shower, basic hygiene
  • DoorDash or Instacart (again, depends on the day and time)
  • Get writing done (books, screenplays, this blog, I have a lot to write)
  • Watch videos, movies/TV, read books/news articles, listen to podcasts for the REST of the day
  • Brush teeth and go to bed

Obviously there’s room for variation in the schedule, but generally with the pandemic it stays the same 


(NOTE: I am fully vaccinated on disability grounds, I’d rather not go into that)


Anyway, despite more things to do generally, I start and end the day basically the same; the one difference is I shift breakfast slightly after creative work. 


(ANOTHER NOTE: this can change a lot, sometimes if the work demands it I may eat breakfast WHILE I work!)


Now all of this is pretty invisible labor, one I don’t really expect you to see either in my podcast or videos. But now that you’ve bore through all this, I do of course have a lesson. 


WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER!!


Too simple? Maybe. Heard it before? I’m sure of it. But keep bearing with me because I have to qualify my version of it a little. 


I’m writing this in a book I plan to publish, but it’s important to determine the non-negotiable in your life so you can work your schedule around that. 


Foe example, I love a few three things above all else: coffee, movies/TV, and comics. I know it’s not surprising a blogger like me likes comics, but keep bearing with me anyway. 


(YET ANOTHER NOTE: I promise there’s a better lesson to be learned from that). 


Once you have the non-negotiable PASSIONS, figure out other non-negotiable, these ones more professional. 


If you work a job that you like (or don’t like) obviously work that into your schedule as a PROFESSIONAL non-negotiable. 


If you think you don’t have the time for passions AND professional, trust me you probably do. Just find the time; again, it may be too simple but it works. 


I have personally opted out of a few family events just to DoorDash or Instacart (it’s a non-negotiable, if scheduled, thing I need to do to get paid, as I am not currently making money creatively). This may be bleak, but it might be something to consider. 


Also, even with that in mind I still have a lot of free time to hang with family during my “leisure” hours. Keep it in perspective to be sure you are not isolating totally, though. 


Now, I am completely aware of how lucky I am; even with the pandemic I’ve been able to make a living more or less normally, DoorDash and disability income I was already getting help cover my (low) cost of living. 


Your situation may not be perfect, it may even be total garbage. However, if you can find the time and figure out what is “non-negotiable” in your life…


(YET ANOTHER ANOTHER NOTE: only you an figure out your non-negotiable)


…you can probably be naturally more productive than you’ve ever been or perceived, much like me. 


Thank you for bearing through this; that wasn’t so hard was it?

Comments

  1. I remember this from cartoons as a kid, "Work smarter, not harder" and there are a lot of great lessons there (and here). :) https://fyourboss.com/work-smarter-not-harder/

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    1. Thank you so much! I always appreciate feedback (:

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