Comments on: Productivity Secrets: How to Get Stuff Done Without Killing Yourself http://www.wakeupcloud.com/productivity-secrets/ Uncovering the Cloud's Silver Lining Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:09:41 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Mike Mintzhttp://www.wakeupcloud.com/productivity-secrets/#comment-2739 Mike Mintz Wed, 02 Jun 2010 08:03:01 +0000 http://www.wakeupcloud.com/?p=1214#comment-2739 Henri - found your stuff through Blogussion and really enjoy it. I'm with you on the doing less to get more done. I suffer from procrastination by doning - take on way more than I'm capable of getting finished and then bounce back and forth between projects. It allows me to always have the excuse that I'm too busy to complete things. Seth Godin (and really Steven Pressfiled in "The War of Art") call this "the lizard brain." It tells us to focus on unimportant things like email or just reading blogs so we can avoid doing the work that is important. In my case it manifests by doing to much and not getting anything done. Thanks for the reminder to refocus. Mike Henri – found your stuff through Blogussion and really enjoy it. I’m with you on the doing less to get more done. I suffer from procrastination by doning – take on way more than I’m capable of getting finished and then bounce back and forth between projects. It allows me to always have the excuse that I’m too busy to complete things. Seth Godin (and really Steven Pressfiled in “The War of Art”) call this “the lizard brain.” It tells us to focus on unimportant things like email or just reading blogs so we can avoid doing the work that is important. In my case it manifests by doing to much and not getting anything done. Thanks for the reminder to refocus.

Mike

]]> By: Benny the Irish polyglothttp://www.wakeupcloud.com/productivity-secrets/#comment-2669 Benny the Irish polyglot Wed, 26 May 2010 05:51:15 +0000 http://www.wakeupcloud.com/?p=1214#comment-2669 Totally agree on the elimination front. At first I planned to write the LHG in the off time from translation work; an hour a day or something. But that would have taken most of the year to get through! So I blocked all work - turned off my chat programs and generally said "no" to as many distractions as possible. Meant that I could get the whole thing done in just a few weeks. And you reminded me of something important I need to get on right away: <i>rest</i> - I should get out and appreciate the post-launch buzz some more! Totally agree on the elimination front. At first I planned to write the LHG in the off time from translation work; an hour a day or something. But that would have taken most of the year to get through! So I blocked all work – turned off my chat programs and generally said “no” to as many distractions as possible. Meant that I could get the whole thing done in just a few weeks.

And you reminded me of something important I need to get on right away: rest – I should get out and appreciate the post-launch buzz some more!

]]> By: Krista Abbotthttp://www.wakeupcloud.com/productivity-secrets/#comment-2668 Krista Abbott Wed, 26 May 2010 03:23:15 +0000 http://www.wakeupcloud.com/?p=1214#comment-2668 Henri, This is an incredible piece you have put together here. I can identify with the work-aholic lifestyle. At the beginning of the year, I set out on a journey to simplify, and while not completely there yet, I am finding much more happiness and peace in those simple moments. Thanks for sharing such value. Krista :-) Henri,
This is an incredible piece you have put together here. I can identify with the work-aholic lifestyle. At the beginning of the year, I set out on a journey to simplify, and while not completely there yet, I am finding much more happiness and peace in those simple moments. Thanks for sharing such value.
Krista :-)

]]> By: Bretthttp://www.wakeupcloud.com/productivity-secrets/#comment-2667 Brett Tue, 25 May 2010 18:37:06 +0000 http://www.wakeupcloud.com/?p=1214#comment-2667 Bingo. This reminds me a lot of a relevant passage of Rework (it's been a day and now the thing's my Bible): "Long stretches of alone time are when you're most productive. When you don't have to mind-shift between various tasks, you get a boatload done." The title of the subchapter is "Interruption is the enemy of productivity." Yup. You and Rework are on the same page, my friend. Oh, and I'll send that email to you straight-away. That was bad communication on my part :) Cheers! Bingo. This reminds me a lot of a relevant passage of Rework (it’s been a day and now the thing’s my Bible):

“Long stretches of alone time are when you’re most productive. When you don’t have to mind-shift between various tasks, you get a boatload done.”

The title of the subchapter is “Interruption is the enemy of productivity.”

Yup. You and Rework are on the same page, my friend.

Oh, and I’ll send that email to you straight-away. That was bad communication on my part :)

Cheers!

]]> By: Petterihttp://www.wakeupcloud.com/productivity-secrets/#comment-2664 Petteri Mon, 24 May 2010 20:04:39 +0000 http://www.wakeupcloud.com/?p=1214#comment-2664 Finding balance in life seems to be the key and one of the most difficult things for people at the same time. It is much easier to go to different extremes, such as getting nothing done or becoming a workaholic, which usually leads to burnout sooner or later. Finding the correct balance in life is in my opinion quite an interesting topic, as my own personal problem has been quite the opposite of yours: I used to find it really hard to get things done in the past without any huge external motives. I had to push myself to be able to play poker for two or three hours a day when I did that for living. In the end, I don't think it really matters if a project is finished in three weeks or in seven weeks (unless someone else decides about the deadline) - how can we even know that we are alive after seven weeks? Finding the right balance helps to make every day enjoyable and allows us to live in this moment and not just dream about the things we get after we have reached a certain goal. Finding balance in life seems to be the key and one of the most difficult things for people at the same time. It is much easier to go to different extremes, such as getting nothing done or becoming a workaholic, which usually leads to burnout sooner or later. Finding the correct balance in life is in my opinion quite an interesting topic, as my own personal problem has been quite the opposite of yours: I used to find it really hard to get things done in the past without any huge external motives. I had to push myself to be able to play poker for two or three hours a day when I did that for living.

In the end, I don’t think it really matters if a project is finished in three weeks or in seven weeks (unless someone else decides about the deadline) – how can we even know that we are alive after seven weeks? Finding the right balance helps to make every day enjoyable and allows us to live in this moment and not just dream about the things we get after we have reached a certain goal.

]]> By: Henrihttp://www.wakeupcloud.com/productivity-secrets/#comment-2663 Henri Mon, 24 May 2010 19:40:03 +0000 http://www.wakeupcloud.com/?p=1214#comment-2663 The cool thing is that you don't have to create a large ebook right away. You can keep it small and if people like it, you can add to it. The cool thing is that you don’t have to create a large ebook right away. You can keep it small and if people like it, you can add to it.

]]> By: Ben Westonhttp://www.wakeupcloud.com/productivity-secrets/#comment-2662 Ben Weston Mon, 24 May 2010 19:13:15 +0000 http://www.wakeupcloud.com/?p=1214#comment-2662 Hey Henri, Damn, two weeks for an ebook! This is inspiring to know because I have an ebook that I've been wanting to write for some time now but the thought of writing a book, frankly scares me. I guess I'm concerned that it will become this big monstrosity that will take over my life for months. I guess not, huh? Congrats again on the new ebook! Take care, Ben Hey Henri,

Damn, two weeks for an ebook! This is inspiring to know because I have an ebook that I’ve been wanting to write for some time now but the thought of writing a book, frankly scares me. I guess I’m concerned that it will become this big monstrosity that will take over my life for months. I guess not, huh?

Congrats again on the new ebook!

Take care,
Ben

]]> By: Henrihttp://www.wakeupcloud.com/productivity-secrets/#comment-2661 Henri Mon, 24 May 2010 18:27:34 +0000 http://www.wakeupcloud.com/?p=1214#comment-2661 It's a form of procrastination when you keep doing busy meaningless tasks. It's tough to focus and do the work, but that's what really matters in the end. Thanks for stopping by, Mike! It’s a form of procrastination when you keep doing busy meaningless tasks. It’s tough to focus and do the work, but that’s what really matters in the end.

Thanks for stopping by, Mike!

]]> By: Henrihttp://www.wakeupcloud.com/productivity-secrets/#comment-2660 Henri Mon, 24 May 2010 18:24:32 +0000 http://www.wakeupcloud.com/?p=1214#comment-2660 Yes! It's amazing how much I get done when my internet isn't working. Yes!

It’s amazing how much I get done when my internet isn’t working.

]]> By: Henrihttp://www.wakeupcloud.com/productivity-secrets/#comment-2659 Henri Mon, 24 May 2010 18:23:42 +0000 http://www.wakeupcloud.com/?p=1214#comment-2659 Thanks for reading and commenting, Frank! I really appreciate it. Meditation definitely is beneficial, even in small doses as you said. Just being still and breathing for one minute can make a big difference. The more you do it, the less time you need. Thanks for reading and commenting, Frank! I really appreciate it.

Meditation definitely is beneficial, even in small doses as you said. Just being still and breathing for one minute can make a big difference. The more you do it, the less time you need.

]]> By: Henrihttp://www.wakeupcloud.com/productivity-secrets/#comment-2658 Henri Mon, 24 May 2010 18:22:16 +0000 http://www.wakeupcloud.com/?p=1214#comment-2658 Couldn't agree with you more, Moon! Once you try to do less and you see that it isn't going to kill you, you realize that it may be an option ;) Couldn’t agree with you more, Moon!

Once you try to do less and you see that it isn’t going to kill you, you realize that it may be an option ;)

]]> By: Henrihttp://www.wakeupcloud.com/productivity-secrets/#comment-2657 Henri Mon, 24 May 2010 18:21:18 +0000 http://www.wakeupcloud.com/?p=1214#comment-2657 It's tough to focus 100%, at least for me it is. I find myself always wanting to check my e-mail or do something else, but once you bring your mind back a few times, it gets easier and easier. It’s tough to focus 100%, at least for me it is. I find myself always wanting to check my e-mail or do something else, but once you bring your mind back a few times, it gets easier and easier.

]]> By: Henrihttp://www.wakeupcloud.com/productivity-secrets/#comment-2656 Henri Mon, 24 May 2010 18:17:46 +0000 http://www.wakeupcloud.com/?p=1214#comment-2656 Slow but steady wins the race, right? ;) Slow but steady wins the race, right? ;)

]]> By: mikehttp://www.wakeupcloud.com/productivity-secrets/#comment-2655 mike Mon, 24 May 2010 17:41:39 +0000 http://www.wakeupcloud.com/?p=1214#comment-2655 Hi Henri, Another excellent post. I often see colleagues who think to work hard you have to be running around like a headless chicken jumping from unfinished task to unfinished task when the trick is to relax a little, taking things one step at a time making sure each task/job is completed properly (saving time and problems in the long run). Keep up the good work Mike Hi Henri,
Another excellent post. I often see colleagues who think to work hard you have to be running around like a headless chicken jumping from unfinished task to unfinished task when the trick is to relax a little, taking things one step at a time making sure each task/job is completed properly (saving time and problems in the long run).

Keep up the good work
Mike

]]> By: Henrihttp://www.wakeupcloud.com/productivity-secrets/#comment-2654 Henri Mon, 24 May 2010 17:29:27 +0000 http://www.wakeupcloud.com/?p=1214#comment-2654 I know where you're coming from. You want results and you want them know. Keep working and you will sooner or later get to where you need to be. I know where you’re coming from. You want results and you want them know. Keep working and you will sooner or later get to where you need to be.

]]> By: Henrihttp://www.wakeupcloud.com/productivity-secrets/#comment-2653 Henri Mon, 24 May 2010 17:28:27 +0000 http://www.wakeupcloud.com/?p=1214#comment-2653 I think I was able to write it in 2 weeks because I already had the information in me. It was all personal experience, so I just had to get it out. I think I was able to write it in 2 weeks because I already had the information in me. It was all personal experience, so I just had to get it out.

]]> By: Samhttp://www.wakeupcloud.com/productivity-secrets/#comment-2652 Sam Mon, 24 May 2010 16:08:50 +0000 http://www.wakeupcloud.com/?p=1214#comment-2652 Hey Henri This is quite meaningful to me right now because I'm working so hard to get my self improvement website off the ground that I actually feel burnt out some days. I've got visions and I want them to happen, but I'm finding it challenging to just accept the position I'm in and let the universe decide when my success will come. You shoot yourself in the foot if you work too much, regardless of how much you want your dreams to manifest sooner. Thanks for helping me realise this! Hey Henri

This is quite meaningful to me right now because I’m working so hard to get my self improvement website off the ground that I actually feel burnt out some days.

I’ve got visions and I want them to happen, but I’m finding it challenging to just accept the position I’m in and let the universe decide when my success will come.

You shoot yourself in the foot if you work too much, regardless of how much you want your dreams to manifest sooner. Thanks for helping me realise this!

]]> By: Parker Lee | howtomingle.comhttp://www.wakeupcloud.com/productivity-secrets/#comment-2651 Parker Lee | howtomingle.com Mon, 24 May 2010 15:53:19 +0000 http://www.wakeupcloud.com/?p=1214#comment-2651 Hey Henri, Good stuff, I really liked eliminating what wasn't important. That is something we can all be reminded of. Also, I had no idea it just took you 2 weeks to finish your ebook--Wow! Very impressive Hey Henri,

Good stuff, I really liked eliminating what wasn’t important. That is something we can all be reminded of. Also, I had no idea it just took you 2 weeks to finish your ebook–Wow!
Very impressive

]]> By: Srinivas Raohttp://www.wakeupcloud.com/productivity-secrets/#comment-2650 Srinivas Rao Mon, 24 May 2010 14:41:15 +0000 http://www.wakeupcloud.com/?p=1214#comment-2650 Henri, I think focus and action really where it's at. I notice that when I turn off distractions for 3-4 hours I can get an INSANE amount of work done. I"ll end up writing something like 3 blog posts in an hour and doing a bunch of other stuff. I think there's also something called operating while you are in the zone for optimal productivity. I've written a post about this (but haven't published yet, but i'll link your post here to it :)). Thanks again for doing the interview. Henri,

I think focus and action really where it’s at. I notice that when I turn off distractions for 3-4 hours I can get an INSANE amount of work done. I”ll end up writing something like 3 blog posts in an hour and doing a bunch of other stuff. I think there’s also something called operating while you are in the zone for optimal productivity. I’ve written a post about this (but haven’t published yet, but i’ll link your post here to it :) ). Thanks again for doing the interview.

]]> By: Frank Dickinsonhttp://www.wakeupcloud.com/productivity-secrets/#comment-2649 Frank Dickinson Mon, 24 May 2010 13:46:17 +0000 http://www.wakeupcloud.com/?p=1214#comment-2649 "Listen to your heart, breathe and relax." Meditation has become an "Essential Ingredient" for me in staying productive. Even small moments of 30 seconds can help refocus and energize. Thanks for sharing this Henri - great stuff! “Listen to your heart, breathe and relax.”

Meditation has become an “Essential Ingredient” for me in staying productive. Even small moments of 30 seconds can help refocus and energize.

Thanks for sharing this Henri – great stuff!

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