Workflow...
In developing a workflow, two things have already had an immediate impact- dailies and a couple of extra mail folders. First, just a general comment- outsourcing my brain has been one of the best things I have ever done :) My head leaks. The answer has been simple- all I have to do is remember to do two things- write it down, and then look at it. And with email, the key has been- put it in the right space, look at it at the right time... Many of you are all over this already, so feel free to skip this one. Here's what I have been working on... I've made a commitment to keeping the email in box relatively clean. There have been times when I've had a hundred emails sitting in there- some read and ready to delete, some waiting for decisions, some waiting for answers... just looking at it would cause me stress. No more of that. It comes in, and first thing is I check it when I'm ready to check it- I've disabled (with extremem prejudice!) the little mail ding that tried to boss me around. When I do read the email, I decide- can I answer thisquickly (under 30 seconds)? If so, I do. If not, but still under two minutes, I'll leave it in the in box and get to it after I've answered all the short-time-required ones. Then, in the morning, I work through my dailies- checking them off (and unchecking them in the evening so they are ready for the next morning) Just these simple actions and procedures have lowered my stress and increased my "productivity" already... I feel like I am cranking through stuff. What are some things you have implemented that have had immediate stress reducing and productivity raising effects for you?
Before getting serious about keeping some lists, I would struggle (usually with poor results) to keep large amounts of ideas, action items, emails to write, etc in my head.
Next, if I can't answer it that quickly, then I choose either the "action" folder for stuff I will get to this week, or the "to answer" folder for stuff I will get to in time.
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