Friday, I sent out a list of software I use on my laptop. If you missed it, you can subscribe here.
Several of you asked what I install on my desktop. And a couple of you wanted to know what else I used, as in websites and browser extensions.
More on all of that later, in other posts and emails.
Today, I want to talk about productivity.
But not in get-more-done-in-less-time variety.
Nope. More to the point. Most of us get in our own way.
I admit – I have a gift. Maybe it's a talent or skill. I don't know what it is, exactly.
But know that it gives me an advantage.
I know how to get out of my way and accomplish a LOT. When I feel like it 🙂
I call it, “Getting shit done,” but I think that title has already been taken.
See, I use tools to make everything I do go faster. But if you don't have the right mindset, you can have a shop full ‘o tools and Noah still can't build his ark (but these guys did).
Now, I'm NOT trying to get all metaphysical on ya. I don't mean mindset in the hokey entrepreneurial Tony Robbins way.
I mean getting down to business: I want to accomplish this, here's how I do it, and I get it done.
Three things help:
- A comfortable environment
- I need to be relaxed
- I need to have “pre-thought”
I'm not one of those who can go to a coffee shop or library and work. I can go there to research, read, de-compress, and “pre-think.” That IS work, but it's not creative. I'm talking here about creating assets that I can sell or use to get more business.
I need my office to really get down to business. I have whiteboards, headphones, music, and all the tools on my desktop PC, readily available.
I also need to be well-rested and relaxed. This means I needed to get 7-8 hours of full-on sleep the night before. Interestingly, my best “creative productivity” comes later in the day, usually after I work out.
The body is tired, but the brain is ready to fire on all cylinders. I've listened to great music, worked my ass off, sweated a lot, and purged my body of negative thoughts.
(Some of my best workouts come when I'm upset about something.)
Plus, I'm usually super-relaxed by this point.
Last, the pre-thinking.
“Bill,” you may ask, “what does that even mean?”
It means I literally use my subconscious to do the “work” before it gets put down on digital paper (that could mean typing or talking, in front of a camera or not).
I won't go into the pre-thinking process I use just yet. Look for that in a later post/email.