I stumbled upon the book at Tate Modern. Lately, I've been working on a lot of personal projects, so I hoped this book could help me get more done.
My aim in picking up this book was clear: I sought to cultivate habits and behaviours that would intentionally shape each day into a happier experience.
In the UX industry, designers often employ rapid prototypes to test ideas and gather feedback. Similarly, I believe life itself serves as an excellent platform for experimentation. Instead of waiting for perfection, we can embrace an iterative approach in our daily endeavours, trying things out and refining them as we go.
Having over 1000 tasks swirling around in your head is incredibly stressful! While jotting down a standard to-do list helps, it's still challenging to gauge progress effectively. By categorising tasks into 'to-do,' 'doing,' and 'done,' it becomes easier to track progress, maintain focus, and reward oneself for accomplishments, thus staying motivated. To ensure concentration, limit concurrent tasks to three. It's more effective to gradually complete a smaller number of tasks than to juggle a dozen and accomplish nothing.
Continuously asking 'why' is crucial for delving deeper into issues and uncovering their root causes rather than merely addressing surface-level consequences. As a product designer, problem-solving is paramount, and ensuring that solutions target the right problem is of utmost importance. It's all about understanding the 'why' behind the problem.
I've observed my design lead applying this method in his workflow. Upon reflection and setting a to-do list for the day, I've realized its importance. Additionally, adhering to specific timeframes can significantly boost productivity, as suggested by Parkinson's Law. Moreover, arranging tasks in a sequence that aligns with your preferences can be beneficial. For instance, if you're a morning person, prioritize the most challenging tasks for the beginning of the day.
This book suggests that our attitude towards challenges is influenced by our expectation of success—do we believe we can overcome them? Additionally, our expectations of success are often rooted in our past experiences. When embarking on new endeavors, it's beneficial to reflect on past successes to stay motivated and maintain self-belief. What we believe, we can achieve.
Lately, I've noticed it's challenging to maintain focus due to my habit of constantly reaching for my smartphone and seeking stimulation through scrolling. Recognizing this pattern, I'm committed to practising mindfulness by allowing myself to experience moments of boredom. I believe this will help me regain my focus and productivity.
In the tech industry, 'agile working' is a widely used term mentioned in company introductions and job descriptions. However, each company ultimately has its own interpretation of it. In essence, agile working entails numerous intermediate steps, a feedback loop, and constant adjustment. It also reflects a more adaptable attitude, acknowledging that reality often diverges from initial expectations.
● Circle of Control: Things within your control.
● Circle of Influence: Things not directly in your control, but where your attitude and behaviour can make an impact.
● Circle of Concern: Matters beyond your control.
Focusing excessively on the Circle of Concern can lead to increased anxiety. Instead, prioritise your efforts on the Circle of Control, where you can exert influence and feel confident in your actions.
Within the squad, retrospectives serve as crucial opportunities for reflection. While it's essential to focus on achieving goals and impacting business and users, reflecting on the process is equally significant for long-term success.Questions like 'How did team members feel about it?' and 'How can we enhance collaboration to ensure everyone feels valued while working towards our vision?' are vital for fostering a cohesive and effective team dynamic.
● Structure: Need for clear processes - agreement and effective time management.
● Stimuli: Mental nourishment, fresh perspectives, and genuine interaction with others are essential.
● Recognition: Acknowledgment and attention, including feedback, criticism, and debate, are crucial. It's not just about praise; it's about being seen and taken seriously.
In essence, it's important not to wait until energy levels are depleted before addressing these needs. Recognizing and fulfilling these needs proactively keeps one energetic and content. Reflecting on past experiences of burnout, I've learned the importance of understanding and addressing these needs. Burnout is common, but it's how we learn from it and take care of ourselves that truly makes a difference.
● Utilise the 5-second rule to prompt immediate action.
● Remember what you read by underlining, summarizing, and saving important information digitally.
● Choose gratitude over apologies.
● Apply the 5/25 rule: concentrate solely on the most important goals.
● Journaling three positive things each day.
● Keep in mind that tasks may take longer, be harder, or yield better results than anticipated.
.png){kind=small}
