productivity Archives

No zero days

I’m reading “Discipline Equals Freedom” by Jocko Willink and came across this concept of “No Zero Days”.

In his text, he speaks about a zero day being a day in which you didn’t make an effort to advance your personal goals (paraphrased). If you find yourself at 11:55 PM one night, not having done anything you’d qualify as advancing a goal, then get it done.

Pick up the guitar, practice that song.

Pick up that book, read a passage (for me, it’s Linchpin by Seth Godin or The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday).

Knock out 20 pushups.

Do SOMETHING.

This message resonated so powerfully it made it on my daily goal list (pictured).

One is Greater Than Zero – Gary Vaynerchuk

What got you there will not keep you there.

Keep it up. Keep up the work. Keep up the grind.

Zig Ziglar’s Formula to Goal Setting

Systems thinking applied to goals…powerful stuff if you do the work and are accountable to the results.

Are you swamped with email?

network-1433045_640 If you’re like me, you’re probably in need of some help managing the volume of email you’re receiving. Here’s a strategy that you may consider trying.

For me, I keep an eye on my email throughout the day but try very, very hard to be disciplined in terms of not responding immediately unless the email warrants doing so. Otherwise, I set aside time in the AM and PM to respond, file, schedule tasks that result from the email throughout the day.

Idea: Learning to code

Business Insider has a quick read up about the benefits of even an introductory course to coding. I concur.

I think taking a coding course opens up the idea of the synthesis of ideas. It helps you see connections between seemingly or potentially disparate ideas.

If you’re looking for a new career path and into the idea of coding, I would seriously consider learning Unity. I think there will be a huge need for the skill with the coming of Augmented Reality.

10thHuman: Why you should continually evaluate your framework

I’ve previously blogged about the need of businesses to evaluate their strategies as a function of thermodynamics:

The short answer is that a business that does not engage in the continual evaluation of their operations becomes isolated from their competition. Their entropy increases.

I’ve also discussed this as a function of the evolution of a business in a competitive marketplace.

What got you there will not keep you there.

Today, I’d expand that line of thought by citing Anthony Giddens, a sociologist, and a particular thought on structures:

Structures do not determine outcomes, but define the potential range of outcomes. (Giddens)

In the context of the running discussion here about strategies and frameworks, I think it reasonable to posit that a framework and strategy do not determine an outcome but helps define the potential range of outcomes. Specifically, it helps you consider input, evaluate your options and execute your decision in accordance with defined parameters (such as goals and values).

The Internets: The wealth of human information at our fingertips…

network-1433045_640 Have you paused recently to consider that we, the human species, have developed a network that is simultaneously:

the distributed repository of the wealth of human knowledge
connects everyone with access to everyone with access

The potential of this network extends far beyond sharing awesome memes (though this is arguably a critical function).

Today’s link is a list of 14 resources compiled by Mental Floss that run the gamut from serious (learn every language on Earth and helping feed the Earth) to the lighthearted (access old school video games).

All powered by the Internet.

Battle Rhythm: morning rituals

In my quest to maximize quality and efficiency of my time, I am always looking out for ways to build a better version of self. Inc. has a few tips on ‘optimizing’ your morning.

What are your morning rituals you find add value to your day?

Act.

logthemiles Blogger Joshua Becker has penned an EXCELLENT piece on motivation, planning and executing on that plan. Emphasis on the execution of the plan. In his piece, he highlights that “a goal without a plan is just wishful thinking.” Further, you must act upon that plan, because having a plan simply isn’t enough.

You have to log the miles.

Fortune favors the follow up. – Erik Stark

I was listening to the BiggerPockets podcast this morning and heard this advice from Erik Stark, a successful Florida real estate marketer. He has a number of nuggets of wisdom in the podcast and I would very much encourage you to listen (it’s #93).

I wanted to take a moment and dig into this quote today. What does Mr. Stark mean by this? In his business, he has found success in the follow up. He has developed a system that works for him, through which he is able to deliver sustained and systematic follow up to his clients.

Are you following up? Do you have a system to do so?

Fortune favors the follow up. – Erik Stark