I’m obsessed with productivity. I’m a fiend for finding new ways to be more productive, to get more out of every minute. My ultimate goal is to get an amazing amount of results through less wasted effort and more time to pursue all of my pursuits without dropping the ball on the important stuff.
I’ve used a variety of systems. Some work well. Others work for a time. My life is one of constant flux and reinvention so I need my systems to keep up with my life.
I also am a test and learn person. I have to try things out, learn what works, incorporate what I can, adjust and reinvent.
I love the simplicity of Benjamin Franklin’s system and so I’ve decided for the next 30 days I will use his system. The basic Franklin schedule looks like this:
5-7 am Rise, wash and address Powerful Goodness! Contrive days’ business, and take the resolution of the day; prosecute the present study, and breakfast
8-11 am Work.
12-2pm Read, or overlook my accounts and dine
2-5 pm Work.
6-9 pm Put things in their places. Supper. Music or diversion, or conversation. Examination of the day.
10-4 am Sleep
Each day he asked himself two important questions. In the morning, “what good shall I do this day?’ and in the evening, “What good have I done today”.
These are very similar to the questions I use each day, “What are you going to be proud of today?” and “What are you proud of doing for others today?” This habit will be easy to take on as I’m already doing a variation of this.
I tend to work in fits and starts, and can forget to take breaks for long periods of time. I’ll get consumed by a subject and not move on to other things, or ensure that I’ve gotten the daily management of my life handled with care. So, this schedule will be interesting. I’m interested in how I work through it as I’m traveling during this time as well and anyone who travels regularly knows that sometimes schedules get a bit wonky.
I’ll report back after the month is up and let you know how it goes. Take this as an opportunity yourself to reevaluate whatever time management and scheduling system you are currently using. This will help double check if it needs some adjusting and if you are working at your most productive and most importantly, efficient. No one has time to burn. Make the most of it.
Cheers.
James
Marcus
Ross
Development Geek 