> Instead, you should aim for allocating a default workload that is not your full capacity, purposefully leaving some portion of your time unallocated. This is because you need to leave space for the unexpected, such as escalations, meetings, and other interruptions that will inevitably arise.
I learned this the hard way 😅 I had a phase where I tried to schedule something every minute of every day; would not recommend
I’ve had this thought in my head for so long but never could explain it quite well.
You articulated it beautifully!
I started giving myself a limit of 3 tasks a day. Anything else would have to be done for tomorrow. At first it seemed like a terrible idea, but it actually boosted my productivity a lot. It forced me to focus on and prioritize the needle-movers, the real impactful tasks.
It made me realize how much unnecessary stuff I would do everyday because it was a task on my todo list.
Great post James!
> Instead, you should aim for allocating a default workload that is not your full capacity, purposefully leaving some portion of your time unallocated. This is because you need to leave space for the unexpected, such as escalations, meetings, and other interruptions that will inevitably arise.
I learned this the hard way 😅 I had a phase where I tried to schedule something every minute of every day; would not recommend
Much needed to be said. Thanks James
I’ve had this thought in my head for so long but never could explain it quite well.
You articulated it beautifully!
I started giving myself a limit of 3 tasks a day. Anything else would have to be done for tomorrow. At first it seemed like a terrible idea, but it actually boosted my productivity a lot. It forced me to focus on and prioritize the needle-movers, the real impactful tasks.
It made me realize how much unnecessary stuff I would do everyday because it was a task on my todo list.
Great advice
I will try to follow your advice! Thanks!
This is an essential insight, stated with clarity.
It complements two ideas you might find of interest, that helped me motivate a career change into engineering:
- Harvard business review - manage your energy: https://hbr.org/2007/10/manage-your-energy-not-your-time
- Design your life energy log: https://career.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Energy-and-Engagement-Log.pdf