ARoundTuit Organizing & Productivity

No, That’s not a typo.  StayFocusd is an app available through the Chrome Web Store.  I.Love.It.

An important part of my job is staying on the cutting edge of productivity products and research.  You wouldn’t believe how much there is to learn about attention, perception, learning and communication styles.  I dedicate several hours a week to reading up on these topics.   My job is also to try out productivity apps and software, so I can make appropriate recommendations to my clients.

Tell me you know someone who … Continue Reading

Over the past 4 years, I’ve been waging a passive war against all things Microsoft.  Maybe I’m just bitter to still be working mainly off a 5-lb laptop “equipped” with Windows Vista (much like a donkey is equipped with a full load that will eventually break its back).  Each update brings at least one noticeable new glitch.  With an average of one update per month, over several years.. you get the picture.  This did nothing for my productivity.  In fact, the psychological stress of it all was bringing me down.

First, … Continue Reading

It’s in the most critical situations when the Elements of Productivity are the most apparent.   Mood, wellness and motivation are the first to jump ship.  Worse, negativity we let in during these hard times spreads to other projects and people, sucking in everything in its path.  And its all downhill from there.

When you can no longer control what happens, you can still control how you react to it.  In the very worst of situations, your attitude may well be the only thing you … Continue Reading

I first learned about the TimeTimer while researching time-awareness and attention aids for children with developmental disabilities.  Difficulty sustaining attention (with or without a diagnosis) is a hallmark of modern life.  With so many competing priorities, and (way!) too much information coming our way at all times, many people find it difficult to simply hanker down and get done what matters most.

The TimeTimer is simple and effective.  Unlike a standard alarm, the TimeTimer allows you to visually track your time without having to read it. … Continue Reading

What’s Your Worst Workplace Distraction?
(polls)

Question:
Hi Lauren,

Many moons back I contacted you and you very kindly told me that there are places around Atlanta where I could take documents to be shredded. I would like to take a great number of boxes worth.  Could you recommend some places?

But before I can get to that stage, I need to actually get through way too many years worth of bank statements, old bills and credit card statements.  I am afraid I am daunted by the task.  I have probably 40 or … Continue Reading

According to a 2005 study published by the University of London Institute of Psychiatry, “ Workers distracted by email and phone calls suffer a fall in IQ more than twice that found in marijuana smokers”.

The most benign interruptions have a similar effect on productivity as arriving at a 4-way-stop intersection. It is just not possible to make frequent stops and maintain speed at the same time.  So, even if you don’t get lost, you’re still not making very good time.

Frequently, repeat interruptions create a sort of panic effect, causing a … Continue Reading

There’s a story of two travelers cruising on the highway:

The passenger says, “I think we’re lost.”

The driver replies, “We are lost, but we’re making great time!”

Productivity is not about doing things faster.  It’s about choosing the right actions (or inactions, sometimes!) to get you where you want to go.  Obviously, the first step is trip planning is to know your destination.

I love helping people get clear on their big picture, by asking how they can be most effective in the different roles they play, at work and at home.  By … Continue Reading

I’ve been inspired by a long-term relationship into which I have fallen head-first – with an unmerciful winter cold.  Since the start of the month, there has hardly been a night where I haven’t felt like I’m not suffocating from congestion or that I could not actually cough up my toes.  I’ve tried medication, soup, tea, vaporizers and “rest” (but who can rest like this?).  I’m just plain weary.  You get the point – I know you’ve been there yourself.

All this is not enough to cancel everything and stay in bed, yet … Continue Reading

I was recently asked to contribute to Stephanie Callahan’s amazing Productive and Organized blog topic “106 Thoughts on Overcoming Overwhelm in a Freaked Out World”"

Many people occasionally experience overwhelm from changes that occur throughout our lives.  However, feeling chronically overwhelmed over personal or professional issues can cause productivity to take a nose-dive.  This is because one major side-effect of being overwhelmed is that we become unable to keep our commitments to ourselves and others. Knowing how to step out of the storm, and put things in perspective is so essential to regaining ground.

Many warm thanks to Stephanie Callahan of … Continue Reading