The Art of Productivity

How I get things done and stay on top of stuff.

It would be false of me to say that I am always productive and motivated. But for the most part, I feel I am. I get my tasks done. I read two to five books a week. I get my writing done. I keep up with my social media myself (this is becoming a struggle – so I'll soon be searching for someone to help me with this. If you're up for this, drop me an email). Oh yeah, I also get the chance to have lie-ins and naps. Every. Single. Day. So how do I do it?

The Motivation Myth

I recently re-read a book called The Motivation Myth: How High Achievers Really Set Themselves Up To Winby Jeff Haden. Until quite recently, I believed that we cannot do things if we are not already motivated to do so. Haden says that motivation is like a sugar rush for most of us, in the sense that it is a spark that never lasts. He gives the notion that it isn't motivation that leads to action and then success, but it is in fact a cycle in that, action leads to success, which in turn motivates us to repeat the action.

This is where he introduces the second theme of processes over goals. There's nothing wrong in having goals, but just having goals isn't going to benefit you in the long run. Success depends on our processes. By setting up processes, we develop foundations and routines that generate momentum and feedback-loops which sustain motivation and action. This is basically the same idea given by James Clear too, in his book Atomic Habits (another book I recommend you read).

Today, I want to share with you what I do to 'stay on top of my stuff', and how you can too…

On a side note: I'd like to know what you sort of content you would like to see from me. Would you like to see more podcast stuff, YouTube-style videos, more blog posts or something else? Reply to this email, or drop me a message on Instagram to give your suggestions!