Productivity Tip
It’s not all about the sleep
Last night I had the pleasure of addressing the annual meeting of the Cambridge Health Alliance in Cambridge, MA as their featured speaker. After hearing my bio, I was asked how I manage to be so productive, and as if often the case, almost immediately, someone in the group said, “You must never sleep.” While…
Read MoreI am competitive, which means I might be a jerk but also other important things
I had no idea that highly competitive, super serious tag was a thing. And what a thing it is… I want to play this game, which should come as no surprise to people who know me well. I like competition. I thrive on competition. My favorite form of storytelling is the slam. Stand on a…
Read MoreA former student’s advice on avoiding procrastination
A former student visited my class last month to offer advice to my fifth graders as they prepare to embark on their journey to middle school. His advice was fascinating: In order to avoid procrastination, fill your life with after-school activities. Do as much as possible. Sports, drama, student government… anything and everything. Pack your…
Read MoreTry something new. Again and again and again.
My wife, Elysha, is learning to play the ukulele. Her remarkable and handsome husband gave her a ukulele and lessons for Christmas, and ever since December, she has practiced and played almost every day. It’s her new thing. My friend, Steve, is hosting his first corn hole tournament on Saturday in his backyard. Dozens of…
Read MoreTime spent in the Starbucks drive thru line is not time well spent
When asked about how I get so much done, I have a multitude of answers. Strategies. Recommended routines. The propagation of certain habits. Suggested ways of thinking. But what I should really say every time I’m asked this question is this: I value my time appropriately. I know that time is the most valuable commodity…
Read MoreWalking a paper route with a friend taught me an invaluable lesson.
I’m admittedly hyper-focused on productivity. “How can I do more in less time?” has been a flashing beacon in my mind for a long, long time. As far back as I can remember. Along those same lines has been this question: “What is the most productive way to spend my time?” This second question came…
Read More48,762 is a completely unacceptable number
As an “inbox zero” guy (one who strives to keep his email’s inbox empty or as close to empty as possible), you can’t imagine how upsetting this particular phone is to me. It’s real, too. This iPhone belongs to someone I know. I took this photograph. Just knowing that this number exists in the world…
Read MoreYou can’t be “useless after 8:00 PM” if you want to be productive
I was speaking to someone this week about being more productive, and over the course of accounting for his time, he informed me that he is “useless after 8:00 PM.” In short, the only way he could possible spend his time after 8:00 is by watching TV. This is ridiculous, of course. Had the person…
Read MoreHow do you juggle so many balls at once? The answer is simple.
During a recent interview, a reporter cited my multitude of careers. “You publish novels. Write columns and musicals. Perform on stage. Produce storytelling shows. DJ weddings. Minister. And you teach elementary school! Plus I know there’s more that I’m forgetting. How do you juggle so many balls at one time?” I’ve been asked this question…
Read MoreA note on meetings
September approaches. Teachers return to work. College students leave home. Perhaps your starting a new project at your firm. For many, meetings and classes will commence shortly. One reminder: “Gosh, I really hope we open this meeting with an ice breaker,” said no human being ever.
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