Compound growth gets discussed as a financial concept, but it works in careers as well, and it is magic. If you get 10% more done and 1% better every day compared to someone else, the compounded difference is massive.
So it’s worth figuring out how to optimize productivity.
What you work on
It doesn’t matter how fast you move if it’s in a worthless direction. Picking the right thing to work on is the most important element of productivity and usually almost ignored. So think about it more! Independent thought is hard but it’s something you can get better at with practice.
Use lists to get more work done
I prefer lists written down on paper. It’s easy to add and remove tasks. I can access them during meetings without feeling rude. I re-transcribe lists frequently, which forces me to think about everything on the list and gives me an opportunity to add and remove items.
I try to prioritize in a way that generates momentum. The more I get done, the better I feel, and then the more I get done. I like to start and end each day with something I can really make progress on.
Avoid Productivity Porn
Don’t fall into the trap of productivity porn—chasing productivity for its own sake isn’t helpful.
Many people spend too much time thinking about how to perfectly optimize their system, and not nearly enough asking if they’re working on the right problems. It doesn’t matter what system you use or if you squeeze out every second if you’re working on the wrong thing.
Be around smart, productive, happy, and positive people
Doing great work usually requires colleagues of some sort.
Try to be around smart, productive, happy, and positive people that don’t belittle your ambitions. I love being around people who push me and inspire me to be better. To the degree you able to, avoid the opposite kind of people—the cost of letting them take up your mental cycles is horrific.
Prioritization
My system has three key pillars:
- “Make sure to get the important shit done”,
- “Don’t waste time on stupid shit”, and
- “make a lot of lists”.
I highly recommend using lists. I make lists of what I want to accomplish each year, each month, and each day. Lists are very focusing, and they help me with multitasking because I don’t have to keep as much in my head.
