Reclaiming Productivity: From Chaos to Control While Working Remotely
Written on
Chapter 1: The Productivity Downfall
Not too long ago, I produced numerous trending articles about productivity, confidently considering myself an expert on the subject. However, about a year later, despite enjoying two extra hours daily due to my work-from-home arrangement during the pandemic, my output drastically decreased.
Writing can be a rollercoaster, and I had previously managed to balance my responsibilities effectively. Yet, after eliminating my commute, I found myself with ample time for writing but lacked the motivation to utilize it.
It took me eighteen months to realize that having more time doesn't necessarily lead to increased productivity. In that span, I had wasted around 800 hours. If that had been the only downside of my newfound time, I might have continued without making adjustments.
Unfortunately, the situation worsened. Not only did I fail to take advantage of my extra time, but my writing output dropped by nearly 75% compared to pre-pandemic levels. After a thorough evaluation of my performance, I identified the main issue, which serves as a cautionary tale for anyone who believes they could achieve more if they just had an additional hour or two each day.
An abundance of time can be detrimental to productivity, particularly in creative endeavors.
Before the pandemic, I consistently produced over 1,000 words daily and published multiple stories each week, all while working with tight deadlines. During the pandemic, however, it took me three full days to write the same amount.
The root of the problem lies in Parkinson's Law, a well-known principle stating that work expands to fill the time available for its completion. So, if given two hours to finish a task that typically takes thirty minutes, many people will stretch their work unnecessarily.
This phenomenon is problematic for routine tasks, but its impact is even more pronounced in creative work. When faced with strict deadlines, we tend to concentrate better and produce quality work almost effortlessly. In contrast, when we have more time than needed, we often lose focus, making it easier to get distracted.
Through various experiments, I discovered that willpower alone cannot combat this effect, nor can one trick their brain into believing in artificial deadlines. Instead, it's essential to recreate conditions that foster focus and diligence.
In the video "How I Stay Productive While Working From Home | Tips for Remote Workers," you will find practical strategies to enhance your productivity during remote work, helping you navigate distractions and manage your time effectively.
Chapter 2: Cultivating Urgency
Artificial deadlines often fall flat; however, you can foster genuine urgency to help you concentrate. When time is limited, you make the most of it. Conversely, when you have an excess of time, it's easy to waste it.
Real motivation stems from a sense of urgency—the feeling that you need to complete a task within a limited timeframe. This urgency helps you focus on your goals and avoid distractions.
The challenge lies in creating true urgency. It's akin to trying to tickle yourself; your brain recognizes the difference and won't fall for it. Thus, you must implement actual constraints by scheduling brief writing sessions amidst other commitments, like work obligations or family duties.
Previously, when I commuted to the office daily, I experienced a natural sense of urgency because I had to leave home at a specific time. However, upon transitioning to remote work, that anxious drive to dive into writing faded, allowing distractions to take over as I procrastinated until later in the day when my energy had diminished.
Fortunately, I've discovered ways to reintroduce urgency into my work routine. I now schedule short writing intervals between other responsibilities and also change my environment by working in coffee shops, parks, or even outside my home office. This strategy not only allows me to fit in writing sessions but also creates the urgency necessary to motivate me.
Section 2.1: Establishing Routines
Once you find your rhythm, productivity becomes much more manageable. However, taking those initial steps requires commitment. I find it easier to get into a writing flow when it’s part of a routine.
My personal process involves a few simple pre-work steps: I start by pouring a cup of coffee into my favorite mug, then I put on my headphones and listen to a creative soundtrack on Brain.fm, followed by a minute of stream-of-consciousness writing. After completing these three tasks, I’m primed to begin my writing.
To optimize routines, select at least three preparatory steps that demand minimal cognitive effort. This is why stream-of-consciousness writing is effective; it allows you to write whatever comes to mind without needing to think critically.
Feel free to choose actions that resonate with you or try my suggested methods. Establishing a routine simplifies the most challenging part—taking that first step.
Section 2.2: Setting Clear Objectives
Each night before bed, I jot down what I aim to achieve during my creative time. While urgency prompts action, a lack of planning can lead to wasted time pondering your goals.
If you maintain a journal, incorporate an additional step after each entry to list three to five objectives for the following day. If journaling isn't your thing, consider buying a notebook to handwrite your goals for the next day each night. Writing objectives by hand helps solidify your intentions more effectively than typing them out on a device.
Section 2.3: Simplicity Over Gimmicks
When working for a demanding employer, productivity tends to come naturally due to the threat of financial repercussions. However, without that external pressure, self-motivation can be challenging.
Many productivity strategies I've attempted in the past were gimmicky—like rewarding myself for reaching goals, finding accountability partners, or imposing self-penalties. Yet, your mind recognizes these as artificial, making it difficult to stay motivated.
Effective productivity relies on straightforward approaches: have a plan, establish a routine, and create an environment that fosters urgency.
In the video "The Typical Work Day: The New Normal Working from Home," viewers will gain insights into adapting to remote work and maintaining productivity in this evolving landscape.