Drowning in Productivity Advice? Let’s Build Your Own System

Why Standard Productivity Advice Fails (And Why You’re Not Crazy)

Honestly, how many times have you read an article promising to 10x your productivity? I know I’ve lost count. They usually involve complex systems, color-coded calendars, and waking up at 5 a.m. to drink some weird green smoothie. And you know what? It rarely works. It’s like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. We all have different brains, different lives, and different struggles. So why are we all trying to use the same productivity templates?

I think the biggest problem is that most productivity advice is based on someone else’s experience. They found something that works for them, and then they assume it’ll work for everyone. But it’s just not that simple. It’s kind of like fashion. What looks amazing on one person might look ridiculous on another. And forcing yourself to adopt a system that doesn’t fit just leads to frustration and burnout. Plus, who needs another source of self-criticism? We’re already good at that, aren’t we? The other problem is that life isn’t static. What worked for you last month might not work this month. Unexpected things happen, priorities shift, and suddenly that perfectly planned schedule is completely useless. So, where do you even start?

Understanding Your Personal Productivity Style

The first step is to forget everything you’ve ever read about productivity. Just for a little while, anyway. Think about times when you’ve felt really productive, really in the zone. What were you doing? What were the circumstances? Were you working alone, or collaborating with others? Were you motivated by a deadline, or driven by personal interest? For me, I find that I’m most productive when I’m working on something I’m genuinely interested in, and when I have a clear goal in mind. If I’m just slogging through tasks that I don’t care about, I end up procrastinating and getting nothing done. Funny thing is, I work really well under pressure… to a point. Too much pressure and I crumble. Was I the only one confused by this?

It’s important to identify your peak performance times. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Do you work best in short bursts, or can you focus for hours at a time? Understanding your natural rhythms can help you structure your day in a way that maximizes your productivity. If you’re a morning person, schedule your most important tasks for the early hours. If you’re a night owl, save the more challenging work for the evening. Seriously, fighting against your natural tendencies is a losing battle. Remember the last time you tried to force yourself to wake up early when your body was screaming for more sleep? Not fun.

Experimenting with Different Techniques (Without the Pressure)

Once you have a better understanding of your productivity style, you can start experimenting with different techniques. But don’t feel like you have to adopt them wholesale. Pick and choose the elements that resonate with you, and adapt them to fit your own needs. For example, maybe you like the idea of the Pomodoro Technique (working in focused bursts with short breaks), but you find that 25 minutes is too short. Try 45 minutes instead. Or maybe you hate the idea of using a to-do list, but you find that journaling helps you to clarify your thoughts and priorities. The point is to find what works for you, and to be flexible enough to change things up when necessary.

I remember once I tried to use a really popular project management app, thinking it would solve all my problems. Ugh, what a mess! It had so many features and options that I just felt overwhelmed. I spent more time trying to figure out the app than I did actually working on my projects. Finally, I just gave up and went back to using a simple notebook and pen. Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best. So, don’t be afraid to ditch the fancy tools and stick with what feels comfortable and natural. Remember that feeling of actually accomplishing something? Aim for that.

Building Your Own Custom Productivity System

This is where the magic happens. Take all the insights you’ve gained about your productivity style and the techniques you’ve experimented with, and start building your own custom system. This system should be designed to fit your unique needs and preferences, and it should be flexible enough to adapt to changing circumstances. Don’t be afraid to iterate and refine your system over time. It’s a work in progress, not a finished product.

For example, my current system involves a combination of time blocking, task batching, and journaling. I use time blocking to schedule specific blocks of time for different activities, such as writing, meetings, and administrative tasks. I use task batching to group similar tasks together, so that I can focus my energy and attention on one type of activity at a time. And I use journaling to clarify my thoughts, track my progress, and identify any roadblocks that are preventing me from being productive. It sounds simple, but it’s what works for me right now. Ask me again in six months, and it might be completely different!

The Importance of Self-Compassion (It’s Okay to Fail)

Finally, remember to be kind to yourself. There will be days when you’re not productive, and that’s okay. Don’t beat yourself up about it. Just acknowledge it, learn from it, and move on. Productivity isn’t about being perfect, it’s about making progress. It’s about finding a way to work that feels sustainable and enjoyable, so that you can achieve your goals without sacrificing your well-being.

I totally messed up a deadline a few months ago because I was trying to do too much at once. Instead of feeling guilty and ashamed, I tried to analyze what went wrong. I realized that I had taken on too many projects, and that I hadn’t prioritized my tasks effectively. So, I learned from my mistake, and I made some changes to my workflow to prevent it from happening again. It wasn’t fun, but it was a valuable learning experience. Who even knows what’s next? The truth is, the best productivity system is the one that you actually use. So, stop trying to copy someone else’s system, and start building your own. You might be surprised at how much more productive you can be when you’re working in a way that feels authentic and aligned with your own needs. And remember, it’s okay to adjust as you go. Your system should evolve with you! If you’re as curious as I was, you might want to dig into different time management techniques, but the real key is listening to yourself.