Are You Addicted to False Productivity?
I love to read. Sometimes, that means online (on a computer), or on a device such as my Kindle. But mostly, I love to read actual paper-based books and magazines. This is due in part to my age. I grew up reading books. More specifically, I grew up reading books with a pencil in my […]
Slow Down, Get More Done
This is so central to my life and my business that I had a poster made for my wall that says, “Slow down, get more done.” There are any levels to this advice. The simplest one is that sometimes you are so intent and frustrated in your work that you cannot make progress. For example, […]
How to Minimize Interruptions
The last few posts have been about minimizing interruptions. Interruptions are literally the single greatest productivity killer in your business or personal life! If interruptions are coming from an outsider, including clients, it is easy to set up rules to deal with this. But insiders (your employees and family) are a different story. You can’t […]
The Interruption Diet
In the last post, I talked about avoiding interruptions. Here’s a great exercise for making interruptions visible to you. Create an “Interruption Diet” like this: Interruption Time Start / Stop Importance Notes Example:Phone Call 8:45 am – 8:50 am Not! Sales call. Grrr. Create a whole sheet like this for each day of the week. […]
Success Is a Habit
Some people who follow me on social media think I am an unreasonable boss, over-controlling, and that I ask the impossible from my staff. Those who have read my books tend to have a very different perception. I think the main difference is that those who dig in and read a book are more likely […]
Some Things Won’t Get Done
Here’s a little reality check for you. In the end, the very lowest priority tasks will probably never get done. I know that’s startling. The lowest priority tasks will never get done. And, to be honest, at some point you will die with work undone. You will. I don’t want to be morbid, but […]
Yes, You Can Fake It – But Eventually You Have to Make It
I know you’ve heard the phrase, “Fake it ’til you make it.” There are many examples of where this applies. Most commonly, we give this advice when someone has stepped into a new role but is experiencing self-doubt about their ability to be successful. This is very similar to the so-called “Imposter Syndrome.” With imposter […]
Who Do You Bet on Today? I Say YOU!
Amid the recent stock market volatility, I’ve found myself talking to people about “what to invest in” now. Will stocks go up or down? If they go down, when should I buy? Which companies will do well? It all boils down to: Who should you bet on? In uncertain times, I have no stock tips […]
Starting a Business? Grab This Workbook!
The Small Biz Quickstart Workbook by Karl W. Palachuk So, You Want to be Self-Employed… Congratulations on taking the plunge! As scary as it seems right now, starting your own business will be one of the highlights of your life. This workbook will remove the “scary” part of your decision. How? It will give you […]
Changing Your Mental Channel
In the midst of the non-stop “virus” coverage, I have heard and read several comments about a daily phenomenon that few of us ever think about: Using our “commute” time to switch from one role we play in life to another. For example, the routine of dropping off kids and then driving to work is […]
