Yak Shaving, Or Wooly Distractions

Yak Shaving, Or Wooly Distractions

May 15, 2024
In this post, I've explored the concept of "yak shaving", a term in programming that refers to the seemingly endless chain of small tasks that need to be completed before getting to the main task at hand. I've shared examples from internet research to household chores, and even my own recent work experiences, to illustrate how easy it is to get caught up in yak shaving. I've also discussed how the so-called "2 minute rule" can sometimes lead to this phenomenon. Ultimately, the goal is to stay focused on what truly matters and avoid unnecessary distractions.
Help! My Task List Is Overwhelming!

Help! My Task List Is Overwhelming!

May 13, 2024
In this post, I've shared my strategies for dealing with an overwhelming task list. I've discussed the importance of questioning each task's necessity and the role of task delegation. I've also shared my unique method of sorting tasks into different 'parking lots' based on their urgency and importance, which helps me prioritize tasks effectively and stay productive.
What Grandma Esther Could Teach You About Productivity

What Grandma Esther Could Teach You About Productivity

May 8, 2024
In this post, I dive into what my Grandma Esther taught me about productivity. Her old-fashioned wisdom holds valuable lessons in a world where we're constantly striving to do more. Stay tuned for tips on how to streamline your life and work more efficiently, inspired by Grandma Esther's practical approach.
Signs You Don’t Need A Time Management Upgrade

Signs You Don’t Need A Time Management Upgrade

January 29, 2024
It's always a temptation for me to fiddle with my system rather than actually do the work needed to move myself toward my goals and complete my projects. And so I get a lot of articles in various places on when to upgrade my time management. One of the things I have learned, though, is that it's not about time management, but what I should be focusing on.
Is Productivity Overrated?

Is Productivity Overrated?

January 1, 2024
Productivity - personal and work - was the hot topic of the past decade. Everywhere one turned there were sites and articles on lifehacks and how to be more productive. But is productivity overrated?

Bottoms-Up Time Management: Moving to the Next Level

December 31, 2023
In my last article I talked about getting the day-to-day items of our lives under control, because without that, we cannot focus on the things we want to get to "someday". However, if we remain in a place where we are focused on our daily items, we will never get to the point where we are living to our full potentials. Get Some Air Once we have the…
5 Ways To Survive A Task Explosion

5 Ways To Survive A Task Explosion

November 27, 2023
Have you ever found that there is a time when your life is suddenly frantically busy? So much that there are not enough hours in the day to accomplish everything. I've heard this called a Task Explosion. I think explosion is an apt description, because for me it always happens suddenly, I never see it coming, and it sends me reeling across the landscape. I've had a couple of these happen this past year. A couple frantic all-hands-on-deck to get product out the door, coupled with family demands and suddenly everything is turbulent.