With another intense week behind us, it's time to move forward with a clearer head. Below are a few things that should help. There are two great podcast suggestions if you have any long holiday drives coming up, a few books and apps I'm into, and some thoughts on planning, and taming notifications.
1. Two app recommendations
Chartmetric
The insights service Chartmetric rolled out their app recently, and it's a significant first step. If you've been using the web-based tool, don't get too excited, this is very much a light version. [web][mobile]
Drizzly
If there was ever a time where you would need an app that delivers beer, wine, and booze to your front door, it's now. Amiright? I've been using this for a bit, and I can report that it works as intended. Uber for Alcohol, Postmates for Pinot, you get it. [get it]
2. Two podcast recommendations
Roderick On The Line
The Long Winters frontman John Roderick chats with former productivity guru Merlin Mann (inbox zero) about anything and everything. I'm a long-time listener, and this show should be more popular. Roderick's ability to create a narrative from just about anything is mind-blowing. I'd listen to him read a CVS receipt. Check it here.
Fall of Civilizations Podcast
Described as a podcast that explores the collapse of different societies through history, it is precisely that. Whether you want to take a deep dive into the age of the Aztecs or the fall of the Songhai Empire in Africa, I dare you to find a show that goes deeper. Each episode feels like they're 90 hours long because most of them kind of are. I recommend the episode about the mystery of Easter Island. Check it here.
3. One Book recommendation
Show your work by Austin Kleon
This book is a light and fun read about recognizing important content where you may not think, at least that's how I took it. Austin Kleon (who has his own awesome newsletter) points out things like the actual act of creating is worth sharing with your audience. Get it here.
4. Start tomorrow today
Waking up with a clear picture of where you want the day to go and having that picture burn out of its frame by noon happens all the time. Busy lives, pandemics, amazon package tracking, all knocking the perfectly planned day off course. What helps me? Starting tomorrow today. Kudos to Seth W for reminding me of this; it's so simple but so powerful.
I mentioned time-blocking last week, and the two go hand in hand. Some take this concept to the extreme and plan every 30 min block every day; that's bananas. But what does work well is taking one or two big tasks from your list, the kind of task that you stare at not wanting to do because you know it'll eat too much time, and time-blocking that one task. "Tomorrow, from 11-11:45, I am only going to work on this one thing until it is done."
Tonight, try to carve out some time tomorrow on your calendar to get something important done. Start tomorrow today.
5. Notifications in general
How many notifications do you have enabled on your devices? Do you use badge app icons, those tiny red reminders that you have more to do? When you receive an email, do you hear a sound or popup? TURN THEM ALL OFF. If your goal is to be intentional in your tasks and projects, notifications are kneecapping that goal.
I'm not suggesting you should turn your phone off or buy one of those adult phone safes (they exist), but try this: head to the notifications center in IOS or your computer OS and review the notifications that are turned on, choose three and turn them off. I'm positive nothing will burn down.
I tried this a few years ago, and I never turned them back on. There are apps where notifications are helpful (NEST person alert, Ring doorbell, NYT Breaking News are a few I have turned on). What helped me was turning DND (do not disturb) on most of the day on my iPhone while marking the absolute no question contacts as VIPS and omitting those VIPS from being stopped by DND.
There’s also a feature from ios 13 called “Silence Unknown Callers,” where it does just that, highly recommended. Learn to turn it on here.