Saving time isn’t the end goal

Productivity tips help us get more done and save time, which is only valuable if we have meaningful ways to spend the time we’re saving.

Without a way to fill the void, most of us will default to activities that distract us from doing deep work, and non-urgent but meaningful tasks, or the introspection that we’ve been cleverly waiting on the “right time” to execute.

So if you’re saving time, have a plan to spend what you saved.  Even if it’s just intentionally, blissfully doing nothing for a change.

New habit hack

Developing a new habit is more about creating the habit itself than the actual behavior. Exercising is far easier than creating a daily habit to exercise.

Knowing this, the hack is to create a routine that takes 30 seconds to accomplish and repeat it for 21 days in a row.  Floss one tooth.  Do only three pushups.  Sit and take just three breaths without trying to meditate for 30 minutes.  Resist the temptation to do more.

After 21 days, you’ll have done the hard part (creating the habit), and you can add as much time or as many reps as you want.

The essential soft skill

No matter your age, experience, talent or skill level, anyone can improve one of the most essential soft skills: being coachable.

Consider how difficult it is to interact with those who are never open to being wrong, have over-inflated egos, and are incapable of processing feedback to appreciate how valuable those with exact opposite traits are.

Being coachable is an important quality to look for in employees, business associates, and friends, and important to encourage in children.