“The critical ingredient is getting off your butt and doing something. It’s as simple as that. A lot of people have ideas, but there are few who decide to do something about them now. Not tomorrow. Not next week. But today.” – Nolan Bushnell
2021, I fancy, is a year in which we want to get going! So samey and slow was 2020 that, with light glimmering at the end of the tunnel (in the far distance), many of us are aiming to make this new year as full of positivity, resilience, and achievement as possible.
I have compiled a short list here of great accessories and furnishings that are likely to help you keep motivated and focused, and to ultimately function in the most productive way possible. With many of us continuing to work from home, and with the possibility of that set up being brought past the pandemic and into working norm territory, it is more important than ever that the time we manage to apportion to work is super productive.
That being said, these accessories are appropriate for many work environments and many ways of life, so dive in, whoever you are. And let these suggestions keep you productive and resilient for months to come.
1. A Physical, Paper Diary
I went back to keeping a paper diary last year. Of course, it being 2020, the diary did not end up as full as I had hoped. That being said, it ended up being an extremely valuable tool.
As brilliant as digital calendars are, there is something a little disconnected (ironically) about them. He connection between what you are writing and your cognitive focus on the content seems to be stronger when written by hand. There is also something precious about a diary, something personal. It is something I long to utilise, as opposed to the calendar on my phone which feels very clinical; something which I have no particular love for.
My diary contains creative thoughts, emotions, financial plans, to do lists, appointments, and pictures; it truly is an external hard drive for my brain, somewhere to keep thoughts when you don’t seem to have space left. I recommend you try it!
2. A Phone Box
My phone has driven me mad this past year. With so little to do, I felt extremely conscious of how drawn I was to it. so much time was wasted on doing so little because of that phone!
Now don’t get me wrong, phones are brilliant. But they are also a real drain. When working I have taken to locking my phone in a drawer. Out of sight out of mind. When I do this, not only am I more productive, but I feel so much freer and clear headed. Find a place for your phone to quarantine. You won’t regret it!
3. Good Quality Headphones
When working from home distraction is rife! One of the best things to do it invest in a pair of good quality headphones, that dumb down or even eliminate any external distracting noise. For me, even if nothing is playing through them, it helps me to narrow my world down to include just the task in hand.
4. White Noise and Background Music
I find that I like to have some kind of noise when I am working. I’m not sure why. Perhaps it makes the world seem less still, or perhaps it feels less lonely? But what I do know, is that it helps me to block out other distractions. Music, I find, is too interesting… I find myself flicking through tracks or singing along. White noise, meditation music or classical ambience make for excellent work mates. This type of ambience relaxes and focuses you at the same time. For example, I am currently listening to a playlist of rainfall, and am absolutely sailing through this article!
5. A Decent Chair
Discomfort makes it extremely hard to work well. The 21st century contains many more people with back problems than the century before, largely because of bad posture from sitting at desks. A decent ergonomic chair might be worth the investment just to be able to work in comfort and concentrate without being distracted by a clicking neck or an aching back. A wise investment to encourage daily resilience.
By Chris Thomson
Being productive is also helped by good time management. A simple discipline that pays many dividends. Check out this archive blog… Good Time Management = Productivity and Satisfaction
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