8 Simple Habits That Save Me 20+ Hours a Week

Introduction (00:00:00)

• Time management is simple yet often overcomplicated.
• Incorporating simple habits can save significant time.
• Time is a valuable, non-renewable resource; it's important to manage it well.

The Calendar Habit (00:00:29)

• Initially neglected using a calendar, leading to forgotten commitments.
• "Level One" involves scheduling necessary appointments in a calendar, reducing the need for memory.
• "Level Two" involves intentionally scheduling even personal tasks to separate planning from execution, like a pilot and plane metaphor.
• "Level Three" or the ideal week involves blocking out an ideal schedule to direct how time should be spent.
• This habit bridges the intention-reality gap and can greatly enhance productivity.

The Feel Good Productivity Habit (00:03:26)

• The concept: making work generate energy rather than drain it, tackling the energy management aspect of productivity.
• Generating positive emotions creates energy, improving intentional time use.
• Strategies to make work feel more energizing are discussed in the book "Feel Good Productivity."
• Morning Brew, a daily newsletter, is recommended for staying updated and supporting intentional time use.

The Adventure Habit (00:06:13)

• Every day, identify the single most important task that needs completion, called "today's adventure," reframing work in terms of play.
• Alongside the main adventure, define up to three side quests in work, health, and relationships.
• Properly defining these tasks allows for better time management and a more intentional approach to daily activities.

The Focus Habit (00:08:37)

• A Harvard Business Review study revealed employees lose 22-28% of their workday to task-switching distractions.
• Interruptions significantly impact productivity, equating to a loss of three months annually or a decade over a 40-year career.
• Focusing without interruptions is seen as a "superpower" for better time and energy management.
• The importance of differentiating between welcome and unwelcome distractions is noted.
• Techniques for minimizing unwelcome distractions include using focus modes, disabling notifications, and changing work environments.

The Rapid Action Habit (00:11:04)

• Rapid action in response to new information is related to intelligence and saves time.
• People tend to delay actions, which leads to forgotten ideas and wasted knowledge.
• Instant application of new learnings, such as starting journaling immediately after inspiration, is beneficial for time management.
• Having a bias toward action when exposed to new insights can lead to rapid personal improvements.

The Experimental Habit (00:12:46)

• Viewing personal development as experiments can lead to productive and enjoyable life changes.
• It is important to assess both cognitive changes to productivity and the feelings associated with them.
• Focus is placed on the pursuit of activities that feel good as they lead to consistency and are sustainable long-term.
• Experimenting with feelings and practices, like workout regimes, supports staying fit in enjoyable ways.

The Alignment Habit (00:15:24)

• Regular reflection on goals and directions ensures time is spent aligned with desired outcomes.
• Goals set annually with quarterly reviews maintain direction and adapt to changing priorities.
• Weekly reviews of accomplishments and upcoming plans help in maintaining focus on top priorities.
• Scheduling time specifically towards goals facilitates progress.
• Alignment confirms that short-term actions contribute to long-term objectives within health, work, and relationships.