August Q&A: Inbox Zero, Big Projects, Working Speed, Mindfulness, and More! EP: 213
Aug 26, 2024
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August brings a lively Q&A session tackling inbox zero success and managing big projects like writing a book. Discover the concept of working faster compared to others and the pros of the Organize 365 Sunday Basket system. Sarah shares insights on teaching planning skills to kids and dives into the importance of mindfulness, especially amid busy schedules. Listeners also explore cost-effective productivity tips and personal strategies for tackling overwhelming tasks with deadlines.
Achieving 'inbox zero' demonstrates the effectiveness of targeted strategies in managing overwhelming email clutter for increased productivity.
Breaking large projects into manageable tasks and fostering accountability significantly enhances focus and progress towards long-term goals.
Deep dives
Achieving Inbox Zero
Achieving 'inbox zero' is highlighted as an effective strategy for managing overwhelming email clutter, as demonstrated by a listener named Kate who successfully tackled her backlog using specific techniques. Kate described her approach of starting from the bottom of her inbox and selectively checking emails to efficiently reduce the unread count from 500 to just 30 messages in a short amount of time. The host shared a similar experience with her overwhelming inbox after a busy call week, where she managed to reduce her messages from 700 to 60, using a method of archiving and prioritizing important emails. Both stories emphasize the satisfaction and productivity gained from organizing email efficiently, illustrating how targeted strategies can lead to significant progress in managing one’s digital communication.
Tackling Major Projects
The discussion on managing large projects, like writing a book, reveals the importance of structure and setting achievable goals without firm deadlines. The host explained her method of creating a detailed checklist of tasks involved in her book proposal, which helped break down the intimidating project into manageable parts. She emphasized the role of accountability by sharing her objectives with friends and setting self-imposed deadlines, which not only motivated her but also expedited the process. Examples of using travel time effectively to write significant portions highlighted how finding opportunities within busy schedules can lead to substantial progress on long-term goals.
Encouraging Organizational Skills in Kids
Helping children develop planning and organizational skills is discussed, focusing on the importance of building personalized systems that resonate with each child’s unique preferences. The host advised against imposing rigid methods on kids, instead suggesting ways to engage them in discussions about various organizational tools, such as planners or whiteboards, to see what they respond to best. Modeling organizational practices during family planning sessions was emphasized as a way for children to learn executive function skills in a natural setting. The approach stresses the significance of developing independence by allowing children to take charge of their responsibilities while offering guidance and support as needed.
It's August's Q&A episode! Join Sarah as she tackles listener questions and comments. Topics include:
- an inbox zero success story
- approaching nebulous//large projects such as book writing
- what does it mean to "work faster" compared to others
- thoughts on the Organize 365 Sunday Basket system (Sarah has one!)
- teaching planning and organizing to school-aged kids
- mindfulness! How do you stay present in the moment if you're always planning the next thing?
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