One of the strengths of using a productivity system is that a routine develops. I find I know when to do different things each day, like I have a daily auto-pilot. Change in life can occur suddenly, and throw off your well designed system and routine. When my schedule unexpectedly changes I lose my way until a new routine develops. The time for a new routine to develop can vary widely, but I have found a few things that help me to shorten the time it takes to be in a routine again.
- A consistent productivity method
- Tool evaluations kept to a minimum
Handling Change
In order for a new routine to emerge I follow a system to help get things going:
- Get a feel for the new schedule
- Evaluate new tools
- Develop the routine
The first thing I do is get a feel for my new schedule, specifically:
- Time constraints
- Expectations of others
These are the big blocks of time I do not control, like work or things my wife would like me to do.
Evaluating Tools and Systems
For me the second step is to evaluate new tools and systems. Since I started using the Middle Way Method I have not needed to evaluate a new system. I have, however continued to refine my system. I have spent time with new tools, an iPad app that looked good, or a web app, but I find these are distractions from a system that works for me. Trying a new tool can be a trap because you can get stuck with a tool that is not working. In the end I come back to a variant of my notebook based paper planning system for my tool of choice.
The last step is to create a new routine. At this point I know my schedule, and I know what is expected of me. I am able to work out a routine that fits into it.
It seems that there is an unwritten rule of life that says once I know what I’m doing a change will occur. In order to decrease turnaround time on a new routine I start using my tools, making only subtle changes to the system if any at all. This helps me to constantly build a new routine and stay on top of “Life, the Universe, and Everything.”
What I have Learned
- Keep up with Life
- Change is constant, but big changes can occur suddenly and throw me off
- Stick with the tools that work, but experiment to find them
- Find a productivity system that works for you