CyberD.org
C:\ Home » Blog » Life » Staying Effective

Staying Effective

Pile Of T-Rex Crap :(Dull Like Cardboard :|This Is Pretty Good :)Woo Yeah Great! :LGODDAMN DIVINITY! :D

I like to do things in a flash. I save things for later, and then I say to myself, tomorrow I'm going to accomplish all that in one go, and then it's going to be done. It might sound highly efficient, but it's too good to be true, cause no matter how high I push my motivation it will never outreach the limits of my own efficiency. Even if I work a full day I will not have time to complete more than can be completed by me as an individual during these 16 hours. When I don't complete everything I set out to do I tend to see myself as partly incompetent, not being able to do what I wanted to, but I'm not at fault and self-criticism does not make me achieve things quicker.

Certainly I can improve certain aspects of myself to get things done in a shorter amount of time. When working with various computer-related work a few important factors play in. I'll list those factors below as a checklist, with form of progression below them.

  1. Self Discipline
    This is the most important trait while working by the computer, especially if you're connected to the Internet. Instead of doing whatever you're supposed to do it's so easy to go check your email instead, or read the latest news, or play a game, or just take a minute time-out and browse around for a while. Even if you can keep away from other tasks at hand on the computer while working, there are probably many elements around you that could throw you off balance, you might suddenly get the urge to sort all your socks by color, or get a snack, or drink an eight cup of coffee, or take a walk, or something else. If you feel like taking a walk, that's probably a good idea, sitting glued by the computer will not let you get more done, it will tire you out and lower your overall performance. Walks are good, as are occasional meals, but other than that, don't stray.
  2. Concentration
    You can't work well when you're tired, it's a fact. You'll still get things done, but every yawn brings you a few seconds further away from completion, and you'll find yourself pausing at regular intervals unsure of what to do next, or just spacing out. Get a good rest and work will progress so much smoother. If you're tired during the afternoon, a 15 min power-nap between 16-17 will have the same effect as three hours sleep would have.
  3. Typing Speed
    If you type a lot, good speed is vital. If you type with only two fingers, it's probably a good idea to spend some time and learn to type with all fingers instead, with the predefined keyboard layout + finger positions as a basis. Even if you with time automatize the work a bit, you will never unlock the true potential that you could unlock had you typed correctly from the beginning. I myself type with maybe three or four fingers on each hand, I type fast, and I can type without looking at the keyboard, but I could be much faster if I had just learned right from the very beginning.
  4. Physical Condition
    The better shape you're in, the better the concentration, the more endurance you'll have, and the more energy you'll be able to put into your work. Exercise regularly, and take at least one walk instead of sitting by the screen for eight hours straight. If you're sick, you'll obviously work slower, so it's better to rest and get better quicker. Computer work tends to prolong even the mildest disease.
  5. Organization
    Other people say it's important to schedule your events, plan tasks ahead, use checklists, jot down notes and perform various rituals to better organize and effectivise your life. I don't believe in this. I've tried organization in a multitude of ways, and it does not work, not for me. The idea is good, yet I tend to overestimate my capabilities and end up scheduling more than I can complete, or, I add more to-do's to the current lists instead of focusing on the very important ones. When it comes to organization, it seems vital to have a realistic image of yourself and your own capabilities. You won't be able to plan properly without first asking yourself: Who am I? What can I achieve? Where am I headed in this life? What to I believe in? What to I really want? Forget the "When will I get there" question. If you have a decent memory, you can plan all that you want without needing to write things down. In a hectic working environment, notes will probably become a lifesaver however, it depends on your location as well.

There, the five major aspects. Below, I'm making another checklist based on these five factors on how I will best improve these five features during the coming week to give my efficiency that needed boost.

  1. I will work in periods of two hours straight regardless of outside distraction or unplanned events.
  2. I will shut down the computer at least two hours before I go to bed each day, this lets the body power down and become naturally tired before it's time to sleep (three hours is recommended, but F that, I need that one hour). I will get up at 6:30 each morning regardless of my state of tiredness knowing that this will overtime help me achieve a less up-and-down waking cycle. Good routines are the basis of health.
  3. I will plug in my old Mac computer again, and practice typing for at least one hour each week day. It's not too late.This particular computer has a great typing program I used back when I was a kid, good thing I still have it.. I never fulfilled my practices, and have still not mastered the arts of typing properly, this will change now. I will while using my other computer type properly, even if it goes a bit slower at first, instead of returning to my previously half-automatic three-finger quick-type.
  4. Between each two hour period I will lift weights for a couple of minutes, maybe take a walk, do some sit-ups, do something refreshing. I'll stretch more often while sitting in front of the computer, and I'll keep my current morning-walk and every-other-day-jogging routines intact, as well as staying away from the screen mostly all time weekends.
  5. If I take each task as it comes, get it done quickly, and move on to the next one. Without straying from the tasks, letting them pile up, and then trying to complete them all in one go. I will have no problems.

There, lets read through that two times so it sticks in mind. In case you didn't know, you have to read something twice if you truly want to remember it. Preferably on two different days, since the nights let you organize your thoughts and store the attained information. That's that, my tip on staying effective. Don't forget to have fun though, without fun, your strife is no life. Take it from a professional and get going. Good luck with your new life!

Nobody has spoken.

Comments are closed for this post.

Privacy   Copyright   Sitemap   Statistics   RSS Feed   Valid XHTML   Valid CSS   Standards
Redefine creativity, Refine activity, Define webdesign, Design the fine signs, Confine aligned lines, Combine kind minds
Keeping the world in rythem, Keeping my words with me.

© CyberD.org 2010
Keeping the world since 2004.