It’s been a while since I posted anything, way too long as a matter of fact but you might say I have been going through a time of self discovery and realizing that old habits, fears and ways of thinking have not been working for me and not only impacting me but those around me. As someone who is “into technology” I can’t help but think and get exciting about new gadgets and software but for a long time I have been overlooking the fact that my own brain is a computer in it’s own right yet doesn’t follow the same rules as our “binary mechancial tools” and the habits and disciplines we follow in life are like software.
Recently I had the chance to observe some friends who have gotten into the habit of using and organizing coupons to the fullest while grocery shopping. My friends not only saved money but was able to get so many groceries that they have had to give items away. A few times they even “made money” on a few items. For them it was an act of necessity when it came to feeding a family and having some income challenges. One thing that opened my eyes was how organized they were to the point of carrying folders with coupons organized not only by the type of item but also by the price and how quickly they could calculate savings without a computer (other than their own brains). I even observed some parallel processing as they cut multiple coupons out at once.
I myself have been challenged with having to do a great many tasks I haven’t done before. I would be overwhelmed by the stacks of papers on my desk, household projects and juggling work projects to the point these tasks seemed impossible for one man. Often I have been afraid of taking on certain tasks and either differed them or dumped them on others. The whole list of irrational fears I have had is enough for another post but I’m working on clearing out those “bugs and memory leaks” in my own life.
Some of these “brain applications” I am working one include ideas and principles found in the book, “The 4-Hour Workweek,” Getting Things Done and the 43 Folders Concept and finally I recently discovered that a technique I have been using to help me focus on my work actually has a name and is called, The Pomodoro Technique (working on a task in a short amount of time with rests built in). Yes, you will find these disciplines have software tools designed for them but those are just tools and will not be used unless there is the commitment and mindset.
What are some of your favorite “brain applications?” What are the menus items and icons in front of you in terms of physical objects, reminders, etc. That keep you on track and disciplined? This business is focused on creating multimedia content for your web site but what tools and disciplines do you use or think about using to help you be consistent and creative? Are creativity exercises one of your brain applications? Don’t feel like you are the creative type? Try this, use ideas in a book like Thinkertoys and combine them with the time focused discipline of the Pomodoro Technique. You will be amazed.
Filed under: Innovation, Organization, Tips Tagged: | Innovation, Organization
