7 Hacks To Master Your Productivity - Peter Akkies | Modern Wisdom 660

Added: Jul 30, 2023

Akkies suggests that many people struggle with productivity because they haven't clarified their priorities. They spend a significant amount of time on tasks that don't align with their values or goals. To address this, Akkies encourages individuals to start by reflecting on what they want to achieve in life and how they are currently spending their time. By identifying their true passions and motivations, they can begin to prioritize their activities and make progress towards their goals. One of the key points Akkies highlights is the importance of setting specific and meaningful goals. He argues that vague goals, such as "losing weight" or "getting promoted," are not sufficient. Instead, he encourages individuals to dig deeper and understand why they want to achieve these goals. By uncovering the underlying motivations, people can develop a clearer sense of purpose and identify the necessary action steps to achieve their goals. The podcast also explores the concept of goal setting in the context of business. Akkies references an interview with Rob Dyrdek, the founder of DC Shoes, who emphasizes the importance of starting with the end in mind. Dyrdek suggests that businesses should define their objectives and work backward to determine the necessary steps to achieve them. Akkies agrees with this approach and argues that growth and progress are impossible without clear goals. Akkies introduces the concept of milestone cadence and check-ins as a way to track progress towards goals. He suggests that individuals should regularly review their goals and action steps to ensure they are on track. He recommends a weekly review to assess progress and make adjustments as needed. Additionally, he suggests a quarterly planning session to update goals and action steps based on changing circumstances. When it comes to time management, Akkies acknowledges that different approaches work for different people. He advises individuals to consider their unique circumstances and preferences when designing their schedules. For knowledge workers, he suggests time blocking, where specific time slots are dedicated to focused work. For those with more structured schedules, he recommends finding pockets of time for specific tasks. Akkies emphasizes the importance of understanding one's energy levels and task requirements when designing a daily schedule. He encourages individuals to identify their most focused and productive times of the day and allocate tasks accordingly. He also suggests batching meetings and communication to create dedicated blocks of time for focused work. In terms of task management, Akkies recommends creating a sophisticated to-do list that reflects different areas of life and projects. He advises individuals to break down their goals into actionable tasks and prioritize them based on importance and urgency. He suggests using the calendar to schedule specific tasks and projects, ensuring that they align with one's goals and priorities. Akkies addresses the feeling of overwhelm that many people experience when looking at their to-do lists. He suggests two approaches to alleviate this feeling. First, he recommends including fun activities on the to-do list to balance out the more challenging tasks. Second, he emphasizes that the overwhelm may stem from overcommitting oneself. He encourages individuals to reassess their commitments and learn to say no when necessary. In conclusion, Akkies emphasizes the importance of aligning productivity with one's goals and values. He encourages individuals to clarify their priorities, set specific and meaningful goals, and design a productivity system that works for them. By understanding their motivations and focusing on the most important tasks, individuals can achieve greater productivity and fulfillment in their lives.