This are mostly thoughts from the Peepcode-Screencast “Productivity for Programmers” from Lars Pind. (9$, and no i don’t get a cent from it…)

I mainly write this for my oblivious self, but you may find it interesting too.

1. Preparations

Clear out all things that drain your energy. This may be open loops in our life, things that need to be done, that distract us even if we are not aware of it.

Try to close those open loops. Decide a ‘next step’ or simply let go of it. This may sound weird, but it really makes a difference. Even the step of writing all things down is a relief. Or use a GTD app, this helps to think less about those things.

2. Define your outcome

We waste a lot of time because we often work against false goals. Our goals should be defined clearly before we start the actual work.

Goals need to be written down. Really. Write it down, and be specific. (How many? By when? How it’s gonna look like?)

Avoid universals(never, always). Is this really what you want? If you had this, what would it give you?

Sometimes we work for an intermediate goal, but it would be easier if we skip that and find the goal we really want.

Use the Pareto Principle: 20% the effort generates 80% of the outcome. Look for shortcuts to get your work done faster.

3. Avoid distractions

Avoid Multitasking! Colleagues, Blogs, RSS, IM, Meetings, Phones is a KILLER for productivity. We avoid tough problems by switching to another activity. This feels productive, but its just self-distraction. Thinking is painful, hard work!

Any interruption costs 20 minutes to get back to where you were.

To be productive, you absolutely need to FOCUS ON ONE THING AT A TIME.

Close your email (should be closed anyway, see my other blog entry), close twitter, close all your browser tabs that you don’t need for the task ahead, im, let people know that you don’t wanna be disturbed in the next few hours.

There is good pattern for it, the 50/10 rule: Do 50 minutes of focused work, and reward yourself with 10 minutes break (surfing the web, getting a coffee…)

Tipp: Binaural Beats (“Brain Wave Sounds”) help to focus yourself, remind yourself that you are now on focused work, and filter most external noise. It’s also a signal to your colleagues that you now don’t wanna be distracted. There is some software around that generates this sounds, you can buy CDs, i for myself use an iPhone app.

Notice and honor your energy: When are you most productive? Check yourself and don’t work against your biorhythm. If you’re most creative in the morning, go for it. The afternoon may be better for phone calls.

4. Rest and get some exercice

Regular exercice makes your brain work better. And it feels better. Go out, see the nature. It’s good for our body and our mood

Don’t sacrifice sleep!

Spend some time “offline” with your family, friends…

5. Celebrate success!

Related posts:

1. Improve your Email Workflow