LiveWorkBalance

Today’s quick and dirty post highlights two articles from blogger Scott H. Young, one on his own blog and another on lifehack.org.

First, check out his article Slow Down - The Hidden Key to Getting More Done. It really touches on an idea that I believe in and I’m seeing more and more in the productivity blogosphere, that to really be productive, don’t just be busy; be focused instead. I think he summarizes that idea quite well as can be seen here:

Time is Limited, Focus Is Not

When you replace focus as the key to productivity, not time management, it becomes clear that the time each day has a strict upper bound. Trying to do too much may speed you up, but it will eventually burn you out.

Make sure you check out the article for more detail and a few tips on how to slow down.

The second post from Scott is an interesting list of 12 Tips to Improve the Quality of Your Free Time.
One tip I always live by is:

Always Have a Book - Unsatisfied with channel flipping? Having a book (not just reading blogs) requires you to use your brain. Light reading can be a great way to stay engaged without burning yourself out.

(Though, on that note, I can’t seem to find the book I’m reading right now, which, when I’ve only got about a hundred pages left, is a little on the frustrating side.) But make sure you check out the other tips. I’m sure you can probably guess a few of them in advance, but there are a few new ones.

And as a special bonus link, related to Scott’s first article, check out productivity guru David Allen’s latest from the Huffington Post, Three Cheers for Sloth, Indolence, and Procrastination!

Cheers,

Adam