Reduce Stress | List Producer

Why You’re Not More Productive and How to Fix it

March 15, 2015/5 Comments/in Benefits of List Making, Happiness, Home, Increase Productivity, Learning With a List, List Making, People, Reduce Stress, Saving Time, Tool for Success/by Paula Rizzo

Here’s something that might surprise you — all this productivity stuff doesn’t always come so easily to me. I’ve shared this at several of the signings for my book Listful Thinking and people have really been shocked.

The truth is I’m actually a big procrastinator.

I know that working in television under really strict deadlines, with serious time constraints has helped to pull me out of my procrastinator ways. The same rules for productivity applies for many businesses too, as well as personal goals.

I use systems all the time like list making, rewarding myself and making fake deadlines to get more accomplished.

That’s how this blog got started but I want you all to know that I work at it every single day.

Yes I do have an advantage because I like to organize shirts by color and write my to-do list on beautiful stationery. But I have to work at maintaining my lists, keeping my schedule in check and being more efficient with my free time.

I think it’s important to share our productivity struggles as well as our successes. Too often when I speak with people who are struggling they feel like they are the only one.

If this rings true with you — remember you’re not alone!

In fact, the more people I talk to, the more I realize how similar our stories are.

The same phrases always seem to come up:

“I’m too busy.”

“I don’t have time.”

“It’s too difficult.”

Checklist for Overcoming Nervousness

February 10, 2015/0 Comments/in Decision Making, Increase Productivity, People, Reduce Stress, Tool for Success/by Paula Rizzo

It’s important to remember that everyone gets nervous. We all know the stresses of starting a new job, making a big move or having to speak at an important meeting. While a little bit of nervousness is fine, sometimes it can seriously keep you from being your best.

Here are a few ways to overcome your nerves and get back on track: Read more

What’s Your Productivity Style?

February 8, 2015/4 Comments/in Apps, Benefits of List Making, Increase Productivity, Reduce Stress, Saving Time, Tool for Success/by Paula Rizzo

Want to be less stressed and get more done too? Check out my book, Listful Living: A List-Making Journey to a Less Stressed You. It will help you design a more productive and less-stressed life.

One of the biggest hurdles people face when they’re trying to be more organized is figuring out what works for them. It’s why I recommend a variety of apps and tips on this blog and created Listful Thinking Masterclass. There is no one solution that suits everyone. Once you understand your productivity style you can cater to your work schedule around your needs.

Follow this list to discover your productivity style.

1. Are you a morning or night person? Most people know when they are most productive, but they often make the error of trying to correct it. Forcing yourself to wake up earlier if you can’t possibly write a sentence at 6am doesn’t help anyone. It may sound simple, but stop trying to change who you are. Instead plan to do your most difficult tasks when you’re at your most productive even if that’s in the middle of the night. Read more

Take A Break With Some Tea

January 29, 2015/4 Comments/in Happiness, Health, Reduce Stress, Technology/by Paula Rizzo

I love tea. Besides water and wine – it’s the only thing I drink. I love all different types like Green Tea, English Breakfast and Darjeeling. I often write on this blog about its productivity benefits. I believe making a cup of tea is a great way to relax and take a break. We all have our favourite mugs to drink from, especially if you drink tea as much as I do! A friend of mine gifted me a personalised mug (or Mug Personnalisé as they’d say in French), so I do love using that pretty much all the time. Anyway, I thought before it’s too late — I should share with you that January is National Hot Tea Month.

To celebrate Tetley USA reached out to me and told me that they are challenging Americans to take the Tetley Five-Day Teatime Challenge. Every day, on or around 4pm, shut down your devices and take time for yourself to recharge. Just 15 minutes is all you need to clear your mind, savor some of your favorite tastes and give yourself the time you deserve. They also sent me some yummy new tea to try! It’s in my desk at work just waiting to be steeped! Read more

Productivity Tips You Learn on the Job

January 27, 2015/0 Comments/in Benefits of List Making, Increase Productivity, Learning With a List, People, Reduce Stress, Saving Time, Tool for Success/by Paula Rizzo

I have often credited my job as a news producer for honing my time management skills. Working in television has not only taught me the value of a minute, but also how to stick to a strict deadline. That’s because the news happens with or without you and you better be ready as a producer.

But what about other professions? Here are some example of jobs and the productivity tips we can learn from them.

Firefighters – These guys and gals are known for being ready to go at a moment’s notice. All their equipment is laid out, the tanks are filled, the whole process is geared to take as little time as possible. Because a couple of minutes can make all the difference when it comes to a fire — preparation is key. While your day to day might not be as important it’s still a good idea to do as much as you can in advance.

Read more