Tag Archive for: apps

Stop Saying “Remind Me”

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Have you ever had this happen? You ask someone for help or for a favor — and they say, “Sure, I’ll do that — just remind me.”

This is one of my biggest pet peeves. I know this doesn’t usually come from a bad place — it mostly comes from being overwhelmed, disorganized, or not having a system to manage your tasks.

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Distraction Placeholders for Productivity

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The average attention span is now about 47 seconds. Yep. That’s it!

That’s according to Dr. Gloria Marks — she’s a professor at the University of California and the author of the book “Attention Span”. It used to be much longer but with technology, it’s shrinking. And once you get distracted, it takes about 23 minutes to get back on track. That’s a lot of lost time!

But fear not — you don’t have to just accept that lost time. That’s where my distraction placeholder comes in. A distraction placeholder is a little note to your future self so that you can jump right back in after a pause.

Why use these? Well, you can’t always eliminate all distractions. It’s impossible to keep your focus at all times. Instead, focus on setting yourself up for success when a distraction pops up. 

I started doing this when I was a television producer and worked under very tight deadlines. I needed to focus on the work in front of me and couldn’t afford to lose my place. 

I’ve given lots of tips since my very first productivity blog went live in 2011. In all that time, the idea that I get the most positive feedback on again and again is the distraction placeholder. I’ve been using these for years and I’m so happy that this idea resonates with so many people.

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Here’s how it works: 

Before I answer the phone or answer the door or whatever is interrupting me, I pause. I ask myself, “What am I in the middle of doing?” and then I write it down in my distraction placeholder spot on my to-do list. The bottom left hand corner of my to-do list is empty for this reason. I use that spot to jot down a quick note-to-self.

When I want to return to the work I was doing, I know exactly where I am. It helps to cut down on those 23 minutes it takes to get going again. 

The key is to give yourself the right information so that you can reduce the time it takes to re-enter a task. Because you might be losing more time than you think trying to get back in the flow. 

Ready to give it a try? Here are some guidelines:

  1. Be consistent. Use the same place to write down your distraction placeholder. And keep it handy. It’s not saving you time if you’re rooting around looking for your note!
  2. Keep it short and sweet. You don’t need to write more than a few words. The keywords will depend on what you’re doing, and you’ll see what works best for you as you use this tool. Bullet points often work best here.
  3. Be intentional about re-starting. Commit to getting back into the task fully. After the distraction is done, read over your placeholder note, take a moment to get back in the right headspace, and jump in. 

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Tools for Overcoming Writer’s Block

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Writer’s block happens to so many people. Feeling stuck can come on at any point in a project and slow you down. But you don’t just have to submit to it and throw in the towel. It’s important to have tools and strategies in place so you can address it and keep going. 

As a writer and productivity expert, I put together a list of tools and tricks that you can whip out when you find yourself stuck:

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How to Use Play to Be More Productive

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Play and work seem at first like they are at odds. Play is what distracts you from working. Right?

Actually… it’s a little more complicated. It turns out that play can be a productivity tool! 

Incorporating play into your routines is a powerful way to get more done and feel less stressed. 

I’ve been intentionally adding play into my day and it’s true. The benefits are unexpected and bring me so much joy!

And science backs it up. According to research, play is essential for our physical and cognitive health.

Here’s how you can use play to be more productive:

1) Use play to rest.

I’m a huge fan of rest — that’s why my mantra is “rest is the new hustle.” Without rest, it’s so easy to get burned out.

I learned this lesson the hard way years ago, when my appendix burst and I waited too long to go to the hospital. I had to spend weeks in recovery because I didn’t listen when my body told me I needed to dial things back. Ever since then, I‘ve been shouting from the rooftops that rest is essential for working towards your goals.

But it’s less clear what “rest” actually looks like. You might not feel like laying down and taking a physical break — but you still need to rest. And that’s where play comes in. 

Playing to rest looks different for everyone – it might be taking care of a little virtual bird on the Finch app, trying out a new recipe, or doing a crossword puzzle. What matters is that it’s creative, energizing, and yes — FUN!

2) Use play to get re-inspired.

Feeling stuck is one of the biggest productivity pitfalls. Whether you’re not sure of the next step on a big project or you have writer’s block, uncertainty and a lack of creativity can make your goals feel impossible to accomplish. 

And inspiration isn’t just something you can buckle down and force into being. That’s why it’s so essential to get out of your own head, lighten up, and change your perspective.

I love using play to get the creative juices flowing. Play can help you feel inspired and ready to dive back in with renewed energy.

Here’s some ideas:

One of my favorite ways to play is pulling tarot cards (I’m even getting my Tarot Reader Certificate!). I love it so much that I wrote a whole blog about it. The idea really resonated with people. I was thrilled to see comments on LinkedIn from people who are keen to try using tarot to boost their creative inspiration.

You might consider painting, dancing, or even doing a puzzle. All of these can help you see things from a new perspective, break out of your regular habits, and feel connected to your creative energy!

My friend Karen Bussen hosts free online creativity meet-ups called Le Salon. I’ve been and really enjoyed them! If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, check out Le Salon here. 

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3) Use play to motivate yourself.

I’ve started rewarding myself with a few minutes of play each time I finish a task. And sometimes dangling that carrot is all you need to power through!

If you find yourself getting distracted, it can be helpful to use play as a motivator. For example, I commit to finishing a task and then I’ll play Connections in the New York Times Games app. I’ve also gotten into building my own town in the Township app. 

If you feel stuck on what kinds of play activities are right for you, you can check out the Play Personalities quiz based on Dr. Stuart Brown’s research. Dr. Brown speaks regularly about the benefits of play for adults and using his personality quiz can help you discover the best kinds of play for you.

Here’s to fun!

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BONUS FREEBIE: Want even more ways to stay organized, productive and less stressed? CLICK HERE to get access to my List-Making Starter Kit. It will boost your efficiency and get you back to doing more of the things you love.

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Apps and Resources to Reduce Stress and Boost Productivity

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BONUS FREEBIE: Want even more ways to stay organized, productive and less stressed? CLICK HERE to get access to my List-Making Starter Kit. It will boost your efficiency and get you back to doing more of the things you love.

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As a productivity expert, I have a whole list of things I recommend when someone tells me they want to overhaul their routine for reduced stress and more effective habits.

These are tried-and-true apps and resources that I use myself.

From exercise apps to video chatting platforms, here’s all the best tools for reducing stress and getting more done:

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