Ever wish there were more hours in the day? The problem might be you’re not using the hours you have in the most efficient way. I’ve got a fix for this and I put it all together in a productivity course I’ve done with PopExpert.com.
It’s based on my book, “Listful Thinking: Using Lists to be More Productive, Highly Successful and Less Stressed” and is designed to help you live a more fulfilling and connected life. Read more
Hobbies can be a double-edged sword. You’re always trying to carve out more time for them but then when you actually do them — you feel like you should be doing something else to stay productive. What’s the fun in that?
Well here’s some good news. Did you know that your favorite distraction could actually be boosting your productivity? It’s true – here’s a list of some popular hobbies that will build up your mind and muscles to help you get things done!
List-making: Yes! List making is a hobby. Organizing everything into lists is a great way to get all of your thoughts out. This will also prepare you for things you want to get done. As I mentioned in my book, “Listful Thinking” many celebrities reached their level of success by making lists. A few of these people include Richard Branson, Octavia Spencer, Bobby Flay, Heidi Klum, and Sandra Bullock!
Exercising: There are countless ways to get your body moving. Recently, a friend of mine was talking about how she wanted to start being healthy, but she didn’t know where to start. Starting small is the way to go, before you can move onto anything else.
If you live in a big city like I do, you’re already getting a ton of walking in! Some of my other personal favorites include hiking, swimming, and dancing. Physical activity releases endorphins in your brain which gives you that feel-good sensation.
Writing: Write, type, record– anything! Get your thoughts out of your head and express yourself for at least 10 minutes a day. Turn it into a book or just throw it away. Writing in your spare time is a perfect place to channel your energy. This will get your creative juices flowing. I’ve found that once you make a habit of something – even just writing an idea down once a day- it will become so much easier to do on demand.
Art: Whether it’s painting a picture, doodling on your notebook or sculpting some play-doh, creating something is one of the best ways to calm your mind. This is one of those hobbies that are great for thinking outside of the box and getting in touch with your creative side. *
Listening to music: Music can increase your productivity in two different ways. If you’re trying to clear your head, put together a relaxing playlist. If you’re trying to get motivated, knock out your to-do’s with an inspirational playlist.
Puzzles: Challenge your mind with a puzzle. This will put your brain to work and help you improve your problem solving skills. People who solve puzzles are more likely to creatively assess problems in their lives.
Meditation/Yoga: This is perfect for you if you are overstressed and desperately need a release. Practicing meditation and yoga will put your focus back in check, calm your nerves and clear your mind. It’s also important to pay attention when you’re doing one pose at a time. This is great practice for when you’re working on only one task at a time.
Reading: Reading is a great pastime to open yourself to new ideas and take you to new places. So pick up a new book or listen to a podcast! Read something you wouldn’t typically read and try out authors you’ve never heard of. This is the best way to sharpen your mind and learn new things. This will help you think quicker on your feet. Something we could all do when trying to be more efficient.
How does your hobby make you more productive?
On Thursday I had my first ever book signing for Listful Thinking in a brand-new indie bookstore here in NYC. Earlier in the week I was pretty nervous about the whole event. I couldn’t stop worrying about who might show up and what questions they might ask.
But when Thursday night came around I actually ended up having a lot of fun. Nearly 60 people showed up and at one point it was standing room only! It was so great to talk with everyone.
Some people even brought their lists for me to check!
I also got asked some great questions that I thought I would share with you: Read more
My book Listful Thinking has officially launched and I’m so excited. People have been sending me their ‘shelfies‘ (selfies with your book shelf!) with my book from all over the country. If you want to join in the fun please tweet me your picture!
Normally on this blog I share my list with you, but now it’s time to turn the tables! I’m doing a book signing in New York on Thursday, January 15th and I want you to bring me your lists!
I started my this blog to help people become more efficient with their time and make better lists. Now I can help you face to face.
So if there’s a burning list-making question or app discussion you’re dying to have with me – come on down! The book signing will take place at Book Culture, 450 Columbus Avenue, NYC at 7pm.
This is a brand new independent bookstore in Manhattan — you don’t see a lot of those these days! So come out and support this brand new gem on the Upper West Side as well.
I look forward to seeing you there!
My good friend Terri Trespicio recently wrote a post for me full of relationship advice for the New Year. She invited me to be on her show “Solopreneur,” which is all about sharing success strategies when you work for yourself. We talked all about lists and my book Listful Thinking in this episode titled “Get Your Sh*t Together”! In the video we ride the bus, we clear clutter, we drink tea….it’s a good time. As you can see from the picture, this guy was very interested to hear more about my productivity tips! If you’re just as interested do check it out!