productivity | List Producer

Making Your To-Do List “Stick”

September 3, 2013/2 Comments/in Benefits of List Making, Increase Productivity, List Making, Saving Money, Saving Time, Tool for Success/by Paula Rizzo

Sunday is my day for catching up on things I missed during the week, getting a head start on tasks for the week ahead, and getting to zero inbox

With a limited number of hours in the day, there is only so much that can be accomplished. I’m someone who hates to go to bed with a task left unfinished, but sometimes with a big empty Sunday ahead of me I can get a little ambitious. I’ve found though that if you set yourself up for small wins by limiting your to-do list you’ll feel more accomplished at the end of the day. It’s much easier to get 3 things done than 30. It’s just simple math – and I’m terrible at math but trust me, it’s true!

This method can be used to increase productivity at work, plan social events, and even limit overspending at the grocery store!

Not convinced? Here’s a list of reasons to limit your to-do list to a post-it: Read more

Is Productivity Making Me Rude?

August 25, 2013/2 Comments/in Relationships/by Paula Rizzo

English: A pile of mobile devices including smart phones, tablets, laptops and ebok readers. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I’m all for being productive and getting things done, but recently I’ve been wondering whether it’s possible to be productive to a fault. I pride myself on knowing proper etiquette, but I think I may be becoming rude as I strive to become more efficient and productive.

In my day job as a TV producer things are fast paced and you need to move along and get everything finished on deadline. I remember once after a taping I literally said to a guest, “OK, we’re done with you.” It was more of a housekeeping-type statement because we needed to move on to the next guest for the following segment, but it came off very rude. Eeek! Read more

Outsourcing Your Life

August 20, 2013/1 Comment/in Increase Productivity, Reduce Stress, Saving Money, Saving Time/by Paula Rizzo

Help Wanted? (Photo credit: brizzle born and bred)

I’ve written a lot about how important it is to remember that you are just one person. Give yourself a break sometimes! It’s not always possible to get everything done on your own, which is why sometimes, you have to ask for help. I finally took my own advice and enlisted the help of some interns — wow has my life gotten better. It’s really amazing what giving up a little control can do.

I haven’t always found it easy to let someone else help me out, but when I went to the BlogHer ’13 convention in Chicago, I sat in on a session, run by Meagan Francis, about outsourcing and why you should do it…and I’m so glad I did. There are major benefits that come from having an extra set of hands: Read more

How to be Ultra Organized

August 13, 2013/0 Comments/in Benefits of List Making, Increase Productivity, Reduce Stress, Saving Money, Saving Time, Technology, Tool for Success/by Paula Rizzo

A few days ago, I found an infographic to help you to become “The Most Organized Person in the World.” Well, I wouldn’t go so far as to say that aspiring to be the most organized person in the WORLD is the best goal — you’d probably go a bit nuts along the way. But trying for something more attainable, like just being MORE organized, is a great idea. I’m always looking for new, better ways to stay on my game!

To-Do List App Astrid Shutting Down

July 16, 2013/2 Comments/in Apps, Benefits of List Making, Increase Productivity, Learning With a List, Reduce Stress, Saving Time, Technology, Tool for Success/by Paula Rizzo

When the to-do list app Astrid first launched — I was instantly in love. I raved about it’s adorable octopus mascot, Astrid, and I really enjoyed the little nudges she gave to help you get things done. I even interviewed the CEO of the company, Jon Paris, on my YouTube channel. A few months back word got out that Yahoo had bought the productivity app. Fabulous, I thought! Finally one of the good ones made the big time! However…now I’ve heard that on August 5th Astrid will be no more! I don’t know why but they are shutting down the service.

Don’t Panic!

If any of you, as I do, happen to keep a lot of important data in your productivity app of choice, no need to panic! In response to closing their service, Astrid has created a way for its users to keep all of their information after closing up shop. All you need to do is go to this link: astrid.com/home/export and you will be able to download all of your data.

Also, if you want to keep using your lists and other information, Astrid recommends that you upload your data to one of these apps.

They are set up to allow you to pick up where you left off:

1. Wrike

2. Wunderlist

3. Sandglaz

4. TickTick

5. 24me

6. Any.do

I recommend these to-do list apps as alternatives to Astrid:

1. Carrot

2. Don’t Forget

3. Clear