The Pro Letter #1
Start those tasks you’ve been putting off, Pomordoro’s , Create a time to spend by yourself
Note: Welcome! I am the ginger man behind the profile picture and what you’ll get today is 1:
1. Quote
2. Productivity Tip
3. Life Hack
Enjoy!
Quote
‘The best time to start something was yesterday,
the second best time is today’
Start NOW! That’s the basic message, but where did this quote come from? I’ve heard this saying before in articles and podcasts, but it was never referenced to a single person or idea.
The Chinese proverb: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now” is the most likely source. So plant the trees, create the business, start the project you’ve been putting off. Is it that easy?
We are all guilty of putting tasks or projects to the side with the forever excuse of ‘it’s not the right time’ or ‘I’m too busy’. The biggest problem I find is fear. The idea will unravel perfectly in your head and by not starting the dream then remains flawless.
The fact is, it won’t be flawless and there will be challenges. Moving forward slowly is better than remaining static until the idea drifts away or you talk yourself out of it.
Take that perfect untouched idea in your head and make a practical start today. All progress counts and compounds over time.
To start something, you need to almost ruin your perfect idea. You are ripping it apart, making it vulnerable to failures.
Ultimately with the correct strategy the successes will outweigh those times things didn’t go to plan.
Yes, the best time to start anything was yesterday, but be prepared to fail and start today.
Productivity Tip
‘Pomodoros’
What in the world is a pomodoro? Is it an Italian vegetable? Where can we buy these pomodoros?
All questions I asked myself when I first heard the term!
Pomodoro’s are simple time management trick to help achieve deep work, whilst having regular breaks. It may sound too good to be true, but it can honestly transform the way you work.
The basic idea is you spend 25 minutes working and then 5 minutes off. You can track this using an app (I use Be focused), or any form of timer. I even use a smart speaker sometimes to avoid using my phone and getting trapped in the world of notifications and pointless scrolling.
Some people will use this method daily and the number of Pomodoro’s you complete each day is entirely up to you. I find the best times to start using them is when motivation is lacking, it then forces you work within specific timeframes. Also having 5 minutes break is both motivating and rewarding.
Lacking motivation – use Pomodoro’s
Want to achieve deeper work – use Pomodoro’s
Want to do anything ever – use Pomordoro’s
You get the gist!
Life hack
‘Spend time by yourself,
Solitude is a gift’
This seems like a simple idea, but for many spending time by yourself is more difficult to achieve than we’d think. For some, it may even be impossible without taking drastic steps.
During these times of uncertainty, solidarity may be easier or even forced upon by regulations. (Made a promise I wouldn’t use the C word in my emails!).
For those with busy schedules, families who need your constant attention, pets, bosses, colleagues, employee’s… solitude may sound like a mythical word. Try to create a system that allows you to spend time by yourself.
Find the time in the mornings, or your lunch break to simply be alone. Read a book, go for a solo coffee, go for walk, sit on a bench. Simple things can bring such joy and a reboot just by having some clear thinking time.
Find time, schedule it in, tell people you’re busy.
Do whatever you need to do to create some form of solitude in your life!
Actions for you
Start those tasks you’ve been putting off
Introduce Pomordoro’s to your life
Create a time to spend by yourself
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Hope you enjoyed, go smash your week!
Keith - ProductivityPro