[chuckcode]

+1 to the reality that most productivity tips come off as hopelessly naive to the reality of life with kids, sick parents/spouses, customer demands, etc.

Few things that have helped me:

- Have something like google calendar that reminds you so don't forget something important. Avoid turning small tasks into huge ones by missing a critical deadline

- Change the game when it is stacked against you. Most productivity advice is written about what can you do alone in the current situation (game) to improve, when changing situations could make things much better. I see too many people get stuck in bad relationship, bad job, etc. trying to make it work. Find places where the tide is rising and raising all the boats rather than working against you.

- Be kind and realistic to yourself. Look around, life is challenging and nobody wins everthing. Coach yourself the same way you would coach your kids with kindness and empathy and setting them up for success rather than something impossible.

(edit formatting)

[Cycl0ps]

They're good tips. I went on a productivity binge late last year, and all the books I read boil down to a few things.

1) Get as much information out of your head as possible. Store it somewhere you can find it later, but the specifics don't matter.

2) Segment your tasks into something you can reasonably accomplish in a given time. If you don't get it done you either misunderstood the task or the timeslots, review and try againt later.

3) Start. Just start. It doesn't even have to be something you had on your list. Just decide to do a thing, then do it.

Add analogies and anecdotes, bribe the NYT Best Seller list, and book yourself on the Today Show. Being a productivity writer is easy!