She Strengthens

Boosting Productivity: A Fresh Perspective

As I turned the final page of “Design Your Day” by Clair Díaz-Ortiz, I felt a surge of motivation to revamp my daily routine. Although the book targets freelancers and stressed-out managers, its practical advice resonated with me, and I’m eager to share the most valuable takeaways.

Setting Goals and Finding Focus

Díaz-Ortiz outlines a simple yet effective process to increase work efficiency and free up personal time. First, write down your goals for the next year, making sure they’re measurable and achievable. Then, identify a single word to guide your goals – your Word of the Year. This word will serve as a reminder during challenging times.

My Personal Experience

I applied these principles to my own life, and the results were eye-opening. My primary goal is to stick to a solid budget, having suffered financial setbacks while living abroad. To achieve this, I chose “vulture” as my Word of the Year – a reminder to prioritize survival over luxury. I also made two lists: activities (Japanese studies and writing) and big wins (using my Japanese knowledge to save my workplace’s budget and landing a paid writing gig).

Prioritizing Tasks

The author suggests categorizing activities into three groups: things only you can do, things someone else can do, and things you should stop doing. By focusing on tasks that meet both criteria – unique skills and big wins – you’ll optimize your time and energy. In my case, Japanese studies and writing habits take top priority.

Reevaluating Tasks

The book encourages readers to reassess tasks that don’t lead to big wins. Some may be essential, while others can be delegated or eliminated. I realized that I spend too much time on non-essential activities, like mindless web surfing. By limiting these distractions, I can allocate more time to valuable pursuits.

Streamlining Your Day

By implementing these strategies, I’ve opened up more time for rejuvenating personal activities and improved my work life. Limiting my inbox checks has already made a significant impact. Moreover, my new Word of the Year, “vulture,” will help me stick to my budget and resist bougie spending tendencies.

Transforming Your Productivity

“Design Your Day” offers a refreshing approach to productivity, emphasizing the importance of narrowing your work time towards tasks that showcase your unique skills and lead to significant achievements. By applying these principles, you can create a more organized, deliberate life – and unlock more personal time in the process.