It seems like everywhere you look these days, there are articles and posts about productivity. Whether it's "10 Ways to Be More Productive at the Office" or "The Best Productivity Hacks for Millennials," the topic is everywhere. But do we really need all these tips and tricks to be productive? Kendall Baker, a self-proclaimed productivity skeptic, shares his journey of diving into the world of productivity in a big way.
At first glance, Kendall was not a fan of productivity articles. He felt confident in his own work habits and didn't see the need for outside advice. However, after some self-reflection, he realized that maybe he was being a bit closed-minded. So, he decided to embark on a week-long experiment to live the most productive week of his life, following the daily routines of successful individuals and incorporating some bonus productivity "hacks."
Choosing which routines to follow was crucial for Kendall. He wanted to push himself to the limit and try out some of the most extreme productivity practices out there. Instead of opting for simple routines like wearing the same outfit every day, he decided to mimic the schedules of three prominent CEOs and one former world leader.
First up was Marissa Mayer's (during her time as a VP at Google) routine. This involved waking up at 8AM, arriving at work by 9AM, scheduling all meetings and tasks for exactly one hour each, working out at 11PM, and hitting the hay at 3AM. To add an extra challenge, Kendall also tried the (10+2)*5 hack, which consisted of working for 10 minutes, taking a 2-minute break, and repeating this cycle five times.
As Kendall embarked on his first day following Marissa Mayer's routine, he found himself adjusting to the early wake-up time and meticulously planning out his day. By having a clear schedule and minimizing distractions like his phone, Kendall felt more organized and focused as he headed to work.
Throughout the day, Kendall implemented the (10+2)*5 hack, which helped him stay on track and maintain a steady workflow. While the lack of sleep was challenging, Kendall powered through and embraced the structure and discipline of Mayer's routine.
As Kendall continued his experiment throughout the week, he encountered various challenges and successes. From following the routines of other successful individuals to testing out different productivity hacks, Kendall pushed himself to new limits and discovered the power of structure, discipline, and focus in maximizing productivity.
While not every routine or hack may work for everyone, Kendall's journey serves as a reminder that exploring new methods and approaches to productivity can lead to growth and improvement in both personal and professional endeavors. So, next time you come across a productivity article, maybe give it a chance – you never know what you might discover.