Category: “Personal Productivity”

Inevitably, every organization reflects somehow the weakest link of the chain that makes up its structure. Even if you are a freelance, you need to interact with more people to get your work done (partners, customers, suppliers). If there is someone in your work chain who does not respond to email for two weeks, your efficiency—or your organization’s—will be penalized. Dullness in a team member is contagious and begets dullness in the system.

Humor is a tangible demonstration of the most important attributes of the right side of the brain: the ability to place situations in context, to see the big picture, to combine different elements to create new things, and so on. According to various investigations, humor reduces hostility, relieves stress, allows a better criticism and helps to communicate difficult messages. It turns out that, used skillfully, it can be a great stimulus for creativity, a trait increasingly necessary for success.

Why do we procrastinate even knowing that this behavior will bring us problems? Why is it so hard to quit a job or a career that gets us nowhere? Why do we continue to do (or not to do) certain things, even though we know that the fact of doing (or not doing) them hurts us?

Personal productivity—and GTD in particular—is largely a matter of habits. No matter how functional, fast and enjoyable is your personal productivity system; if you still use your head as a storage tool, do not make decisions about everything that concerns you and do not review your system regularly, the best software in the market won’t be of help.

Self-management is a key skill needed in all facets of life. Many students earn low grades or drop out, not because they are unable to assimilate lessons, but because they get overwhelmed by the workload. Often, employees who promote in a company are not the most intelligent or educated, but the most resolutive, that is, those who are able to cope with a heavy workload and get things done. And, although many of us are not aware of this, lack of personal organization can even ruin our financial situation and our relationships.