Process

Timeblocking has been a struggle for Justin, but he finally figured out how to make it work. Shownotes GET the FREE REMOTE WORK 101 GUIDE (https://effectiveremotework.com/remote101) Justin's Timeblocking 101 Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04icbvudia4) Deep Questions with Cal Newport (https://calnewport.com/podcast)

Picking the right tool or finding the ultimate lifehack may seem like the way to productivity, but it's not. This week, Justin discusses how our focus on the day-to-day is the biggest issue and the way to get above it. Shownotes GET the FREE REMOTE WORK 101 GUIDE (https://effectiveremotework.com/remote101) Getting Things Done (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Things-Done-Stress-Free-Productivity-ebook/dp/B00KWG9M2E/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=getting+things+done&qid=1611943807&s=books&sr=1-1) 024: Essential Habits: Saying No (https://podcast.effectiveremotework.com/24) Deep Questions with Cal Newport (https://calnewport.com/podcast) Cal Newport's Productivity Funnel (https://www.calnewport.com/blog/2021/04/20/the-productivity-funnel/) Zig Ziglar's Wheel of Life (https://www.ziglar.com/articles/the-wheel-of-life/) Justin's Conducting an Annual Review Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNE_w7Gjp3M) CGP Grey's Theme Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVGuFdX5guE)

This week, YouTuber Matt Ragland joins us to discuss analog productivity, working remotely as a parent, and journaling. This is a rebroadcast of an episode recorded in 2020 for Remotely Working. Shownotes GET the FREE Remote Work 101 Guide (https://effectiveremotework/remote101) Matt's YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/themattragland) Podia (http://podia.com) Bullet Journal (http://bulletjournal.com) Full Focus Planner (http://fullfocusplanner.com) Self Journal (https://bestself.co/) Matt's Video Working from Home with Kids (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsp4ZyxXdYE) Remote (https://www.amazon.com/Remote-Required-David-Heinemeier-Hansson-ebook/dp/B00CZ7OC46) Rework (https://www.amazon.com/Rework-Jason-Fried-ebook/dp/B002MUAJ2A/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=rework&qid=1591906259&s=digital-text&sr=1-1) It Doesn't Have to be Crazy at Work (https://www.amazon.com/Doesnt-Have-Be-Crazy-Work-ebook/dp/B079WV79TK/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3913VXPSU77GD&dchild=1&keywords=it+doesn%27t+have+to+be+crazy+at+work&qid=1591906277&s=digital-text&sprefix=it+doesn%27t+have%2Cdigital-text%2C167&sr=1-1) Make Time (https://www.amazon.com/Make-Time-Focus-Matters-Every-ebook/dp/B078QSCM3V/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=make+time&qid=1590601158&s=books&sr=1-1) When (https://www.amazon.com/When-Scientific-Secrets-Perfect-Timing-ebook/dp/B072Q985YX/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=when+daniel+pink&qid=1591906316&s=digital-text&sr=1-2) Getting Results the Agile Way (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Results-Agile-Way-Personal-ebook/dp/B005X0MFD2/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=getting+results+the+agile+way&qid=1591906329&s=digital-text&sr=1-2)

This week we're joined by Matias Hernandez, a software engineer based in Chile. We have a great conversation about routines, not putting too much pressure on yourself, and working remotely from a small town. This is a rebroadcast of an interview conducted in 2020 on Remotely Working. Shownotes GET the FREE Remote Work 101 Guide (https://effectiveremotework.com/remote101)

This week we're joined by Leon van der Laan. At the time of recording, Leon was CEO and co-founder of Remode, a remote work consultancy focused on talent acquisition and culture, and has since become CEO at Logisitcs Tech Scale up Cargo stream. We have a great conversation about trust, leadership, and connecting with coworkers in a remote-first work culture. Leon brings great insights to the table with his 20+ year tenure in executive leadership at large corporations and management consulting. (Rebroadcast of Remotely Working episode 14 aired in 2020) Shownotes GET the FREE eBOOK: Remote Work 101 (https://effectiveremotework.com/remote101) Connect with Leon on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/leon-van-der-laan/) Join the Effective Remote Work Newsletter (https://effectiveremotework.com/newsletter)

Shawn Blanc of Blanc Media joins us to discuss remote work, Blanc Media's unique "work cycles", building margin, physical health habits, and more! (Rebroadcast of Remotely Working episode 16) Shownotes GET Remote Work 101 — FREE (https://effectiveremotework.com/remote101) shawnblanc.net (https://shawnblanc.net/) The Sweet Setup (http://thesweetsetup.com/) The Focus Course (http://thefocuscourse.com/) Shape Up by Basecamp (https://basecamp.com/shapeup) Seanwes (http://seanwes.com/) Sean McCabe's Sabbatical Blog (https://sabbatical.blog/) Cortex (http://relay.fm/cortex) CGP Grey: Spaceship You (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snAhsXyO3Ck) Everything Starts with Trust (HBR) (https://hbr.org/2020/05/begin-with-trust)

If you're a generalist, you carry great value, even though you might not have much specialized knowledge. Justin discusses why this is the case and how being a generalist impacts productivity. Shownotes JOIN the COMMUNITY (https://community.effectiveremotework.com) Range by David Epstein (https://www.amazon.com/Range-Generalists-Triumph-Specialized-World/dp/0735214484) Bill Gates Pandemic TED Talk (https://www.ted.com/talks/bill_gates_the_next_outbreak_we_re_not_ready?language=dz)

Deep work has been hailed as the answer to all of our modern work problems. But is it? Justin discusses in this episode. Shownotes JOIN the COMMUNITY (https://community.effectiveremotework.com) Deep Work by Cal Newport (https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Work-Focused-Success-Distracted/dp/1455586692) 005: Makers, Managers, and Productivity Systems (https://podcast.effectiveremotework.com/5) Essentialism by Greg McKeown (https://www.amazon.com/Essentialism-Disciplined-Pursuit-Greg-McKeown/dp/0804137382) Time Off by Max Frenzel and John Fitch (https://www.amazon.com/Time-Off-Practical-Building-Finding/dp/1734794402)

There's an overabundance of productivity advice online. Is it helpful to seek it out, and to what extent? Justin discusses this week. Shownotes JOIN the COMMUNITY (https://community.effectiveremotework.com) MPU Talk Post (https://talk.macpowerusers.com/t/what-is-and-how-did-you-come-up-with-your-productivity-system/22098/5?u=justindirose) 079: The Center of Your System (https://podcast.effectiveremotework.com/79) 080: Following the Productivity Habits of Elon Musk (https://podcast.effectiveremotework.com/80) 067: Solving Productivity Problems with the Rule of Three (https://podcast.effectiveremotework.com/67) 078: Building a Good Enough System (https://podcast.effectiveremotework.com/78)

Elon Musk is the example many look to for living a hyper-successful life. But is emulating the life of a centibillionaire practical or healthy? Justin explores the answer in this episode. Shownotes JOIN the COMMUNITY (https://community.effectiveremotework.com) Process 005: Makers, Managers, and Productivity Systems (https://podcast.effectiveremotework.com/5) Arianna Huffington's Story (https://medium.com/thrive-global/10-years-ago-i-collapsed-from-burnout-and-exhaustion-and-its-the-best-thing-that-could-have-b1409f16585d) The Sleep Revolution by Arianna Huffington (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011G3HC0U/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2) Zig Ziglar's Wheel of Life (https://www.ziglar.com/articles/the-wheel-of-life/)

What's at the center of your productivity system? Is it a task manager? In this episode, Justin makes the case that there's something better to help you drive your day. Shownotes JOIN the COMMUNITY (https://community.effectiveremotework.com) Process 078: Building a Good Enough System (https://podcast.effectiveremotework.com/78) Process 067: Solving Productivity Problems with the Rule of Three (https://podcast.effectiveremotework.com/67)

In search of a perfect system? It doesn't exist! In this episode, Justin discusses why searching for a perfect system is futile and that building a "good enough" system is... well... good enough. Shownotes JOIN the forum (https://community.effectiveremotework.com/signup) Bill Kracke's Forum Topic (https://community.effectiveremotework.com/t/thoughts-on-good-enough-systems-and-radar-oreilly/6397/3) 67: Solving Productivity Problems with the Rule of Three (https://podcast.effectiveremotework.com/67)

Ever had a great idea, but had difficulty actually acting on it? Or found it challenging to determine how to pursue a goal? You're not alone. In this episode, Justin shares five ideas he's learned along the way about pursuing goals well. Shownotes GET the Ultimate Guide to an Effective Weekly Review (https://weeklyreviewchecklist.net) JOIN our Discord Chat (https://effectiveremotework.com/discord) Hyperfocus by Chris Bailey (https://www.amazon.com/Hyperfocus-More-Productive-World-Distraction/dp/0525522239) Getting Things Done by David Allen (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Things-Done-Stress-Free-Productivity-ebook/dp/B00KWG9M2E/) 073: Rethink Productivity for Yourself (https://podcast.effectiveremotework.com/73)

Setbacks can hit us at any time in our lives, and they generally suck. Justin discusses five main steps you can take to possibly help you through setbacks you encounter. Shownotes Get the Annual Review Template (https://annualreviewtemplate.com) Join the Discord Community (https://discord.gg/NxrvBsR) Check Out Our Forum (https://community.effectiveremotework.com)

Justin discusses why a yearly theme is better than planning or goals, and reviews his themes for 2020 and 2021. Shownotes Get the Annual Review Template (https://annualreviewtemplate.com) Annual Review Video - ERW YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNE_w7Gjp3M) CGP Grey's Theme Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVGuFdX5guE) 44: Why New Years Resolutions Don't Work (https://podcast.effectiveremotework.com/44) Remotely Working 3: Work/Life Integration (https://www.remotelyworking.net/3) Deep Work by Cal Newport (https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Work-Focused-Success-Distracted/dp/1455586692) Join the Discord Community (https://discord.gg/NxrvBsR) Check Out Our Forum (https://community.effectiveremotework.com)

Justin takes a few moments to review his 2020. Shownotes Get the Annual Review Template! (https://annualreviewtemplate.com) YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkzyo69rqBoBJUyQ9jo53Bw) Remotely Working (https://remotelyworking.net) Obsidian Made Simple (https://obsidianmadesimple.com) Keep Productive (https://keepproductive.com) Obsidian (https://obsidian.md) Bullet Journal (https://bulletjournal.com/) Relaunching the ERW Community Discussion (https://bulletjournal.com/) Essentialism (https://www.amazon.com/Essentialism-Disciplined-Pursuit-Greg-McKeown/dp/0804137382) Annual Review Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNE_w7Gjp3M)

What does productivity even mean? And why are you trying to be productive? Is it really best to eek out more efficiency or is there something more to pursue? Shownotes 002: What is Productivity (https://podcast.effectiveremotework.com/2) Join the Community (https://community.effectiveremotework.com)

Cal Newport's recent article titled "The Rise and Fall of Getting Things Done" seems to insinuate so. But is it really? Shownotes The Rise and Fall of Getting Things Done (https://www.newyorker.com/tech/annals-of-technology/the-rise-and-fall-of-getting-things-done) 12: Project Management vs. Task Management (https://podcast.effectiveremotework.com/12) Join our Community (https://community.effectiveremotework.com)

Justin's on a journey of learning what the difference between relaxation and leisure is, and how intentionally prioritizing leisure may be better in the long run. Shownotes Join the ERW Discord! (https://discord.gg/NxrvBsR) Time Off Book (https://www.amazon.com/Time-Off-Practical-Building-Finding/dp/1734794402)

There are many mindsets we can have when engaging with our work. This week, Justin shares five and discusses how they work for (or against) us and how we can be proactive to choose how we think. Shownotes Subscribe (https://podcast.effectiveremotework.com) Join the Newsletter (https://effectiveremotework.com/newsletter)

How do you effectively solve a problem in your productivity system? This week we discuss why clarifying your problem is just as important as solving it. Shownotes Obsidian Made Simple (https://obsidianmadesimple.com) 67: Solving Productivity Problems with the Rule of Three (https://podcast.effectiveremotework.com/67) Effective Remote Work Newsletter (https://effectiveremotework.com/newsletter)

Do you need to apologize for not getting to a non-urgent task? Also, we discuss what might be motivating your pursuit of goals and if there's a better way. Shownotes Obsidian Made Simple (https://obsidianmadesimple.com) - Live 11am CDT on September 28, 2020 Effective Remote Work YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkzyo69rqBoBJUyQ9jo53Bw) Join the Newsletter (https://effectiveremotework.com/newsletter)

How do you notice and solve problems in your productivity system? This week, Justin shares about the Rule of Three and how it can help you focus on solving the right problems in your system. Shownotes Effective Remote Work YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkzyo69rqBoBJUyQ9jo53Bw) Join the newsletter for updates on Obsidian Made Simple (https://effectiveremotework.com/newsletter)

Justin gets called out in a YouTube comment, which raises a question: when has your system settled enough to feel comfortable with it? Also, Justin shares some thoughts on how productivity is actually just one skillset to benefit the world. Shownotes Justin's Notion Walkthrough - August 2020 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwkfZcjNfdg) August Bradley's Life Operating System (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-TYSah25UM) Join the Effective Remote Work Newsletter (https://effectiveremotework.com/newsletter)

This week, Justin discusses how a mindset of instant gratification does not help you to be effective. Instead, he shares two insights to build better long-term thinking: iteration and process. Shownotes Effective Remote Work Community (https://community.effectiveremotework.com)

Justin's OmniFocus experiment fails, which sends him on a thought exploration of failing to build an effective productivity system. Shownotes StrengthsFinder (https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/strengthsfinder.aspx) Effective Remote Work YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkzyo69rqBoBJUyQ9jo53Bw)

Justin settles on using OmniFocus on iPad only, and shares his thoughts on restructuring it to use a single list with tags. Shownotes Scotty Jackson - OmniFocus 3 Tags are Lists (https://heyscottyj.com/2018/11/19/omnifocus-3-tags-are-lists/)

Justin switches to Linux and shares some advice he's learning right now about hustle and hard work. Shownotes Pop! OS (https://pop.system76.com/) James Clear - Cumulative Stress (https://jamesclear.com/cumulative-stress) Remotely Working 9: Kids and Remote Work with Matt Ragland (https://www.remotelyworking.net/9) Effective Remote Work (https://effectiveremotework.com)

Obsidian has become Justin's favorite personal knowledge management tool. This week, he discusses why, plus an analogy as to why productivity tools are like coffee gear. Shownotes Remotely Working (https://www.remotelyworking.net) Effective Remote Work YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkzyo69rqBoBJUyQ9jo53Bw) The Best Non-Nerdy Notes App (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfoGR4AYT5Y) Obsidian - A First Look (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFYaWC_86W0)

Roam Research has illuminated a new kind of productivity tool — the unstructured workspace. While not the first, it did get Justin thinking on the differences between structured and unstructured tools and why you need both. Shownotes The Best Non-Nerdy Note Apps That Aren't Roam Research - Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfoGR4AYT5Y) TiddlyWiki (https://tiddlywiki.com/) Stroll (https://giffmex.org/stroll/stroll.html) Range by David Epstein (https://www.amazon.com/Range-Generalists-Triumph-Specialized-World/dp/0735214484)

Justin makes a big fail on YouTube live, and discusses how Roam Research has impacted his life since digging in further. Shownotes Remotely Workin (https://www.remotelyworking.net) Roam Research (http://roamresearch.com) Drew Coffman's Roam YouTube Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4AD320OG60) Anonym.s Roam Course (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx-N8Y6R114&list=PLwXSqDdn_CpE934BjXMgmzHnlwXMy41TC) Opt Out Life Podcast with Jono Bacon (https://optoutlife.com/podcast/jono-bacon/)

Remote work is on the rise at an astronomical rate right now. Justin shares some thoughts on where Process and Effective Remote Work needs to head next to help out. Shownotes New Effective Remote Work Website (https://effectiveremotework.com) Sign up for notification of when Remotely Working launches (https://effectiveremotework.com/remotelyworking)

Reflections on using a brand new operating system, plus a dive into why Roam Research might be the note-taking tool you're looking for. Plus we have a brand new resource to help you up your weekly review game. Shownotes Justin's Learn OmniFocus Live Appearance (https://learnomnifocus.com/tutorials/2020-04-02-omnifocus-workflows-with-justin-dirose/) Learn OmniFocus (affiliate link) (https://learnomnifocus.com/?ref=18) The Ultimate Guide to an Effective Weelky Review (https://weeklyreviewchecklist.net) Roam Research (https://roamresearch.com) Roam Research by Drew Coffman (https://drewcoffman.com/ROAM-RESEARCH) Connect More by Drew Coffman (https://drewcoffman.com/CONNECT-MORE)

Next actions are a key concept of GTD and can alleviate a lot of stress when working on projects that the path to the outcome is not clear. This week, we explore what using next actions could look like for you. Shownotes Getting Things Done (https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Things-Done-Stress-Free-Productivity/dp/0143126563) Next Actions | 43 Folders (http://www.43folders.com/topics/next-actions) - Yes I just linked 43 Folders in 2020.

Coronavirus/COVID-19 can put you in a down funk. However, the world is in a better state than it appears, and there's always good to be found to stay hopeful. Learn OmniFocus Live (https://learnomnifocus.com/live/2020-04-02-omnifocus-3-workflows-with-justin-dirose/) Learn OmniFocus (affiliate link) (https://learnomnifocus.com/?ref=18)

Automation can help you do repetitive tasks quickly, but it can also be a huge time sink. We discuss major considerations you need to make when getting into automation and some ways to get started. Plus, Justin shares an update on how he's faring with OmniFocus. Shownotes Learn OmniFocus Live (affiliate) (https://learnomnifocus.com/?ref=18) Synology Drive (https://www.synology.com/en-us/dsm/feature/drive) Text Expander (https://textexpander.com/) Alfred (https://www.alfredapp.com/) Launchbar (https://obdev.at/products/launchbar/index.html) Drafts (https://getdrafts.com) Keyboard Maestro (https://www.keyboardmaestro.com/main/)

Life has a way of happening and derailing your plans. What do you do when that happens? How do you stay productive and on track? We chat about that this week, plus an update on venturing into Linux. Shownotes Learn OmniFocus Live (https://learnomnifocus.com/live/2020-04-02-omnifocus-3-workflows-with-justin-dirose/) Learn OmniFocus (affiliate link) (https://learnomnifocus.com/?ref=18) Regolith (https://regolith-linux.org/) Amethyst (https://github.com/ianyh/Amethyst)

Email can be the bane of your existence, but there are effective ways to manage it regardless of what kind of job you have. This week, Justin shares some best practices and suggestions for how you might be able to handle your email so it doesn't overwhelm your life and work. Shownotes Conversation about Email (https://community.effectiveremotework.com/t/049-building-a-system-of-multiple-tools/5703/2?u=justindirose) Discuss this Episode on the Community (https://community.effectiveremotework.com/t/052-email-best-practices/5728)

This week, Justin's iCloud sync breaks. We also discuss ergonomics and how important it is to invest in your body while you work, and the complications of managing workloads. Shownotes vim (https://www.vim.org/) tmux (https://github.com/tmux/tmux/wiki) Nexstand (http://www.nexstand.com/) MX Vertical (https://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/mx-vertical-ergonomic-mouse) Ergodox EZ (https://ergodox-ez.com/) Microsoft Sculpt (https://www.microsoft.com/accessories/en-us/products/keyboards/sculpt-ergonomic-desktop/l5v-00001) Managing Workload Discussion (https://community.effectiveremotework.com/t/juggling-ideas-and-projects-while-being-overwhelmed/5707/2?u=justindirose)

This week, Francesco D'Alessio of Keep Productive joins us to discuss 10 rapid fire productivity tips. Plus, we announce the winners of the GIVEAWAY! Apologies for the audio quality on this one! Shownotes FRANCESCO - Don't touch your phone for first 30-minutes of your day JUSTIN - Do it for two minutes if you’re stuck FRANCESCO - Capture it instantly in your task manager's inbox JUSTIN - Start simple and iterate FRANCESCO - 30-minute switch-off from 30-minutes before you finish JUSTIN - Turn off notifications for everything but phone calls and messages FRANCESCO - Introduce a lunch-time or afternoon run for a boost of focus JUSTIN - Reflect on 3 positive things for the day FRANCESCO - Make sure you have a 50,000 ft view planner JUSTIN - When you’re stressed, do a mind sweep Keep Productive (https://keepproductive.com) Francesco's Course (https://www.skillshare.com/classes/Taster-How-to-Find-Your-Perfect-To-Do-List-App/736568266?via=user-profile) Special Guest: Francesco D'Alessio.

Common productivity advice often states, "Throw everything you can into one tool to rule them all!" In practice, that doesn't work well. This week, Justin shares how it's better to build a system of many tools to offer greater flexibility and strength while on your productivity journey. Shownotes Process Episode 50 GIVEAWAY! (https://community.effectiveremotework.com/t/process-episode-50-giveaway/5662) 023: Essential Habits - The Regular Review (https://community.effectiveremotework.com/t/023-essential-habits-the-regular-review/5181) Discuss this episode on the Community (https://community.effectiveremotework.com/t/049-building-a-system-of-multiple-tools/5703)

Description Justin's list has been making him feel like he has to get everything done, but that's not the healthiest thing. He's also continuing to iterate on his use of OmniFocus and other tools, and considering a move to Linux. Shownotes Gain Clarity by Planning in Notion (https://community.effectiveremotework.com/t/gain-clarity-by-planning-in-notion/5681) Process Episode 50 GIVEAWAY! (https://community.effectiveremotework.com/t/process-episode-50-giveaway/5662) An OmniFocus Workflow for 2020 (https://community.effectiveremotework.com/t/an-omnifocus-workflow-for-2020/5650)

When there's much to do on your list, it's hard to know when you've succeeded. And if the list isn't done, it can feel like you're falling behind. One tip can help you get above the chaos: choosing a daily outcome. This week we explain the concept and outline some practical ways you can better frame the success of your day. Thanks to our Patreon supporters who make this podcast possible! To support this podcast, head over to effectiveremotework.com/patreon and sign up today.

Justin discovers a hole in his productivity system and returns to a familiar software to fill it, but with a new approach.

The basic building blocks of productivity systems aren't a calendar, task manager, and reference system as you might think. Those are tools to manage the building blocks. Today, we break down these basic blocks and ways you might choose to manage them.

You've probably done the dance with New Year's Resolutions and failed. Why does that happen? And what can you do instead. Justin discusses some alternatives in this week's episode.

Your values drive every decision you make. Defining them helps you be more intentional on making decisions that line up with your values.

An annual review is a great time to get a big-picture view of your life and the upcoming year. In this episode, Justin walks you through his process of conducting an annual review.

It's better to fill our days with space to process than fill space with things to process.

When your system needs catching up, do you fix the system or do the work?

In productivity, we try to avoid context switching our tasks, but what about our tools?