Building Better Routines
Title of the activity – Building Better Routines
Term of the activity – Spring 2022
Name of sponsoring organization – LinkedIn
Details of the activity (e.g., where, when) – https://www.linkedin.com/learning/building-better-routines-2022/
What you learned
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David Allen – “You can do anything, but you can’t do everything.”
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Audit your routines to focus on good routines
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Identify (all routine tasks)
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Filter (energizing vs de-energizing, high value vs low value, important vs less important)
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Plan (Determine time needed. Determine frequency. Create space and boundaries for tasks)
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Routine Building Tactics
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“don’t break the chain” – Routines are better built on staying consistent. It’s okay to PLAN a break if it’s a regular break (i.e. Thursdays)
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Begin tomorrow, tonight – Review your to-do list, set a highlight, and journal your day to capture your feelings (and usually, let them go).
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Stack your habits – Keep it simple, but bundle habits together (floss while you brush).
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Create accountability – Force constraints on iphone/laptop, location, etc. Like only watch your favorite show on the treadmill. Consider an accountability buddy.
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Mode-Based – Group together routines by planning a block of time for smaller tasks. Also group routines by planning a block of time-based on when you’re in a certain mode (i.e. focused vs email, etc)
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Maintenance
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Determine if the routine is too broad. (i.e. Exercise vs 20m treadmill)
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Determine if the routine is too narrow (i.e. Planning gym time when the gym is closed)
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Routine still valid? (i.e. Moved to a new job)
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Track your routines (gamification and builds confidence)
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Future-proof your routines – Make them portable (apps, pack tools while traveling)
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Scale your routine back to reduce friction.
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How the activity relates to coursework or your career goals
- Applies directly to skills toward mentoring others. I have a group of people that I mentor and this training provided good tips on how to help them get unstuck and/or improve their productivity.