Ask HN: How do you stay productive?

[curdinc]

We are a team of two, working on a voice calendar that keeps you on track with your life events by letting you easily plan for events with your voice, and will call you like a friend to remind you when things are coming up or due.

We have two asks: * Do you have problems with time management? * What problems specifically? (if you're comfortable sharing)

[wnkrshm]

My entirely personal ADHD-diagnosed input is:

* Above all: the challenge is to make it as seamless as possible to make a reminder, literally 3 seconds. The google calendar interface is too much of a bother sometimes, so the question is: can you improve on that?

* I probably won't have dozens of reminders that necessitate a call (or want that), so there needs to be utility even without the calls

[nicbou]

It seems like you have a clear definition of the solution, but not a clear definition of the problem. You had an idea, and try to fit a problem around it. You're approaching things backwards.

Your questions are too vague to answer meaningfully, but I'll try.

Personally, I have pretty much stopped using planning tools. I keep a regular to-do list for immediate tasks that I committed to complete, and that's it. Everything beyond that is just a wishlist.

Making detailed plans with tools and everything makes you feel productive without bringing you any closer to your goal. Future you is the one who actually has to fit your tidy plan into his messy reality, and do all the actual work.

Instead, I value individuals over processes and tools, and responding to change over following a plan. Do these words sound familiar?

[ibitto]

The issue I have is taking a 5 min break to watch Youtube shorts and wasting an hour on it. A voice reminder to get back to work would be helpful.

[curdinc → ibitto]

Hey, I have the exact same problem! Would love to have a quick 5-min chat and brainstorm some ideas. I'm available from 4-6pm EST mondays, wednesdays, and thursdays. Drop me an email at winstonyeo99@yahoo.com with your availability, and I'll schedule a meet.

[quickthrower2]

I think productivity and self organisation follow most from the human habits. Tools come second.

I have recently switched to use Microsoft TODO which is sophisticated but I guess at the same time not to over the top.

I think I prefer checking the to-do list at regular intervals rather than have something interrupt me and tell me there’s something I need to do.

[curdinc → quickthrower2]

Two questions: - What do mean by "regular intervals"? - Would it be hard to focus if they are too short, or conversely you miss events if its too long?

Would love to have a quick 5-min chat and brainstorm some ideas. I'm available from 4-6pm EST mondays, wednesdays, and thursdays. Drop me an email at winstonyeo99@yahoo.com with your availability, and I'll schedule a meet.

[quickthrower2 → curdinc]

Probably once / twice a day. I like that Microsoft TODO can give you a view of stuff you planned to do today, while in the background you have that data of due dates/planned dates for other tasks. It is a nice way to reduce the stress of having much to do.

I might be up for the chat (feeling a bit sick right now) will let you know.

[dsrtslnd23]

I use org-mode to stay organized and actively review it - somewhat in a "Getting Things Done" (GTD) manner. Personally I am very sensitive about external interruptions, in particular sounds / voice and have them all switched off. No phone ring either.

[user7878]

Try to automate the time consuming meeting with meeting automation tool to stay productive.

https://www.scrumrobo.com

[baremetal]

Discipline and proper understanding of the goals with buy in from those involved and how a given task advances towards that goal. Productivity should follow organically from that.

[curdinc → baremetal]

Opinion on calendar usage? Is it a necessity and does it make one more efficient?

[baremetal → curdinc]

Depends on how well the task can be estimated ahead of time.

[swah]

IMO think about follow-up, not time management itself..

[curdinc → swah]

Strongly agree, what's your opinion about someone constantly reminding you to make sure you are on track? do you think it would make you more productive?

[fogzen]

How is that different than saying “Siri, remind me to do X in one hour”

[throwawaysalome]

It would be nice to go back in time but still remember the fun I had smoking a bowl when I should have been working.

[curdinc → throwawaysalome]

fair enough.