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by Jared Goralnick
Social media rockstar Chris Brogan suggested that we spend more time today reading and commenting online. I sometimes feel like I don’t link enough to other sites I enjoy, so I’m going to combine those two ideas and let you know about some great posts I’ve come across and commented on lately. They range from productivity to self-growth, and from social media to springtime…
by Jared Goralnick
Why is it that in school we always got our work in on time? We had outside pressure. If you have unfinished projects, commitment is often the missing ingredient.
Learn 7 commitment hacks that’ll get your project done. I guest-posted this article at Dumb Little Man:
–> CLICK HERE to read this article on Dumb Little Man <–
This article is the third in a series on Everyday Productivity…
by Jared Goralnick
Actually it’s curiosity that prevented him from ever becoming one. There are formulas, many formulas for spreading your message or building a personal brand online. These formulas actually work, but not if you let curiosity be the death of you first. Here you’ll find advice on spending your time a little more wisely on the internet so that you find your formula and stick with it.
by Jared Goralnick
There’s nothing easier than entering your credit card information and clicking Buy It Now. But there’s more to online shopping than books and electronics. Here are some purchases you might consider making online. As a special bonus, I’ve also listed some of the tricks I use when making regular purchases.
by Jared Goralnick
Don’t feel you keep up enough with your friends? Have a lot of things to do around the house that never get done? Here’s how to solve both of these problems.
I don’t like doing chores around the house, and sometimes I feel too busy to take phone calls (yes, even outside of work hours). But if I can do both at the same time, then I feel productive. Caveats and warnings are also provided below…
by Jared Goralnick
Being a rockstar is a damn good use of your time. Many struggle to find their career path, and others advise something like, “don’t settle: do something where you’re happy.” But what could be more elusive than happiness? I suggest that you surround yourself with objective validation that you’re awesome. Then you’ll feel like a rockstar.
by Jared Goralnick
The concept of “sunk cost” is often lost outside of economics–but if we dropped more things from our lives we’d be happier and more productive with our time.
Sunk cost: When one makes a hopeless investment, one sometimes reasons: I can’t stop now, otherwise what I’ve invested so far will be lost. This is true, of course, but irrelevant to whether one should continue to invest in the project. Everything one has invested is lost regardless. If there is no hope for success in the future from the investment, then the fact that one has already lost a bundle should lead one to the conclusion that the rational thing to do is to withdraw from the project.
by Jared Goralnick
If you fill your iPod with a diversity of audiobooks and podcasts then you’ll be a far less stressed individual…when you find yourself waiting or stuck. This isn’t a revolutionary shazam productivity tip–it’s plain psychology: when you feel you’re wasting time, doing something seemingly productive (like reading/learning) will not only pass the time but quell the desire to accomplish.
I’ll admit it, I like productivity for the sake of productivity–I’ll put off folding the laundry until I’m on the phone with a friend. But there’s more to it: when I’m stuck in traffic or waiting for a train, especially during the business day, I get frustrated that I could be doing something more useful. That’s where audiobooks and podcasts enter the picture: they make me feel I’m using my time more wisely. I love music, and sometimes prefer it, but I’d recommend having some good podcasts or audiobooks handy. Many tips and download recommendations follow…
by Jared Goralnick
We’re never so vulnerable than when we trust someone – but paradoxically, if we cannot trust, neither can we find love or joy
-Walter Anderson
However much you trust the people that work for you–trust them more. If no one reports to you, trust that someone could…and find them. The greatest barrier to getting other people to do your work is you.
by Jared Goralnick
Update 4/2/08: This is a joke.
Researching the success of internet legends like Tim Ferriss (who doesn’t even write his blog) or Darren Rowse (who recently launched a successful Pay Per Tweet program), I came to discover that their hidden weapon was a place to escape. Tim wrote most of his book abroad in the early mornings. Darren updates his many blogs while surrounded by the beauty of Melbourne, Australia–I hear people are nice to each other over there. Fortunately we folks in the States have an accessible and equally effective option.
The average American spends 14 days each year (or 3 years of their life) in the bathroom. It’s time to make the most of that time. I bring to you GTDotJ — Getting Things Done on the John.
I am Jared Goralnick, Founder and CEO of AwayFind, a web startup that helps people to stop checking their email.
Productivity, the future of email, and building ecosystems are my passions. I organize Inbox Love & Ignite DC, and mentor at 500 Startups & Founder Institute. I'm open to speaking opportunities.
