Time is the most valuable thing
Time should be budgeted like money. Think about whether something is worth the time before engaging in it.
Learning archive
Randy Pausch Notes.
My notes on time management, prioritization, productivity, and work-life balance.
Time is more valuable than money because money can be made again, but time cannot be recovered.
The Four Quadrants
The main prioritization framework from my notes.
1 · Important + Due SoonDo first.
2 · Important + Not Due SoonDo next.
3 · Not Important + Due SoonPostpone when possible.
4 · Not Important + Not Due SoonDo it last or don't do it.
Managing time makes us successful
Time management helps people make better use of the abilities they already have. The goal is not to fill all your time with work.
80/20 rule
A small number of activities can produce most of the results, so identify those activities and prioritize them.
Planning
Ask what you should do today, this week, and for your long-term goals.
The four quadrants
Prioritize tasks using importance and how soon they are due.
Organization
Keep the workplace clean, reduce clutter, use a filing system, and use a calendar.
Make time
You don't find time; you make it. Making time means choosing not to do something else. Learn to say no.
Find your best time
Identify your productive and unproductive times and do important work during your productive periods.
Interruptions
A couple of interruptions can destroy an hour's worth of productivity, so limit them when you need to focus.
Work-life balance
The purpose of managing time is not to work more but to have time for your loved ones.
Efficiency vs. effectiveness
Efficiency means using less time and effort. Effectiveness means getting the best result. Don't sacrifice what matters just to be more efficient.
Procrastination
People may procrastinate because of fear of failure, embarrassment, uncertainty about where to begin, or discomfort. Create an earlier personal deadline when the real one is far away.
Meetings
Good meetings should have an agenda, last less than an hour, and have everyone's full attention.
Communication
Clear communication helps people understand what needs to happen and who is responsible.
Assign responsibility clearly
Give a task to a specific person, say exactly what needs to be done, set a deadline, and follow up when required.
Protect basic needs
Always make time for eating, sleeping, and working out.
Most things are pass/fail
Not everything needs to be perfect.