Summary of "How I do 10x more, in half the time (with less stress!)"
Key Wellness Strategies, Self-Care Techniques, and Productivity Tips from the Video:
- Baseline Tracking
- Use a time-tracking app to measure how long tasks actually take.
- Track tasks by starting and pausing timers to get an accurate picture of time spent.
- Use this data to identify time-consuming or friction-heavy tasks to delegate or automate.
- Work Smarter, Not Faster
- Accept that speeding up creative or complex work has limits.
- Instead of rushing, focus on removing, delegating, automating, or shortening tasks.
- Avoid confusing busyness or hurrying with true productivity, which can lead to stress and mistakes.
- Manage Energy, Not Just Time
- Recognize tasks by their energy output (emotional, physical, technical, verbal) rather than just time.
- Prioritize one high-energy task per day and balance with smaller, low-energy tasks.
- Understand that some quick tasks may require high emotional energy, so plan accordingly to avoid burnout.
- Keep a Simple Journal
- Regular journaling is beneficial for mental health and self-awareness.
- It doesn’t have to be lengthy—simple notes about energy levels or triggers can reveal patterns.
- Use insights to adjust habits, diet, or social interactions for better energy management.
- Leverage Existing Resources
- Use UI kits, design systems, pre-made illustrations, and icon packs instead of creating everything from scratch.
- Embrace influence and existing design resources to speed up work and reduce creative pressure.
- Originality comes from personal expression, not reinventing every element.
- Create Memory Patterns Instead of Relying on Short-Term Memory
- Short-term memory is limited and unreliable.
- Write down workflows, shortcuts, and processes in tools like Notion to avoid mental overload.
- Use checklists and templates to refresh memory and maintain consistency.
- Choose Project Management Tools Wisely
- Identify your real needs before adopting tools.
- Start simple with paper sketches or pre-made templates.
- Use tools like Notion to map out workflows and keep project management manageable.
- Use Constraints to Boost Creativity
- Constraints (time limits, color restrictions, layout rules) can enhance creativity.
- When stuck, impose boundaries to reset creative thinking and motivation.
- Exercises like the “Crazy 8” (generate many ideas in a short time) can help.
- Reset Expectations and Manage Resistance
- When things don’t go as planned, avoid frustration and resistance.
- Accept the current reality, which reduces mental resistance and opens space for new solutions.
- Recognize that resistance often prolongs problems.
- Slow Down to Speed Up
- When blocked or stuck, pause and shift focus rather than forcing progress.
- Taking breaks, going outside, or walking can reset the brain and improve productivity.
- Taoist philosophy: practice “not doing” to allow natural flow and progress.
- Meditation and Mindfulness
- Daily meditation is crucial for managing anxiety, irritability, and impatience.
- Even short meditation sessions have proven benefits for brain function and well-being.
- Incorporate regular mindfulness to boost energy and productivity.
- Overall Results
- By tracking time, delegating or automating tasks, managing energy, and practicing self-care, the presenter was able to:
- Work fewer hours
- Produce 10x more output
- Reduce stress
- Improve quality of work
Presenter/Source:
Elizabeth, Designer and Productivity Coach (from DesignerUp)
Category
Wellness and Self-Improvement
