Productivity is a mindset. Here's why.
How can we finish every day feeling productive?
Yesterday, while on my way to work I started to think big picture about life and work.
As many of you all know (and I will continue to write and talk about this) I have broken out my life into 5 priorities:
Faith
Family
Social
Work
Personal
Most of my days start with me diving straight into thought and work for my full time job or my side projects that are supplemental to my work.
However, “Work” falls 4th on my list of priorities.
Many times I feel I have fallen behind in my walk with God or I feel I missed some important event or to-do for our family because I was too distracted by my work.
My good friend, Javier, at Finisher Secrets always talks about tasks in a hierarchical manner and I subscribe to this notion as well — if you could only complete one task a day… what would that task be? Or, if you only had one hour to work in a day, what would you spend that time working on?
Many of us have to-do lists that cascade off our desks and lay across the floor.
Because of this, most times we find ourselves hopping back and forth between tasks and truly finishing anything can become hard to do. It’s overwhelming and leaves us feeling like, though we worked so hard throughout the day, we never actually got anything done.
So, as I pulled into my favorite parking space at work, I thought to myself,
“What if I started each morning writing down my 5 priorities, and ONE most important task under each that needed to get done that day?”
I tackle that 5-task to-do list, and if I have time, I move onto to more tasks (probably mostly full-time job stuff).
Think about it:
I would spend time working on my faith.
I would do one important or special thing for our family.
I would show love to a friend or acquaintance.
I would tackle a big task to move the needle at work.
I would do something for myself to improve my health or mindset.
If this was all I was able to accomplish in a day, would I not feel pretty productive?
Could I lay my head on my pillow at night and feel like I achieved more in a single day than I have in a long time?
It remains to be seen. But I intend to try.
Would you be interested in taking this challenge, of sorts, with me?
If so, start by thinking about, then writing down your top Life Priorities in the comments below (if you’re reading this on Substack) or by responding to this email. I’d love to see what you hold most important in your life and encourage you to stick with them in their order of importance.
Who knows, we might just become the best versions of ourselves along the way.
Apple Store 5th Ave Phone Backgrounds
You know my obsession with Apple products. Almost a decade ago, on a trip to the Big Apple with college friends, I took some photos of the Apple Store on Fifth Ave and recently found them again and thought I would make a wallpaper pack for those who love architecture (and Apple) as much as I do. Check them out and other packs below. There might even be some free packs as well 😉
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Since I discovered the Artifox Desk back in ~ 2012, I have wanted a high end solid wood desk to get that work done! When electric sit/stand desks hit the market a few years ago, I have been searching for a model with the same functionality as the Artifox Desk (since they never made an electric sit/stand).
Welp, I found it. Or should I say it found me. The Beflo Tenon is a dream and I can’t thank them enough for working with me on this video review. If you have the budget for a high-end, incredibly well built and thought out sit/stand desk, CLICK HERE and I will earn a little commission which helps me keep making content like this for you all. Otherwise, enjoy the video!
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Favorite photos from April
Follow my new photography Instagram Account.
Stuff I’ve Been Enjoying
Grand Mountain + — Super chilled out skiing game from Apple Arcade.
Dazz Cam — My good friend Maggie sent this to me. It’s a camera simulator with all sorts of film and retro camera vibes.
Mad Men — You already know about this show, but I am finally sitting down to watch it through. On season 3 currently.
Succession — One of my favorite shows. Final season is streaming now on HBO Max.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel — Incredible show. If you are an Amazon Prime member, you can watch free and you should. Great show to watch with your significant other. Final season is now airing.
Shirt Stays — Life savers. You can thank me later.
Portable 4k Monitor — I’m not 100% sure how I feel about these, but I’ve gone back to using mine daily in front of my home office monitor. Mostly to watch YouTube videos while I work.
Also, here are some discount codes:
SPENCER50, $50 OFF for amount above $300
SPENCER100, $100 OFF for amount above $500
SPENCER200, $200 OFF for amount above $900
Juiced HyperScrambler II — I’m in the process of making a review video for this e-bike. It’s amazing, and you should totally get one. 🤘
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Oh and I like the priority talk. Doing it remains a challenge!👍🏼
Most of that gear is out of reach for me, but it looks nice. Of your pictures I liked the path in the woods. I’d like to walk there. Thanks Scott! Good post!