How To Act Productive Tip #12: Switch Time-Management Systems

Photo by: Emotions Take Control of Me.

Here at Grad Hacker, we feel that simply being productive is not enough. What good is your inner, clandestine, productivity, if your bosses, colleagues, and you yourself don't really know the extent of just how unbelievably productive, busy, stressed, in a rush, and important you really are? For these, reasons, every once in a while we will provide you with a tip on how to act productive.

Let’s be honest, most people don’t have time management systems; even the characteristic productive folks highlighted in this series. They’re too busy losing sleep and getting pissed off. But, in the web 8.0, blogospheric community of which you are definitely a part, time management systems are the norm. They’re like iPods in middle school, you better have one if you want to be cool. And the flashier the iPod, the cooler you are.

You vs. Productive People

Now there’s a difference between those of us simpletons that have a single time-management system and the real productivity gurus. The latter are constantly on the hunt for the ultimate system. They know that the moment they find it, day to day problems will disappear and their level of productivity will skyrocket to levels unknown to mere mortals. So, they don’t stagnate, they switch systems like Paris Hilton does boyfriends.

Is it Time to Switch?

“How do I know if I need to switch systems or not?” you ask. If you haven’t switched in the last 2 weeks, it’s time to get cracking. Switching your list management, time management, GTD, or what have you systems regularly keeps you up to date on the latest web 8.0 sites and features, it keeps you buying the latest gadgets, and it increases the chances of you finding the perfect system.

Tell People About It

But don’t just quietly find a new system to manage your life, do it loudly. We always advocate this on How to Act Productive and it’s for good reason. Show your friends your new list management system. Often sending a mass email with a link to the new web-based system is a good idea. Tell them how much more productive you’ve been since switching. If they ask the annoying question of whether using the system takes more time than is saved by transferring your life to it, just tell them that it will pay itself back soon, otherwise you’ll just switch to another.

Don’t be a tool, use a tool.