Ep. 25: Pareto

Happy Friday, Everyone!

I hope you all are off to a GREAT January 😄 

This week, I wanted to share a GREAT system to get sh*t done. I talk a lot about productivity in my 1:1 Executive Functioning lessons with students, so I thought I’d share the highlights for everyone to have :)

Here are the basics of the system:

1. Inverted pyramid: before starting your day, decide on the 3 MOST important tasks you need to get done. Set SMRT goals: specific, measurable, reasonable, and time-bound.

2. The Pareto Principle: 20% of your work drives 80% of the outcomes. Spend some time figuring out where/when you’re most productive, and focus your efforts on that magical 20% of your day! Super powerful idea for productivity. The rule exists everywhere, and why I recently donated 80% of my closet—I only wear 20% of the clothes I own, and I bet you do too :) Read more here on the Pareto Principle.

   

3. Take Breaks, as many as you need, but make them efficient: Exercise, ideally some HIIT. Studies have consistently shown that exercise releases a powerful chemical in your brain called BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) which is like miracle growth for your brain, supporting the growth of new neuronal connections! It’s even been shown to protect against the onset of neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's and even depression. See here & here for more info ⚡️ 

4. Focus: do one thing at a time, nothing else. Consider the Pomodoro technique, which helps with mundane tasks like homework or filling in spreadsheets. My method: All of the above, then, knock out one task at a time (no distractions, eh hem, my phone). Once done, take a 10-minute organization break: organize my bag, delete unnecessary emails, and wash the dishes. Just anything that gives me full control of my environment :), which is totally a personal preference. Then, next task, etc.

THAT’S IT

I hope you all have a wonderful start to the weekend! Hopefully, you or your kiddos can try some of these techniques out!

I’ll see you next week 🌻 

Deepak

Currently: 📖 : Reading | 👀: watching/listening | 🎵: song of the week | 🥷: Team messages

📖 : The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday & Feel-Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal

👀 : Band of Brothers HBO Max

🎵 : Fallin’- Aurora Jayde Cover

🥷:  Launching our FREE book club for students AND parents 😄 Please respond to this email if you’re interested :)