Switching from task-based to time-based productivity
Unlike your ‘to-do’ list for the groceries or the “take that bag of clothes to the op-shop” tasks, people work, and research work just doesn’t seem to get ticked off that list in a way that makes you feel productive on a daily basis.
What if I told you there’s a way to get that dopamine hit of ticking things off your list, without actually changing any of the tasks that need to get done? A chance (?) conversation with a trainer a decade ago changed my whole outlook. He mentioned that he had switched from a task-based focus to a time-based focus, and he was suddenly satisfied with his work at the end of the day—even though he was doing the same activities!
Image: a large ‘to-do’ list with chaotic squiggle above. An arrow points to a clock face, tick box and smiley face.
Here’s how time-based productivity works
I gave myself a task this morning—30 mins of weeding in the front yard. I picked up my gloves and set a timer. Did I win? Heck yes! I got to tick that off my mental to-do list. I felt good because I was fully present and on task while weeding for that duration.
Time-based productivity measures effort over a finite period.
How much of the front yard did I manage to weed? Probably one quarter. Was I happy with my effort? 100%
Here’s the same goal with a task-based focus.
I need to clear at least half the front yard of weeds. This is taking forever! I’ve only done a quarter; I need to have a shower and want to take my kid to the museum today. Something is going to have to lose out. I’m done weeding. The weeds win again.
Task-based productivity measures completion regardless of the time available. Failure to complete the task (even if it was unrealistic to start with!) is just demoralising. Your day becomes a list of never-quite-finished tasks.
How to use time-based productivity for research and writing tasks
Using time-based productivity brings a sense of satisfaction to working on longer projects. It’s perfect for writing a paper, chapter, or book. Here’s how to make it work…
Goal: I need to write a book chapter this semester.
Strategy: Spend 2 hours each week writing (approx. 40 hours of writing time)
To succeed, you just need to put in a two-hour block (or 2 one-hour blocks) into your diary, turn up to the appointment (hopefully with your beverage of choice), and write for at least 70-85% of the time. TICK!
Does this work in reality?
Well, if I tell you that my goals for today were to spend: 30 mins weeding, 2 small jobs for the house, 1 hour creating something with my hands, and 4 hours of quality time with my son (it’s school holidays). I smashed all of those out of the park and feel satisfied with a day well lived.
Time-based productivity is why the last line of my PROJECT JOURNAL asks, “How do I feel about my effort today?”
Want to feel as smug as me? Give time-based productivity a go, measure your goals for the day in terms of effort for a duration, and sleep a whole lot better.
~Happy researching! Rosey
Image: Open page layout of the PROJECT JOURNAL with the final statement “how I feel about today’s efforts” and a row of emoticons underneath
