28 secrets of extremely productive people

Original author: Jeff Haden
  • Transfer
image

In this article, Jeff Haden will tell secrets of productivity from famous authors, successful entrepreneurs, investors, executives and people in the creative professions.

Sometimes I use my own methods of increasing productivity , but more often I still rely on other people's examples.

Ryan Holiday, the author of the successful book Obstacle is the Best Way (just the greatest book) and easy to read , Believe Me, I Lie: Recognition of Media Manipulators , did the same .

He is also the founder of Brass Check Marketing and somehow takes the time to give monthly advice on books to 30,000 people.

“Like all people, I like to think I'm a productive person,” Rain said. “And if this is so, it is only thanks to one thing - the desire to draw knowledge and secrets from more intelligent and successful people.”

“Throughout my career, I have been fortunate enough to establish relationships with many famous authors, successful entrepreneurs, investors, executives and creative people. I could not meet with some in person, but I got their thoughts from books. Whether they know it or not, I took from their methods only the most important, in my opinion, ideas that can maximize productivity . ”

Here are the productivity secrets that Rain borrowed and wants to share with others:

Brian "Birdman" Williams


Birdman founded the world-famous label Cash Money records, which brought him about $ 500 million. When I first met him in the studio at one in the morning from Saturday to Sunday, I was shocked to the depths of my soul, learning that his working day was just beginning. He works at night, and rests during the day.

At first, as already mentioned, I was shocked, but then I realized that he uses the time of day that is most productive for his body.

Do not pay attention to what people consider normal.

Casey Neistat


Thanks to this director and artist, popular on YouTube, I taught myself to keep a diary in which I enter various thoughts, notes, reminders and events every day. I specifically chose a small notebook that fits easily into my pocket and can be used anytime, anywhere.

The last few months have been the most difficult for me, and my little diary has helped me overcome all difficulties. By the way, I also found a way to return this notebook (as well as all other things that I own) in case of loss - each item should be signed “If you found this, please return (Initials and phone number)”.

Tim Ferris


From Tim, I learned the art of planning. This is easy to do when all planned affairs are written in a notebook - after completion, the sheet simply breaks out and is thrown out. A very simple but effective method.

And one more thing from Tim: you should not be the first in any undertakings. Better wait a bit, see how people use it, make mistakes, and gain experience. And when the time comes, you will prove yourself and be the best.

Robert Green


Robert Green, a well-known author of 48 laws of power, taught me how to write books.

His card system has changed my whole life. As I read books, I bookmark key points that I especially like. After that, I rewrite the information on the cards and put them in boxes, after sorting and breaking them into separate groups. At the moment, I have accumulated hundreds of thousands of such cards and now, to remember the joke I liked, the story or use the strategy of any author, I do not need to re-read the whole book, but just turn to my card boxes.

I also learned from Robert to use swimming as a powerful tool to increase productivity. You may ask, what does swimming have to do with it? It’s just that when you swim, you are surrounded by complete silence, nothing distracts and you can completely retire and concentrate on your thoughts .

Some of my best ideas came up during such swims.

Dov Charney


When I first called Dov, I came across an answering machine, which told me the following: "I do not use an answering machine, so write me an email."

I went even further and stopped using the answering machine in general. If someone wants to tell me important news, they will certainly call back later, or I will type it myself when the time appears. In any case, I’m no longer worried about the audio recording “you have 6 new messages”, because they simply don't exist on my phone.

Ramit Networks


Ramit, before our very eyes, has created a multimillion-dollar educational business with more than 40 employees (we grew up in one small town).

I learned from Ramit one trick, at first ignoring its value many times, - hire a wiser and more experienced person than yourself.

A lot of people make a gross mistake by hiring cheap young staff as assistants. This is just crazy - how can a young inexperienced person immediately understand the price of time !? Therefore, it not only does not become for you a tool to increase productivity, but on the contrary inhibits the whole process. If you want an assistant for yourself - choose the right one and do not save on it.

And one more thing from Ramit - you don’t have to answer all incoming messages, the “Delete” button is a reliable way to get rid of unread mail.

Tobias Wolf


In his book, The Old School, which is half the author’s autobiography, Tobias writes down all the quotes and passages from the great books. I do it almost every weekend too.

This allows me to become a faster stenographer, a better writer, a versatile person.

David Allen and Merlin Man


The mailbox is empty.

Never touch the papers twice.
It is necessary to introduce these two phrases into your habit.

Napoleon Bonaparte


Napoleon has a great quote where he talks about how problems written in unread mail were resolved by themselves after a certain time.

I am trying to do the same with my unread mail and problems.

Marco Arment


Instapper changed my life. I do not play toys on my mobile phone, but I read interesting notes made by me a little earlier. I do not interrupt reading the notes during important matters, but simply transfer this lesson to my free time.

James Altucher


“No” is a powerful productive word. It seems to us that we should always say “yes” to everyone and then we are surprised that there is not enough time for anything. Learn to say “no” more politely, for example, “no, thank you” - excuses you and seems less rude.

Use it as often as possible.

One more thing from James: entrepreneurs (and authors) are cranks. To save your time and sobriety of thought, you need to find a soul mate that will get along fine with you. James and his wife Claudia are a great example of such a productive relationship.

image

Montaigne


From Montaigne, I learned the importance of simple books. If you liked something, be sure to write it down and use it later. Everything is pretty simple.

Andrew Carnegie


Carnegie has a wonderful article, “Being Presented to a Broomstick,” which he wrote in his early years. She tells that everyone should know and be able to do the lowest rated tasks.

This does not mean that you must do all the dirty work, but you must know how to do it.

Aaron Ray


Aaron Ray was my mentor in Hollywood. He is a very successful producer and manager, but I noticed a very interesting thing - he is never in the office. And he always has absurd excuses on this score.

Finally, I realized why he avoids being in the office - from a distance you can evaluate the result of the work of the whole team much better than being directly in their company. Moving away, there are more opportunities and prospects.
And as an added bonus, he became the most talked about character in Hollywood - everyone asked, “Where is Aaron? Has anyone seen Aaron !? ”

Tucker max


You will probably be surprised to know that Tucker has the largest library that you could see. Why is she to him? He simply buys absolutely all the books that are of interest to him.

Now I do not spend time thinking about which book I want to read, or where to buy it cheaper. I acquire it, read it, recommend it to others, draw useful information, and nothing more is needed.

I always read something and always try to read even more books, because the shelves, menacingly hanging over me, gently hint to me - "you still have unfinished business."

I think Tucker is the person from whom I learned to listen to the same song again and again. This allows you to relax and get food for thought. My playlist may seem ridiculous to many, but it doesn’t bother me much.

Nassim Taleb


From the books of Nassim Taleb I got information about the so-called “anti-library”. Its principle is not just collecting collected books, but replenishing the library with new books that have not yet been read. They will be for you a resource at hand, from which you can draw all the necessary information.

Samantha Hoover


I learned one trick from her - I just deleted the Facebook application from my phone. Don't ask why - just do it.

Samuel Zemurrey


The owner of United Fruit , once said - "do not believe the rumors." We spend a lot of time on believing in fables that we cannot confirm. If we begin to act in accordance with fictitious judgments, we will lose a lot of time that we could really use.

Unknown


I don’t remember who recommended this to me, but never buy Wi-Fi when flying on an airplane. Be offline and spend your free time thinking or reading.

Adam Corolla


Adam was always sensitive to every minute of his schedule, so he refused to respond to producer demands 15 minutes before filming. I also try not to waste my time.

Niki Papadopoulos


My publisher always said: “Well, now let's write it down,” after I presented her my ideas about writing a new book. Planning is certainly good, but productive people need to move forward.

Frederick Douglas


“A person works where he has to work.” You
should stay away from professions related to toxic waste, environmental pollution, useless work trying to solve unsolvable problems.

Aaron Ray


Another important lesson I learned from Aaron is that you should never do your own production, arrange appointments, sign contracts and deal with other organizational issues with a special agent who receives money for this. Spend your time better on what you do best.

PS We recommend another article on the topic - Five misconceptions about productivity that we inspire ourselves.

Translation by Vyacheslav Davidenko, founder of MBA Consult

Also popular now: