Getting stuff done is difficult to begin with especially with all the distractions that exist in both the real life and the digital. Trying to run a successful and growing editorial blog is tough work – I mean, let me be frank, it is really hard. It takes a lot of time, effort, and some guts to do it, especially if you’re trying to (at some point) earn a living through it.
As a result, you have to take all the breaks you can get! I’ve got a few quirks and personal preferences but I share must-have strategy for myself to get stuff done:
Music. It’s magical and it helps me get stuff done.
What about you? What are some things you do to get stuff done? What strategies and methods do you employ? Love to hear your thoughts!
Some additional images of our team prepping for the day:
Getting some coffee and breakfast.
I can’t live without music, much less do work!
Just before we dive in.
And of course Tom preparing the team musically for the day:
I’m with you, John. Music is absolutely essential to my workflow…
can’t live without it!
Music can be helpful for me, but can be distracting if I’m working through a tough problem. I’m trying to get used it to more often so I can tune it out in those times.
hmm. interesting. the greater the problem is the less music plays a role?
Cool piece, John!
So I understand that for you guys music plays a big role for being productive. For me, sometimes music can interrupt my productivity and focus. And for me it also depends a lot on what kind of music I hear. Sure, you usually won’t listen to death metal if you’re trying to concentrate, but even within your favorite genre I have found there might be songs that can be somewhat annoying. So most times when I write code, I’ll listen to some music. But when I’m writing emails, I can’t concentrate with music in the background – at all.
I’d say that I listen to music in roughly 80% of my work hours. And I agree with you — it’s magical!
fascinating. i have to do it with nearly everything. i wish i had a soundtrack to my life!
Music all the time, although I’ve got to have instrumental music. If there are lyrics I’ll wind up singing along. So I’m a big fan of classical and jazz piano while I work.
ah. fascinating. i have no problem with lyrics… i actually like them!
This interesting stuff John and stuff I’ve been thinking about a lot lately. It’s so easy to get distracted, but I’m with you – Music seems to do the trick. It makes it easier to tune out everything else that’s going on and focus the task at hand. What do you listen to while you’re working?
honestly… i’m sad to admit this… but pop music comes up a lot. stuff that’s on the radio. top 40 hits…
actually, forget it. i’m not ashamed.
