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  1. The AtlanticArthur C. Brooks4/29/217 min
    27 reads11 comments
    9.5
    The Atlantic
    27 reads
    9.5
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    • jeff2 years ago

      For example, you might write “Goof off” on your planner from 1:30 to 2 p.m. tomorrow. Since goofing off is no longer an uninvited guest in your schedule, it doesn’t throw off your rhythm, and your odds of being back to work at 2 rise dramatically.

      Plenty of good advice and insight in this article, but does anybody actually do this? If I'm in the zone at 1:30 there's no way I'm interrupting myself for a scheduled break. Similarly if I'm exhausted after finishing a block of work at any given time that's when I actually want and need to rest or take a break.

      • thorgalle
        Top reader this weekScoutScribe
        2 years ago

        This really resonates here. And then there ‘s the extra problem that when you miss one part of the schedule because of this reason, it’s easier to discard the while schedule. Timeboxing is really hard to combine with flow (and so is sleep lol).

        1. Update (5/8/2021):

          the rest of the schedule*

    • EZ19692 years ago

      I am a serial volunteer. My best advice for not spending time on things you don't like is to watch out or what you volunteer for. Be choosy. You'll really enjoy the satisfaction of lending a hand when the unpaid work brings you joy.

      • Jessica2 years ago

        This is great advice and got me thinking.

      • SEnkey2 years ago

        Well said. I think it was Covey who said that way to say no to things is to find the deeper burning yes for something else.

    • kellyalysia
      ScoutScribe
      2 years ago

      I recently started a job in which I'm making the highest hourly wage I've ever made in my life, and it's consequently compelled me to value my "me" / pleasure time so much more. When I go for my morning walk, it really does feel like it "costs" me that time, but I also feel like the ROI is directly in proportion because I'm so immersed in the activity and I so look forward to it. The dividends are directly in relation. So I definitely appreciate this take on looking at your time-value. Also what a great AOTD for such a day for Readup!!

      • SEnkey2 years ago

        Congrats on moving up the scale! I find walks to be a valuable activity as well.

    • monstertuck2 years ago

      I try to time block but generally have to give up some time in those blocks to meet new demands or unforeseen priorities that could not be planned for. I see lots of companies trying this in different ways.

    • Jessica2 years ago

      we humans also, perplexingly, waste plenty of time doing things we already know we don’t want to do.

      It is very recently that I've come to accept that I am very lousy at predicting what makes me happy. I can cognitively guess what decisions or things would make future me happy, but I am often so wrong. I've been thinking of tracking my moments of joy and what my circumstances were, as a personal experiment to actually understanding myself and my needs better.

      I think there is value in Brooks' suggestions, but I ultimately still believe that the best thing to do to use my time in a fulfilling way is to listen to how my body and soul are reacting in the present moment.

      • bill
        Top reader of all time
        2 years ago

        the best thing to do to use my time in a fulfilling way is to listen to how my body and soul are reacting in the present moment.

        Yes. That. Exactly.

    • TripleG
      Top reader this weekTop reader of all timeReading streakScoutScribe
      2 years ago

      Insightful read.