How to Be a Productivity Guru

Here is your ultimate productivity advice:

Go ahead and do the thing you’re supposed to do.

I know it does sound like some Kung-fu Panda advice, and it is.

If you want to be a Productivity Influencer though, the steps are pretty simple:

  1. Make lists/steps
  2. Show off
  3. Give your tips marketable names
  4. Complify and simplicate

1. Make lists

This one’s pretty straightforward. Just organise the advice you want to give in a list and it would be so much more appealing. My guess is that we humans have a connection between lists and “being organised”, so you can project your “authority” by creating a “plan”.

Example: see the list above

2. Show off

Come on, you’re an “influencer” - you’ve got to clickbait people to sustain your reach. Get that GPA, put your name out as an “outstanding whatever”, it’ll make people idolise you.

Example: Mentioning their GPA, class ranking, or other similar information

3. Give your tips marketable names

The Pomodoro technique, The KISS principle, The (Insert your trademark) Method - really does sound like some trade secret, like some sort of wisdom. Well, that’s the point, to claw into your brain and, ironically, divert your attention from the kernel of any technique or method. Not to say there is no merit to these “systems”, just know to have a critical look.

Example: just like above, the Pomodoro technique

4. Complify and simplicate

I’ve stolen this expression from some Dan North talk, regardless, take simple ideas and make them sound much more complicated. Ok, you should be quite familiar with that if you did any essay writing; the near part comes after. Start breaking down the concept you just invented to instil an impression of discovery in your influencees.

Example: using scientific-lingo or mentioning studies (without citations)

Postscriptum

This may sound a little salty (and I am salty), but I really don’t aim to “expose” or accuse anyone. Think of this as a parody or a satire, or whatever the proper term is.

Best of luck in whatever you’re struggling with. I wrote this while procrastinating to finish my honours project 😉