“That solution won’t work because Mary likes her tea in the morning.” “That solution won’t work because the commute would be too long.” “And that solution won’t work because I’m not that kind of person.” The unsolvable problem is enticing because it keeps you nice and safe. How can you be expected to make progress … Continue reading The unsolvable problem →

There’s a reason the first thing a newly engaged couple does is ‘Set the date’. It’s a fantastic practice in productivity. It’s so simple and the great news is you can apply it to nearly any project. A quiz, a blog post, a report, a fitness test etc. Knowing that there is a point in … Continue reading Productive fear of failure →

Can you do this for tomorrow? And this? Oo oh can you do this as well? Your to do list is growing arms and legs.  One option is to work all night and day until every task is complete.  Another option, a sane option, is to request prioritisation.  It can manifest itself in the following … Continue reading Prioritisation →

I love chocolate. I spend more time than I care to mention thinking about chocolate.  If it was a particularly long day at school, I would crave a certain chocolate bar and build my desire until I finally had it in my hands.  Then each time, after inhaling the chocolate, I would realise it didn't … Continue reading Sustaining desire →

Why don’t you do this? Why don’t you do that? When working in Marketing you often get suggestions from non Marketing folk on what to do, especially for creative work. Some suggestions are good. Some suggestions are bad. Some marketers get very annoyed by these outsiders chipping in and some don’t. I would liken it … Continue reading Why don’t you do that? →

Working on something else during a conference call. Not only is it accepted in today's workplace but it is pretty much standard.  Some people don't even give it a second thought. They log onto the call and immediately start working on something else.  Some even earmark certain meetings to get other work done. Which in my … Continue reading Working during a call →

“All men's miseries derive from not being able to sit in a quiet room alone.” Blaise Pascal Have you ever tried that? Sitting alone with your thoughts? It can be very difficult. The endless chatter. The incessant thoughts. The eternal noise. Especially in this day and age with all the distractions so readily available. I … Continue reading Writing bored →

The office is where you work. Home is where you relax. Those are nice clearly defined boundaries. You can’t get that working from home, the lines blur and things start to get confusing. The TV is so close. There’s no boss around to keep you at your desk. I can sympathize with those struggling to … Continue reading Working from home →

“I might need it some day.” The most common excuse for not throwing something away. It’s a slippery slope this ‘just in case storing’ mindset. I’ve seen many good men and women quickly become hoarders on this mindset. I can see why someone would do it. They’re looking for that glorious second when their hoarding … Continue reading Need it some day →

Older generations enjoyed the luxury of working in one company for their whole career, never fearing for their livelihood. My generation job hops because we’ve seen the mass layoffs. A company is a collection of individuals, each with their own agenda. Some colleagues you’ll like, some you’ll tolerate. It’s much easier to be loyal to … Continue reading Company loyalty →