Self Accountability: What Helps?

I'll be the first to admit that keeping myself accountable can be a real struggle... especially considering the terrible procrastinator I am. There are always so many distractions and it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind. But I've found that a personal and simplified adaptation of HBR's most effective productivity hack has been a game-changer for me.

What is Timeboxing?

Timeboxing is a simple technique that involves setting aside specific blocks of time for each task on your to-do list. This helps to keep you focused and on track, and it also prevents you from getting overwhelmed by the sheer volume of work you have to do.

What is the Eisenhower Matrix?

The Eisenhower Matrix is a decision-making tool that can help you prioritize your tasks. It's based on the idea that tasks can be categorized into four quadrants:

• Urgent and Important: These are tasks that need to be done immediately.
• Important, but Not Urgent: These are tasks that are important but can be done later.
• Urgent, but Not Important: These are tasks that need to be done soon, but they can be delegated to someone else.
• Not Urgent and Not Important: These are tasks that can be eliminated.

How do Timeboxing and the Eisenhower Matrix Fit Together?

I use timeboxing and the Eisenhower Matrix together to create a personalized productivity system that works for me. Here's how I do it:

1. Dump everything I have to do on one page in my notebook. I don't worry about organizing it or prioritizing it at this point - I just want to get everything out of my head and onto paper.
2. Use the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize my tasks. I go through each task on my list and decide which quadrant it belongs to.
3. Schedule time in my calendar for each task. I use timeboxing to block out specific blocks of time for each task. I make sure to schedule enough time for each task, but I also don't overschedule myself... a good tip is also to stay flexible - things change :)
4. Follow through! This is the most important part! It's no good having a great to-do list and time-blocked calendar if you don't actually follow through. I make sure to check in with myself throughout the day to make sure I'm on track.

Additional Tips for Staying Accountable

In addition to timeboxing and the Eisenhower Matrix, I've found these additional tips to be helpful for staying accountable:

• Set realistic goals. Don't try to do too much at once. It's better to start with a few small goals and then gradually add more as you get more comfortable with the system.
• Break down large tasks into smaller ones. This can make them seem less daunting and more manageable.
• Reward yourself for your accomplishments. This will help to keep you motivated.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you're struggling to stay on track, don't be afraid to ask for help from a friend, family member, or colleague.

Staying accountable can be tough, but it's definitely worth it. By using a combination of timeboxing, the Eisenhower Matrix, and the tips above, you can create a personalized productivity system that works for you and helps you achieve your goals.