TJL #51: Keep a (dis)traction list (Daily productivity #26)

Simple tips & trick to be more productive

Jan 14, 2021

Daily Productivity Tip #26

Here’s another productivity tip: keep a (dis)traction list.

Learn How To Avoid Distraction In A World That Is Full Of It – Nir & Far

Let’s first start with some definitions. If distraction is action that moves us away from what we really want, then traction is action that moves us towards what we want.

The (dis)traction list is a list of everything that distracts you (distraction) and motivates you (traction). This could be a Google Docs or an actual physical piece of paper (my preferred choice).

Keep this list open and nearby. Whenever a distracting thought pops up, write it down and get back to work. After a while this list fills up and you will have a good overview of what motivates and distracts you.

This distraction list made me realise that I get endlessly distracted by social media sites like Twitter, Reddit, Instagram, and HackerNews.

On the other hand, my traction list made me realise that I work best with a clear outline, a techno song on repeat, and building off the project’s momentum.

This is what my traction list looks like, what does yours look like?

Thank you for reading!

That was today’s issue of the Daily productivity Newsletter 🚀

Daily Productivity is a newsletter in which I share practical and effective tips on how to become more productive.

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As always, you can find me on my website janmeppe.com or on Twitter at @janmeppe.

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