www.hyperisland.com
Stockholm — Karlskrona — New York — Manchester — Singapore
Brain hacks
amy rae
This session is about productivity
It takes planning, practice, & some science
Now is amazing
HUNTER GATHERER -> AGRICULTURAL -> INDUSTRIAL -> NETWORKED
50,000 BP -> 10,000 BP -> 1400s -> 1800s -> 1900s
The result is the “attention economy”
Attention focused mental
engagement on a particular item of
information
If you only have 24hrs a day in the machine,
Do you want to make $10 or $500?
1) Apply hairspray to your hands
2)Target one bill at a time
3) Spread fingers and clap on bills
4) Put bills in pockets before moving on to catch more
5)Take bills on the ground & ceiling
“I don’t have
enough time”
Time and attention are finite
Requests for your time and attention
are not
Species that adapt to their enviornment best have the greatest chance of survival
An evolutionary imperative
Individually - 5 minutesChoose a partner and discuss - 5 minutes
★ What do I do during an average work day?
★ Craft a timeline - from start of day to completion★ How many tasks do I finish? What is my environment
like? What is my primary focus? What distracts me?
★ What do I wish I had time for in an average workday?
★ Read industry publications? Volunteer in my community? Get a jump on an upcoming project? Learn a new programming language? Reflect? Spend time with my family? Work out?
Reflect on your work process
hacks★ the myth of multitasking★ Harnessing Flow states★ Filtering = new literacy★ Use your tools
The myth of multitasking
1
Switchtasking
You lose efficiency with each switch
★ Plan time in blocks: email three times a day, examine your use of Twitter, schedule meetings with yourself
★ Turn off notifications
★ Reduce unnecessary email: five sentences or less - five.sentenc.es, Gmail priority inbox + flags & tasks
★ 5 tabs or less
★ Get Concentrating App for Mac or 30/30 app for iPhone
Individually first, then in pairsCoach each other
★ How can I apply these learnings to my average workday?
★ Find inefficiencies in your work process and create interventions
★ What are you doing well? How might you amplify it?
Reflect on your work process
Harnessing flow states
2
flow
Optimal experiencePeak performance
★ Know your flow: what does it feel like?
★ Communicate your needs to others
★ Introversion <-----> extroversion
★ Be a lion - this is your most productive time
Individually first, then in pairsCoach each other
★ How can I apply these learnings to my average workday?
★ Find inefficiencies in your work process and create interventions
★ What are you doing well? How might you amplify it?
Reflect on your work process
Filtering =New literacy
4
Distributed cognition
Memorization Vs. Search & filter
★ Twitter: is it giving you value? 1:1 follow doesn’t make much sense
★ Unsubscribe button
★ RSS vs multiple tabs or bookmarks (Reeder app)
★ Assemble a list of key research tools vs Google search
★ Flipboard/ Feedly vs Twitter stream
Individually first, then in pairsCoach each other
★ How can I apply these learnings to my average workday?
★ Find inefficiencies in your work process and create interventions
★ What are you doing well? How might you amplify it?
Reflect on your work process
Seek new tools
5
tools
Help you find time in unexpected places
★ TripIt
★ Expensify
★ Rapportive
★ Bump
★ Docusign
★ Relax: Mindfulness App
What other tools do you use?
hacks★ the myth of multitasking★ Harnessing Flow states★ Filtering = new literacy★ Use your tools
Create 3 actions
Behavioral change is the holy grail of life
Practice actually makes perfect
“Mastering others requires force. Mastering the self requires strength.”
- Laozi
Thanks!
www.hyperisland.com
Stockholm — Karlskrona — New York — Manchester — Singapore
appendix
1.What have your energy and attention been focused on lately? Include areas of concern and worry, as well.
2.Where do these items fit in your circle of concern and influence?
3.What happens to your attitude and energy when you focus on the activities in the circle of influence?