Do you often wish there was more time in the day? What if you no longer must try and manage the limited time and gazillion tasks that you have, but can create time for what really matters to you?
In “Get in the Go Zone“, Mark Mckeon shares an interesting time creation program, which builds productivity techniques into your daily routines and habits.
The goal is to create healthy habits that will help you regulate your stress levels by choosing when to focus and when to take breaks from vital tasks – and discover how to indulge in “me time” guilt-free.
In this article, we’ll be giving a quick overview of the 3 zones.
GO ZONE
The main concept is to block off 8–10 hours each week while you are in your “Ideal Performance State,” or Go-Zone. You are in this zone when you are concentrating intently on one thing at a time for two hours straight with absolutely no interruptions or justifications (tama, that means no text messages / phone calls / emails at iba pa).
You will be amazed at how much you can accomplish in just 2 hours if you set your mind on getting the most important tasks – and nothing else.
NO ZONE
You treat yourself to a No-Zone hour for each hour spent in the Go-Zone. This is the time to focus on doing the complete opposite and avoiding work at all costs.
That means ceasing to ever consider work. Instead, immerse yourself in something or anything that you enjoy fully, so you can recharge fully for the next Go Zone.
SLOW ZONE
Your Slow-Zone, which is also the default mode in which most of us operate, is everything else that occurs outside of these two zones (as well as your sleep time).
Here, you are in cruise mode – work gets done, but with much more wastage and non-optimal productivity.
IN A NUTSHELL
For each Week, spend:
- 8-10 hours in the GO ZONE
- 8-10 hours in the NO ZONE
- Remainder in the Slow Zone or resting/sleeping
GETTING IN THE ZONE
Here are some key features of the Go Zone, though I strongly suggest you read the book yourself as there are numerous practical tips there which you can revisit and apply in and out of the zone.
1) Just before you enter your Go Zone, make a to-do list.
You must first build the list, so you won’t have to do it in the Go Zone. Make sure the things on your list are actually crucial and significant, then rank them according to priority.
2) The target is to complete a time goal and not a task goal
Example, until the time is up, concentrate on just one thing at a time. It doesn’t matter how many things you finish or how far down your to-do list you get because this is not a task or results goal. Staying totally focused on itself is a goal.
3) Make it a habit that cannot be waived.
This means a few things:
a) Set aside regular and predetermined time slots. For example, you may go in to the GoZone between 10-1130am daily from Monday to Friday.
Mark suggests that late morning is a good time to go in, so you stay slightly hungry and make lunchtime your reward. In his book, Mark explains the benefits of working 4-5 days a week for 8–10 hours.
b) Start and end with two minutes of deep breathing to create a clear entry and exit from your Go Zone.
c) Select a motivational memento that can be prominently displayed on your desk or worn as clothes. It is a signal and a symbol to yourself and others that you are entering the zone.
After your Go Zone hour, remember to keep the token. Over time, you are “training” your subconscious mind as well as others around to switch to your “Go Zone” mode.
4) Your only objective is to remain focused and free of excuses until the allotted time has passed.
a) Oh, and did we mention that there are no excuses or diversion? Clear your desk and find a place where you can concentrate. Before you start, use the restroom.
Turn off your email notifications and live chats. Put up a sign saying, “Do Not Disturb.” Hide the munchies.…. The Go Zone hour is essentially for you and your to-do list (and probably some water to stay hydrated).
There should be no calls, no snacks, no distractions from commotions, not even toilet breaks if you can help it.
b) Set a timer or alarm, then only quit when the buzzer sounds. This will prevent you from constantly looking at your watch or clock, which is a distraction in and of itself.
5) Keep it fun, reward yourself.
The Go Zone is intense if that makes sense. Because of this, Mark advises limiting it to 8–10 hours a week and balancing it with an hour in the no zone for every hour in the go zone.
The idea is to keep it fun and fresh, and to have simple rewards that you can look forward to after your complete your Go Zone.
It goes without saying that changing your daily routine is necessary to apply this strategy. But isn’t it worthwhile if you can make more time for yourself and do more?
Try it – just set aside time for your first Go Zone
Author: The Pinoy Engineer
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