On productizing
I recently discovered a productivity hack that works for me.
Finally, a hack that actually does something for me.
I learned it from my friend, Sofija, a Ph.D. student at Karolinska Institute.
The hack goes like this: make little products out of your schedule.
Example 1.
If you're working on a new protocol in the lab, develop a document that includes everything about the protocol, your answered questions, and interesting things you Googled. Turn this into an evergreen product you can always refer to.
I can remember several times when I did the same protocol today, then again three months later, and had to ask all the same questions as the first time.
If I had a 100% evergreen protocol, it would save me a lot of time. This is what I do now, and it indeed saves a lot of time.
Example 2.
If you’re reading a paper, don't be mindless about it. Create an evergreen document where you gather your criticisms, summary, main points, questions, and so on.
The next time you revisit the paper, you'll be able to go through it much faster.
I can't count how many times I've read the same paper, with only a vague feeling: "I remember this paper... I kinda just remember I didn’t like it... not sure why," and then having to go over it again.
Multiple benefits are achieved with this habit:
You can recall tasks you don't do often when you return to them after a month or more.
While working on your evergreen product, you have a peace of mind knowing you won't forget important details when you come back to it.
When you finish your product, you'll feel an actual sense of accomplishment, rather than having to resort to the advice such as “reward yourself at the end of a task”, which to me feels completely artificial. The product itself feels like a sufficient reward.
I’ve been doing this for the past couple of weeks and I have to say it improved my daily Ph.D. tremendously. Try it out.
Till next time,
Kenan