Applying Parkinson's law - Issue #4
Hi guys,
Last week, I’d created a work routine structure to follow while working from home. And, as part of it, I had allocated myself 2 hours each day to complete many of my internal training modules. To add context, my work’s internal training system is based on a time limit factor and many of these extended over a couple of months and some carrying on over till next year.
Coming across Parkinson’ law which states:
Work expands to fill the time available for its completion.
This statement is profound because of its emphasis, for example, to allocate a week to complete a task that only takes two hours. Psychologically speaking, the task becomes complex and daunting over time and the added stress and tension in completing the training becomes unproductive. Especially, if you are working on other projects at the same time. Assigning the right amount of time to complete a task, reduces the complexity of that task and allows one to use that time for other endeavours.
While creating a routine to work from home, I focused on 3 factors and I called it 3-2hour slots.
Tasks that require cognitive thinking
Tasks that needed creative input
Mundane tasks which have elements of repetitiveness e.g. internal training
I intentionally created a rhythm by giving myself a 2hour time limit to complete many training modules in that slot. In doing so, I’d noticed a gradual decrease in the number of assigned training modules. This allowed me to focus on more of my cognitive and creative tasks at hand.
I initially came across Parkinson’s law in various reads, but writing this article I have realised how I managed to apply this principle to hone my productivity. So, I hope you guys can position yourself to apply Parkinson’s law in your endeavors.
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I hope you lovely people have an awesome day.
Yours truly,
Abhishek
Stuff I enjoyed last week
Article - How I use Roam to take notes - Reading through this article, I got a clear sense of how I intend to use Roam, with its powerful bidirectional capability. I am sure I’ll be having fun tagging and expanding my book reviews on Roam. The advantage of this it allows me to capture all my highlights of a single author and create a link to all his previously read books.
Video - This is CONTRAST - Reviewing YOUR photo Assignments!! - Peter Mckinnon is an amazing photographer who hosts weekly photography assignments and reviews the best pieces for the week. I enjoy watching his work because it allows me to be creative with my DSLR. So, check it out and get involved in this week’s assignment if photography is your thing.
Kindle highlight of the week
When the proper mechanics of practicing are understood, the task of learning something new becomes a stress-free experience of joy and calmness, a process which settles all areas in your life and promotes proper perspective on all of life’s difficulties. - David Allen
Video and article from last week
Article - Improving everyday by 1% - I wrote this article to highlight that each day improvements count to some contribution to whatever endeavours you want to pursue. Remember a 1% improvement is better than nothing. Check out the article to find out more!
Youtube Video - I enjoyed reading this book because it provided intuitive ideas that are helpful. So, check out the video for my lesson learned and what I took away from it.
Book Review 3: Essentialism - The disciplined Pursuit of less