Productivity Overview

Definition

Productivity is an economic concept where the return on investment of time and or coin yields a savings in time and or a higher return in coin. For most creative pursuits, the economic angle is not a requirement nor is the savings in time. It is giving effort and getting an education in return until you can tell others about what you have created.

Caution

I lost a lot of sleep learning htaccess for instance. Years later when I took it up again, I succeeded in understanding and using it like never before. Every hard thing is easy with effort and determination, but you should pace yourself and maybe not lose sleep like I did.

The Enemy

The enemy of productivity is anything you are enjoying more than what you need to accomplish. I find the most productive people are those whom restrict their entertainment down to the thing that they are creating. Now, you don't have to distill your attention to just this one thing. There is no way that works for everyone, but a level of restriction will help.

Suggestions

• Give yourself 3 hours a day, or whatever fits your schedule, to work on your side project.
• Play the same music during that time period (and in no other time).
• Work in the same setting and with the same layout. Such as, having a canvas covered when not using it and uncovering it when you do. Having a computer profile devoted to it separate from your common one.

• Removing distractions such as blocking applications or not having them installed on a 'creative user profile'. Block social networking or have a way to suppress it with a toggle as there may be a need for it in your workflow.
• Make your workplace and workflow predictable. This is your workspace and it should look, smell, and sound like your workspace for your creative pursuit. Customize it and own it. This is your sanctuary.
• Consider creating a routine. Such as, after work, get a shower, wash your face, maybe a work out before hand, maybe sing a song. Dance to a kpop number. Something to divide your day job work from your creative work.