Simplest Approach to Maximize Productivity and Avoid being Late for Appointments

Being Productive on Private Space

How do you like remote work? I do believe that some people like it, and some do not. I am the people who can make more focus on private space. So remote work is the ideal working place for me to focus on the execution of the task.

The problem is that I sometimes forgot about how fast time goes by. I am too focusing on some task and am not aware of how much I spend on that particular task. I sometimes realize that spending too much on a specific task while I have to do other tasks as well. I have another worse issue. I sometimes even missing some appointments (typically online meetings). I would like to be productive to execute the task but never want to miss any appointments. I tried several approaches and found the simplest but effective approach.

Simple Resolution

I set up a silent alarm like this on my mobile phone. The alarms are set every 30 mins but one minute tweak.

This is a ridiculously simple approach but amazing impacts on my life in multiple aspects.

No Longer Miss Appointments

These alarms make me aware of any appointment one minute before. I never missed these alarms no matter how much I am focusing on the task since the alarm keeps running until I stop it.

Be a Good Meeting Coordinator

Online meetings tend to be extended easily. There is nobody next to the meeting rooms. There is nobody who forces the meeting finished. I have to be a good meeting coordinator to do so instead.

These alarms let me aware of the last minute of the meeting time. After I caught the alarm, I can make a quick summary of the meeting, clarify the action items, and make the closing remarks of the meeting on time.

More Focus on the Task

Have you ever heard about the Pomodoro Technique? This technique provides us some specific time intervals so that we can focus more on the task.

• 25 mins to focus on the task
• 5 mins short break

30 mins interval alarms are simple but effective to conduct this approach. Once the alarm rings, I stop my task no matter how I am focusing on the tasks at that moment and have a quick short break.

Previously I use several interval timer apps to conduct this work interval but that was cumbersome to use. I forgot about stopping the alarm when I join meetings. The alarm rang many times during the meetings which were annoying. I also forgot to start that alarm when I start the task as well. Preset 30 mins alarm does not require any maintenance once they are set.

Avoid Wasting Times over the Weekend

This alarm let me aware of the passage of time even at the weekend. Have you ever wasted your time watching TV shows, lying on the couch, or browsing SNS? These alarms remind me of the passage of time. If I am spending too much time on something, I can notice that and stop wasting too much time.

Be Aware of Time to Control Your Life

This simple approach gave me control of my time. It maximizes my productivities on weekdays but also provides better usage of time over the weekend. I hope this tip helps you improve your life as well.