Hacking productivity.
Whether it is by our parents, teachers, mentors, managers or bosses, friends, family, economy or the society as a whole, we are always told to work harder and be more productive. Just don’t be lazy...
This can certainly add a lot of pressure and stress to our lives. It is often the reason that gets us out of bed and in some way we all want to be seen as productive and as high achievers?
This week I want to share with you one of the methods I use to stay productive, especially on days when I don’t feel my best. It’s called the paperclip-method.
I first came across the paperclip-method in James Clear’s book ‘Atomic Habits’ and have been using it for the past 6 month on a daily basis.
The method has its origin from the phone sales industry, where sales Consultants would start off every day with two jars on their desks, one empty and the other filled with paperclips. One paperclip for every phone call they wanted to make this day. Every time after hanging up the phone they would move one paperclip from one jar into the other.
This method ensured to keep their daily averages high and made them not rely on momentum or motivation.
So how am I using this method in my everyday life?
Almost the same way.
I start my day with two jars, but instead of having them on my desk I have them on my book shelf next to my bedroom door. I also don’t want to make phone calls all day, so I think about what good behaviours I want to reward during the day. I “paperclip-qualify” good behaviours in my day, for which I’m allowed to move a clip from one jar to the other.
For example making my bed, a 5-min morning meditation, reading, writing, talking to a friend or going for a walk are all “paperclip-qualified” routines. By going for a walk with a friend I can even do two at the same time. I reward every behaviour of mine I think has a good effect on me.
It helps to start off by making a list of the things you want to do.
In my opinion the paperclip-method is a whole lot more fun, than for example just ticking of a dull to-do-list that we only get half way through each day anyway.
Moving a paperclip also tricks our evolutionary installed dopamine-reward system in our brain. Moving a paperclip is an instant reward, an instant dopamine release. And what is rewarded is enjoyable to repeat.
Instead of going to the gym for that dream body in 5 months, you are going to the gym today to move one paperclip from one jar into the other. This way you even bringing long-term rewards into the present moment and ensure your moving towards them.
This method has help me to stay with my good habits, even on days where I felt lazy, tired, or unproductive. It has helped me to not rely on a good state of mind, motivation, or a perfectly organised day to be productive, because having a good day and everything going your way is almost impossible. There are too many components you have no control over, like the mood of co-workers or friends.
As always with my suggestions… think of yourself as some kind of computer. You are the hardware and my and other people’s ideas are nothing more than software. Try it out and if isn’t for you, I encourage you to throw it out and try the next software. There are plenty of tools out there!
Inspiration:
Book —> ‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear