1. Expectations
1.1. Use the Eisenhower Matrix to figure out what really needs to be done
1.2. Learn to set SMART goals
1.3. Apply the 80/20 rule under some circumstances
1.4. Improve your sleep hygiene
1.5. Use walks in productive ways
1.6. Know how to establish good routines
2. Prepare
2.1. Understand a few concepts which you'll put into practice shortly after
2.2. Change your mindset about productivity
2.2.1. Re-read the definition
2.2.2. Learn to do more of what matters to you
2.3. Read the resources we've included in the skill tree
2.4. Make sure you understand what you read.
2.5. Spend about one hour reading the material.
2.5.1. Review after about a week.
3. Practice
3.1. Complete the suggestions in the preparation phase before starting here.
3.2. Set SMART goals
3.2.1. Any time you set a goal for yourself, make sure to make it a SMART goal.
3.2.2. If someone sets the goals for you, ask for clarifications to turn them into SMART goals.
3.3. Always include the deadline in your calendar and review that calendar daily.
3.4. Try to do weekly planning.
3.4.1. During that planning, set at least three important SMART goals you want to accomplish.
3.4.2. During your weekly planning, do your Eisenhower Matrix.
3.4.2.1. Schedule quandrant II tasks (not urgent but important tasks).
3.5. When comes time to act on your SMART goals and your quadrant II activities, think about the 80/20 rule.
3.5.1. Ask yourself: what results am I expecting exactly?
3.5.2. What activities will yield contribute the most towards that result?
3.5.3. Which one of those take the least time to do?
3.6. Regularly take breaks to go for walks.
3.7. Before bedtime:
3.7.1. Cut screens ideally 2 hours before bed.
3.7.2. Cut caffeine 8 hours before going to bed.
3.7.3. Wind down at least 1 hour before bed (read, take a bath, do another relaxing activity).
3.7.4. Check out our resources on the topic for more ideas.
3.8. Take habits seriously
3.8.1. Check out our resources on the topic - especially the concept of atomic/micro habits and compound habits.
4. Ponder
4.1. Ponder on the usual questions:
4.1.1. What went right?
4.1.2. What went wrong?
4.1.3. How can I improve?
4.2. Near the end of your 15 hours, reflect on the following questions:
4.2.1. Have SMART goals helped me accomplish more of the right things? How so?
4.2.2. What SMART goals have I found easier and harder to follow up with? Why?
4.2.3. Did I understand the distinctions between the 4 quadrants of the Eisenhower Matrix? Which one am I struggling with the most? How so?
4.2.4. What quadrant have I found myself spending the most time on? Is that how I want it to be going forward? If not, how can I change this?
4.2.5. Have I understood how to use the 80/20 rule? Have I thought about how I can use it in other contexts?
4.2.6. Did I act towards my sleep hygiene? Has it improved? How so?
4.2.7. Have I learned to take more frequent breaks and went walking? Why or why not?
4.2.8. Do I now understand what I have to do to establish habits that stick? What am I going to do about it?