Use breadcrumbs to get more done despite interruptions
You have great intentions for the day. You know exactly what you want to work on and get started.
A few interruptions later, emotions go downhill, and frustration sets in. The repeated switching drains time and energy and saps your brain. You don’t relish getting back to your project anymore.
If you are like most people, interruptions are a reality of life. Today is not that rare ideal day.
Design your workflow for the average day, with its interruptions.
Here's how you can get more done. Despite interruptions. Start using breadcrumbs!
Breadcrumbs are our North star. They tell us where we are and where we have to go.
Here is how you can get more productive right now with breadcrumbs.
1. Open a text file on your computer and name it "breadcrumbs". Or use a handy notepad.
2. Imagine you are working on a project and there is an interruption. Take a few seconds, write the name of the project. Under that write a few words which tell your future self, exactly what next action to take after you return.
3. After you deal with the interruption, refer to the breadcrumb and get back to your project.
4. Your breadcrumb needs to make sense only to you. The fewest words that help your brain reconnect where you left off and what to do next.
Clarity improves as the breadcrumbs replace your short-term memory and free up your brain. Switching time and energy reduces.