Work More Productively On Your Own By Playing ‘Workstation Popcorn’

Work More Productively On Your Own By Playing ‘Workstation Popcorn’

Productivity is a challenge when you’re working for yourself or working remotely. Joel Runyon offers a somewhat radical idea to help telecommuters become not just more productive but uber productive: Group your tasks into three groups and work from three different locations throughout the day.

He calls the method “Workstation Popcorn”. You perform a group of tasks at one location (such as a cafe), then when you’re finished with those tasks, get up and move to a different location:

Once you finish all the tasks in group #1, get up and move. Close your tabs, pack your bags, and physically move your butt to your next spot. If you can, walk or bike to your next stop. Avoid driving if you can. The physical activity is important.

Use this time to practice your zen, take a break from your screen, and get some movement into your day. Keep your phone in your pocket, and move. Take a break away from work for at least 30 minutes. Whatever you do, don’t go back to the same place you just left.

We know that there are some advantages to working somewhere other than your home. Switching your location three times might increase your productivity by making you focus more on the tasks at hand and by putting you into a ready-to-work mindset whenever you get to the next location.

It might not be for everyone, but Runyon says it’s increased his weekly writing output three times, and he’s getting much more done with this method.

Workstation Popcorn: How To Become Uber Productive While Working For Yourself [Impossible via 99u]


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