Time to Think
Mark reminds us of the need to think deeply, and offers key strategies for making it happen: (1) make time for it, (2) use mind mapping software, (3) evaluate your ideas after brainstorming them, (5) add more thoughts over time, and more. “One of the most important actions for anyone in an executive or managerial position is thinking. If you don’t leave yourself time to think then you are going to be working at far less than maximum effectiveness.“

Say No
Dan suggests that a key strategy for getting more done is learning to say “no” to requests. “From my perspective, muri can be largely avoided by accepting the reality that your output each week is finite. Just because you’re a knowledge worker doesn’t mean that you’re exempt from the laws that govern all forms of production. There’s a physical limit to the throughput on a manufacturing line, there’s a limit to how many jets can take off from LaGuardia airport each hour, and there’s a limit to how much work you can do each week. Your boss may not like it — hell, you may not like it — but it’s true. Recognizing this limit, and working within it, is the key to avoiding waste (and stress, and frustrated coworkers and customers). I know it seems both obsessive-compulsive and trivial … but figuring out what you’re spending your time on each day is critical.” ‘Muri’ means “impossible” or “unreasonable”.

Productivity, Not Time Management
Good reminder from Nicholas to focus on being productive, not improving time management. Three keys: (1) think more, (2) work with abundant energy, and (3) learn.