Comments on: The Productivity Parabola

By: Librarians Online Survey « Agnostic, Maybe

Librarians Online Survey « Agnostic, Maybe — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 23:48:52 +0000

[...] hinted at doing this over a week ago, but I finally got time to write out a short survey in Google Docs about librarians and their [...]

By: Ann Wilberton

Ann Wilberton — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 14:06:28 +0000

Andy,

Well, I sort of feel like an expert at this. In 2005, I sustained a mild brain injury and since then have learned a ton about how MY brain works. Our brains are extremely resilient. According to my brain Dr, one of the most resilient parts of our bodies. My brain is healed now. But, one of the lasting effects of many people who sustain brain injuries and recover (fully) is that there is a constant need for monitoring fatigue. Basically, your brain tires. This happens to everyone, not just folks who’ve had an injury though for me it happens much more quickly. Interestingly, sleep deprivation (even mild forms), brain fatigue and brain injury have very similar symptoms.

Andy. Your brain is tired. My doctor told me these things help with healing: sleep, exercise, good healthy meals, sleep, ping pong(sort of a joke but not really).

This is what works for me…you may find a different solution: Lots of sleep. Naps and early to bed. And this might be hard for you: a day or two of being disconnected from gadgets/internet/information overload. People have suggested a lot of outdoor activities and I think that helps too…especially if you leave the gadgets at home. Walk. Breathe. Relax. Socialize with friends.

Even super productive people need to refuel.

Good luck!

Ann

By: Tim

Tim — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 17:03:57 +0000

Never underestimate the value of PLAY. When I go out and try to get on a running schedule, I always fail when I’m just pounding the miles, punching a card, following a rigid schedule. Only when I can find ways to play do I keep at it, be those ways creek running, choosing sometimes to bicycle rather than run, or just deciding to jump over that hedge rather than run around it.

By: johnschoppert

johnschoppert — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 05:29:00 +0000

When I’m at the perceived creative bottom, I walk a different way around the neighborhood or ride the bike into a new area. Its amazing what you see for the first time if you just take a time out . . . .and that regenerates.

By: Darthreader

Darthreader — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 01:11:55 +0000

Fascinating article. It is amazing how the subconscience knows what it knows.

By: Andromeda

Andromeda — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 13:09:21 +0000

Yes. I hear you. Maybe we can talk about this in more depth when I have time, like OCTOBER.

Last night I dealt with this by going to bed at 9:30.

By: Alyssa

Alyssa — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 03:42:00 +0000

Is it wrong that I’m happy to read you admit that you’re tired? Whenever I read about a new project you’ve taken on, I think “my God. He’s unstoppable, in the best and most intimidating way.” As far as moving out of the bottom of my productivity parabola, I find that (surprise, surprise) doing something intensely relaxing kick starts my work ethic. Usually, I take this to mean something like an eight-hour Mad Men marathon, but if I’m being honest, that leaves me feeling lethargic. A long bike ride, cooking a really delicious meal, or not looking at my computer for over 4 hours normally does the trick. Looking forward to the survey!