Work productivity, time management, organization, tools and tips

In his latest book, Dr. Ned Hallowell gives advice to people living in an ADD world, which would be all of us. The metaphor is apt because Hallowell wrote the very informative and useful Driven to Distraction, about people who actually have ADD (in his practice he's seen many people who believe they have ADD but don't). 

A lot of his suggestions are ones that I already use and have recommended here in this space. Hallowell has interesting takes on some more familiar concepts, though.

One is something he calls “gemmelsmerch” (a made-up word). The word refers to stuff that distracts you from what you want to do or should do. Anything that brings out your inner magpie (attracted to bright, shiny objects).

You're a victim of gemmelsmerch when you're distracted from a TV show you're watching by wondering if there's something better on another station. Or if you get hooked on searching through the archives at www.cuteoverload.com :). His advice (and mine) is to control your environment so that distractions are fewer and to control yourself so you spend your time on the important stuff.

Another cool strategy is to create a positive emotional environment for yourself. He says that when you feel secure and appreciated, you think better. I would also bet that if you're thinking better you're also probably more productive and effective.