About a year ago, I started working independently from home. Being totally in control of my own time & environment really removed all excuses! If I'm not having a good day, it's no one's fault but mine. I found that a steady routine really helped.
Some things that worked for me:
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* same pre-work routine every day (wake, exercise, shower, meditate, walk dog, make coffee)
* start the day with my hardest creative work (2h+ writing): notes.andymatuschak.org/My_morning_wri
* big-chunk working blocks: 7:30-10, 10-noon, 1-4
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* during working blocks, I alternate between 35m focused unitasking and 5m breaks
* no internet until after first block, intentionally-scheduled internet time afterwards
* I usually only take meetings after 4; if I don't have any, I'll do email and little tasks 4-6
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* afternoon is usually execution-oriented for me; morning is usually creative (my focus weakens later in the day)
* I take an intense midday walk (the pup insists!)
More: notes.andymatuschak.org/My_daily_routi
What are some unusual components of your WFH routine?
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Not sure how unusual, but cuddles with the kids before getting out of bed.
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I'm realizing that if there's anything I want to do everyday I have to habit chain it on to my morning routine. So my morning routine is steadily expanding to include a workout, reading, Anki review, Duolingo, and often writing.If I'm not careful it will start to go past morning!
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The chain runneth over.
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These are fantastic. Also you seem like somebody whoβd have a Zettelkasten and now I realize you do! It finally clicked for me on my second try in December and itβs life changing.
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Andy I know this isn't your point but I request more updated pics of your dog
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Shabu is definitely always the point
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Maybe unusual WFH component: in my breaks between work blocks I row π£ while watching 4k nature docs. ππ¨
A rower is great for low-impact cardio bursts. It takes little space when vertical and doesnβt need a motor like a threadmill. Plus I love the sound of water rushing! π
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My SO and I like to coordinate our pomodoros, and at each break we set goals for the next one. I find this adds just the right level of accountability to my deep work. It also helps ensure that each pomodoro is uninterrupted.
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Hi, I like a lot the concept behind your note-taking app. Went over your github account but I couldn't find the source of the web-app, do you have it anywhere available? Also, nice to have the notes in the open, I learned about moki from reading them, thanks for that too!
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Thanks for the kind words. No, itβs not available.









