As an independent worker, I’m learning to be the manager, technician and boss of Dave, Inc. The most important lesson I’ve learned is to never sit down in front of the computer without a list of what must be done.
Approaching the work day without a list of observable, clearly-defined actions creates one of two scenarios. Either you’ll attend to every distraction that pops into your mind and make insignificant progress on many projects or you’ll spend an inordinate amount of time on a project that’s less critical than others.
Every night between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM, I review my projects lists and pick the three mission-critical tasks that MUST be completed on the following day. Then I gather 5-6 other tasks that can wait a day but would be the icing on the cake if completed within 24 hours.
I then take a pen and a notebook and write them down. This simple practice reduces my anxiety tremendously, lets me sleep and gives me direction in the morning. When it’s 12:00 noon and I’ve completed all three critical tasks, I feel fantastic.
October 1, 2008 was my first day without a full time job since May 30th, 1994. Twelve months later I’m celebrating one year of generating my own work by thanking the people who have helped along the way.
More than anyone, Bev Ryle was crucial to my transition from having a job to generating work. Just weeks before our first meeting, my employer of 15 years announced that business would cease within six months. It only took two. More than 110 of us lost our jobs. I was in panic mode.
Bev taught me the difference between having a job and creating work, and how to simultaneously make a living and enjoy life. Even more than that, she gave me direction and confidence, and continues to act as my mentor. I recommend that anyone facing a similar transition get her book.
After a few meetings with Bev, I thought I could make a run of blogging and helping others do the same. Around that time, I used Twitter to find other geeks on Cape Cod. Leslie was among the first people I met. She introduced me to others in the field, got my name out there and helped me make relationships that I’ve come to rely on today, all without provocation or personal gain. I’ll always appreciate her generosity.
In short – my TUAW family, past and present. First, C.K. for editing me ruthlessly way back when we were still owned by Jason. My writing improved tremendously under C.K.’s red pen.
Victor suggested that I fill the co-lead spot that Scott left, and I’ll be forever grateful. Scott’s direction was instrumental in making TUAW the leading source of Apple news that it is, and I was humbled to fill his shoes. Thanks to Vic for having confidence in me.
Mike and Christina have been tremendous co-workers. Mike’s thoughtful approach to the blog is a compliment to my knee-jerk impulsiveness, which I appreciate (like the time he edited my email address out of a screenshot. Thanks, Mike!). Christina’s enthusiasm for blogging helped me through all of those “what the hell do I think I’m doing?” moments. Yes, pro blogging is a legitimate way to make a living.
Not only is Chris a good friend, but his willingness to share his skills and knowledge with a newbie like me atypical. In a way we’re after the same clients on this small spit of sand, yet Chris is more than happy to share what he knows with me. In the past few months we’ve started working together to great mutual benefit.
Whether it’s a bitch session, professional support, paid gigs or an opportunity to hoist a few, the neighborhood geeks offer selfless support, and I appreciate it.
My family
Imagine this scenario: You’re got two kids under 7, two car payments and a mortgage. Your spouse unexpectedly became unemployed and after a bout of depression and then panic, announced that self-employment (during our country’s worst economic crisis since the Great Depression) was the answer.
That’s exactly what my wife agreed to.
Her support is the greatest thing in my life. Without her, I’d be living in a box in the park. I definitely married the right girl.
I’ve got some new things on the horizon that I’ll announce soon. For now, here’s a huge thank you to all of my friends. Watch for part 2 in October of 2010.
“Search Engine Optimization is not a legitimate form of marketing. It should not be undertaken by people with brains or souls. If someone charges you for SEO, you have been conned.
Worse than the hackers are the competent journalists and site creators that are making legitimate content online, but get seduced by the SEO dark side into thinking they need to create content for Google instead of for their readers. It dumbs-down the content, which turns off your real audience, which ultimately makes you less valuable to advertisers … Remember this: It’s not your job to create content for Google. it’s their job to find the best of the web for their results. Your audience is your readers, not Google’s algorithm.”
Unless you start your day with a Ritalin smoothie, forget GTD. Here are the three simple things I’ve done to send my productivity through the roof. Zero hours of pre-requisite reading required.
Each evening, write down (on paper) the 3 tasks that must be completed on the following day.
Wake up 90 minutes earlier than usual and start on task #1. Typically I can finish it in that time.
Check email at 9:00 AM, then leave it alone until 2:00 PM. NO Twitter before 2:00.
For the past two weeks, I’ve been completing my three mandatory tasks by 3:00. It feels great.
One of the best Christmas gifts I’ve received was a K-Tel record that included “Cars” by Gary Numan. I played it over and over at my (patient) grandmother’s house. It’s a killer song.
Speaking of killer music, Trent Reznor is as relevant as he was 20 years ago, and this performance demonstrates why. Writing music is intensely personal, but Trent shares himself with artists (here, here and here) and fans (here, here and here).
