Note: This post has been updated with new information and moved to here:
Practical Tips for Productive Living
Written by Marc Chernoff // 42 Comments
Note: This post has been updated with new information and moved to here:
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Toby S. says
thanks
Marc Chernoff says
You’re making incredible progress, Tony. Thank you for the kind remarks. We’re grateful to have you as a student and friend.
Christine says
Your recent emails have been really well aligned with what Iām working to improve in my life. Thanks so much for sharing these ideas and strategies generously with us.
As for me, I let the typical social media distractions you’ve spoken of suck hours of my life every week. I’ve known this for awhile, but it’s time to make a change. So I just deleted the Facebook app off my phone (the social app I check the most), and I’m committed to keeping it off my phone for the next 30 days to see how it goes. And I’ll still allow myself to check Facebook on my computer in the evenings, but I think this will force me to be more international about the time I’m dedicating to this big distraction.
And again, thank you, and keep up the great work, M&A! Your coaching and teachings are making an incredible difference in my life.
Marc Chernoff says
Deleting the “distraction apps” is an excellent idea that works. Angel and I have done this many times in the past too.
Victoria says
š
Kelly says
Thank you Marc and Angel for this article. Rush = Hush.
Time out! Remember time out, when your mom or dad put you there? I do, LOL, I do that today.
I have been practicing setting my intentions for the day. Beginning with thanking God for this day. Then I plan from my heart, prepare from my heart and expect from my heart a truly peaceful day.
How do I give my heart the energy to do this? I take care of me. If I have to take a time out I give myself time out. I look at time out as a gift. Breath in and breath out. Back to center.
Contentment, something worth sharing for sure. Have a good day!!
amy says
yes too much Netflix, and skout (is an online chatting site) way too much of that. and just being online period..
Sathaiah says
Yeah me also using social network more time in every day. I wasted most of time on social network then then how I concentrate my studies?. Time is precious diamond it won’t come back. I will get by in future generation.
joanne barrett says
I worry endlessly. I worry about not doing the right thing. I worry about my children being happy and making the most of their lives.
I worry about the dog! I know “worrying” is useless and I cannot control the people in my life by worrying, yet I find myself distracted with worry. We could throw guilt in the mix too. I am definitely sitting 20 minutes a day and read quite a few helpful book, and share what I learn. I practice letting go of being “right” and “perfect” and in control.
Debra Tasker says
Worry changes nothing.
Worry gets in the way of your joy.
Marianne says
I passively watch the Lifetime Movie channel throughout the day, even sitting in front of movies I’ve already seen more than once. I also take naps to check out of the day and avoid doing something more productive.
Laurie Rothberg says
Honestly, I workout ; swimming and walking… And painting. But, I can’t stop thinking every minute about how I lost someone through their anger and my stupidity. I know it wasn’t destined to last as I was being pushed away. This person lashed out at me over anything at the end.
This was an Internet relationship that started out fun and exciting and went bad. Never even met this person, but the French language and the whole thing did me in. Been over three weeks and I keep reviewing what went wrong.
Trying to meditate too and move on.
Debra Tasker says
This is messed up. You don’t even know if this relationship was based on a real person or a persona created to suck you in.
Invest some time to reevaluate your priorities, values & goals. You need some self love.
Gp Baba says
Respected Marc n Angel….
First time im dropping a comment in my long history of following u via email. I have straightened out the mess in my life by your principle of focusing on the PRESENT time with an unprecedented zeal each day and taking care of what i can do rather than spending days in monologue about the things beyond my control. I know i have a dream. It’s about time to act towards materializing my long cherished dream. Im saving this comment for record. I ll be back after in about two and half years time to your blog sharing my updated status with u and ur valued readers. It is around 6:30 pm Sunday, Sept 4, 2016. Your words of motivation have etched in my minds. Plus i have got print out of your posts to keep me on track as a reminder. Time to walk the talk.
An Inspired follower of your posts
Judith says
This is fantastic! I have supreme confidence in you following your dream. I to print things out and post them and it really helps me. Sending you love and light, judith
Connie Murray says
Too much binge watching tv series on Netflix, while I am recording tv shows on regular tv for later. I watch tv while reading stuff online. I’m retired. But this summer has BEEN THE WORST because I’ve been ill with neck and back pain, a new hiatal hernia, an itchy, bumpy rash that won’t go away since April. It’s really been rough because my middle son estranged with my 14month old grandson from us last year in July on my birthday. I’m a train wreck. Meditating every day along with gardening and walking my dog and yoga,and I fished a lot this summer too. Plus I’m seeing a therapist and I joined the Bahi’i faith this summer.So. I don’t know what else to do. On a lot of meds too. Reading a lot as well. So. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Have a great day. I really look forward to your posts. They help me a lot. Thanks.
Judith says
Even though the story you tell seems to show someone who is struggling, I know that by you being able to talk about your self so truthfully shows you are a strong and powerful person. Lots of love, judith
Gary Hancock says
My distraction is in looking back and seeing Regrets that lead to depression and anger.
This tips any good mood I am in to a negative one. I know it but have a hard time with it.
There has been SO much loss as in Family members, Money, Homes like a tidal wave.
Still started another business to try yet again for something, Hopefully, in a positive direction.
J says
I wast my time worrying what other think of me and how they perceive me. This worrying then trickles into how long it takes me to get dressed, shop, prepare myself for social situations, etc.
Charlotte Orth says
I am guilty of whiling away the hours on facebook and also binge watching Netflix series. I need more of a balance of activity and relaxation.
Jen says
Wise words. Thanks for the great reminder. I’m getting together w family today and will make an effort to be more present. Love your family picture and the chance to see Mac! What a cute little guy! Have a great day.
Suzin says
Yes!
Judith says
When I really want to do this, I turn my phone off. Completely off so that I have to reboot if I want to look at it . I know most moms think they must have their phone on 24/7 but the fact is there are times when you don’t answer your phone and most likely,so far, no one has died. Just sayin’.
Sue says
Catching up with the daily papers. If I don’t read it all, instead of recognising how unimportant most of it is, I leave it until I CAN read it – even if that is week later. Seeing my paper pile by my chair gives me stress! I have now made a decision that if it is not read within a day or so, it goes out unread.
Alle says
Thanks as always
Phae says
My voluntary personal activities and work do NOT give me joy – they fill empty space. I have no spouse or significant other, was never blessed with children, so also no grandkids, elderly parents one in a nursing home for ten years now. So family activities do NOT give me joy – they are a duty. Tried clubs, volunteering, online dating all of which were very stressful and did NOT give me joy. I live in the moment but the moments seem to stretch on endlessly before me.
Debra Tasker says
Keep searching for activities that bring you joy. Even working part-time could bring you a positive social interaction.
You focus on what you don’t have, here. Change your attitude, change your life. Best wishes.
Tanner konrad says
Overthinuking is my time waster, thinking over something till there is not thoughts to be left with it but never coming to conclusions.
Mrunal says
Very nice and helpful emails. Thanks a lot for it.
Amenaghawon Davidson says
THANKS MARC & ANGEL…!!!
Chi Odogwu says
Great and timely article. I passively watch the anime channel throughout the day while working on my business.It sucks my productivity. Now, i’m trying to make sure the last part of the year is better than the first 8 months.
Elva says
Hello to all — probably all of us have spent time worrying about “Why … did I do that, why… did she say such hurtful things……” and on, and on. Examine your heart, your feelings, only long enough to recognize when you have made a mistake. Then, let it go, and move on. Proverbs 3:5,6 says: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding; in all yours ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
For those of you who are not religious, you might try Googling for “The Chambered Nautilus,” a poem by Oliver Wendell Holmes — “Build thee more stately mansions, O my soul….” If the poem appeals to you, perhaps print a copy, and refer to it when you need to be reminded to keep “climbing” up life’s sometimes difficult slopes. Peace and Hope from Elva
Vishal says
Escapism is my biggest distraction. If something is difficult, I switch to social media, the television or something else quickly. By the time I’m bored and decide to return to my task, the enthusiasm is gone.
Thanks for these reminders Marc. Hope the 3 of you had an amazing time š
ALFRED K. MASAI says
“…physically in one place and mentally in another…” this is the problem that disturbs me a lot.
Nikole says
I would have to say the stupid “smart” phone! It distracts everyone. Great article! I am going to make a conscious effort to limit email, texting and web searches while spending one on one time with my husband. I have your book and need to pull it back out! Great timing! Thank you.
jo says
The internet is so useful, yet when I need down time, I spend too much of my time surfing the web and on social media. This article is the most useful to me that Marc and Angel have published. It has some key thoughts and quotes that I will revisit. Thanks.
Cassie says
There sure are many that I need to stop thinking about and doing because I am always too busy and know it’s because I am a machine and can’t sit still I tend to lose myself in not letting myself find who I am. Because I don’t always know who that is. Running away. Lol
Thabo Msibi says
On the dot. I’m gonna write these mantras down so as to have them as part of my every morning ritual. Thank you.
Kim T says
I fill my time with helping other people, friends and co-workers with their overwhelming problems (alcoholism, divorce…) I fall into the trap of “they need me”. Well, my husband and 2 daughters need me too. I have to learn that I can’t fix anything with their lives, and I need to prioritize mine. My daughter (13) was bullied over a social media site on Friday. I don’t know that I could have prevented it, but I am present, and I am “on top” of my family first. No more excuses for why I can’t get anything done. God and Family First are the best priorities I can make. I would be lost without both. Maybe if my friends had their priorities together, I wouldn’t have their problems to distract me. I pass on the daily emails to them frequently. I hope this one helps them too!
Nora says
So grateful for taking the time to read this post for a 2nd time. Coming home today, day 3 of a new job, with my mind swimming. Journaling and then re-reading this post and sitting has helped me to remember my priorities: HP, husband, mentorship, and other family relationships………etc. I can breath and think again!!
Renee says
I’ve been offline for a good while (weeks) and to get back on and see this in my inbox, bliss. Looking forwards to more balance in my life. I learnt so much from this article. Thank you.
Jessa says
Hi Marc and Angel. I’ve been spending way more time in surfing the net than focusing in my studies. You see, I’m currently in my last year of college and the subjects I’m in are so hard that sometimes I feel sick thinking about how hard it is. But what stresses me the most is that even if I’m having a hard time in my studies, I can’t help but check if my bestfriend posted something in social media. I can’t help myself checking there facebook account. It’s like I don’t want to be left out of what they doing right. It’s like I want to know every move they make everyday. I don’t know what to do. ???