Schemes, Tonics, and Snake Oil

Over the last few years, I’ve become utterly addicted to productivity articles. Anything with a juicy title like “Double your productivity…” or “How I grew my business overnight…” would receive an anxious click from me. As I waited to delve into the deluge of secrets the author implicitly promised to deliver in that linked-baited phrase, I’d ponder how effectively I too could install these practices into my daily life and thusly reap the benefits.

I’d even approach their more conservative brethren with the same zealous insatiability. Observations that there’s no “quick fix” for productivity, and assertions that success requires a constant level-headed approach were drank in with the very same gluttonous appetite.

I get the feeling that these articles are written to be read, more so than they are to be used. Classic link-bait, and I fall for it every time. It all sonds good, but when you try and implement the ideas contained within, things fall apart.

The Mood Method actually works in real life.

During this self-imposed productivity binge, I’ve developed my own philosophy that’s both increased my daily output, and decreased my anxiety on the subject. It’s made me a much more productive, happy person.