Unlocking Productivity for the Next Generation
Dec 04, 2024 5:02 pm
Good morning!
This week, I’m thrilled to share a project close to my heart: the Less Doing for Students Program. Whether you have middle schoolers in your life or not, this framework offers an insightful approach to decision-making, time management, and accountability.
As a parent of two sixth graders and a seventh grader, I know firsthand how traditional tools like email don't resonate with today’s kids. Many don’t even use it! But the core productivity principles—like making smart decisions and managing time—are more relevant than ever. The challenge? Teaching these concepts in a way that sticks.
A Calendar-Centric Method
The calendar will be our central teaching tool, evolving beyond its basic scheduling purpose. Students will use it to:
- Identify and track their schedules.
- Time block for focused work sessions.
- Discover their peak productivity periods (e.g., math homework at 4 PM but creative writing at 7 PM).
This isn’t about procrastination—it’s about deferring tasks strategically to ensure quality output.
Building Accountability with Kanban
We’ll also introduce Kanban boards through tools like Trello and even paper versions. This system helps students:
- Plan their tasks visually.
- Stay on track with what’s in progress.
- Maintain focus, even after interruptions.
Mastering Decision-Making
Through the lens of the “Three Ds” (Do, Defer, Delegate), students will:
- Recognize the best time and method to tackle tasks.
- Build decision-making muscles applicable far beyond school projects.
- Estimate how long tasks will take, refining their efficiency.
Problem-Solving with the Five Whys
Finally, we’ll explore the Five Whys Method, a simple yet powerful tool to uncover the root cause of challenges and implement lasting solutions.
The pilot program will consist of three 45-minute Zoom sessions, with pre-work and homework to cement the lessons. If successful, I’ll expand it further. Imagine empowering kids with tools that not only boost their academic performance but set them up for a lifetime of success.
This journey is an evolution of everything I’ve shared about optimizing, automating, and outsourcing. It’s about fostering independence and confidence, even in middle school.
As always, make it an effective day!
P.S. Whenever you’re ready... here are 4 ways I can help you optimize and grow your business:
Grab a copy of my books
- Less Doing, More Living: It’s the roadmap to optimizing your life and business. — Click Here
- On Productivity: Learn the strategies to become more productive and efficient. — Click Here
Join the Less Doing Lab
- Connect with like-minded individuals and get access to my weekly Voxer broadcasts where I share the latest tips, experiences, and stories for just $100 per year. — Join Now
Take my Courses
- Overwhelmology: Learn how to manage overwhelm and increase productivity. — Enroll Here
- The Replaceable Founder: Discover how to build a business that thrives without you. — Enroll Here
Work with me and my team privately
- If you’d like personalized guidance to take your business to the next level, join the Outliers, my 1:1 coaching program delivered exclusively on Voxer. Just reply to this email with the word “Private,” tell me a little about your business and what you’d like to work on together, and I’ll get you all the details.