A Fresh Approach to Productivity: Starting Young

For years, I’ve been asked to bring the principles of Less Doing to students. As a parent now experiencing the chaos of school systems firsthand, I see how vital this work is. Schools often miss the mark when it comes to teaching executive function and productivity. Many of us adults can attest: we were handed tools like email or to-do lists without proper instruction, leading to decades of inefficiency and frustration.

Imagine if middle schoolers—still shaping their habits—could learn to master these tools now. That’s my goal.

Kanban Boards for Clarity

Recently, I introduced my son to the Kanban system. Overwhelmed by homework, we broke tasks into To Do, Doing, Done. He took ownership of his tasks, saw his progress visually, and felt the stress melt away. This method, simple yet transformative, is something I wish every kid could learn.

Breaking Big Projects into Bite-Sized Chunks

We tackled a larger project by breaking it into 15-minute chunks. Instead of drowning in the enormity of it, my son could focus on manageable pieces. It’s a twist on the Pomodoro Technique, but kid-friendly and approachable.

The OAO Framework for Students

I’m designing a curriculum to teach middle schoolers the essentials:

• Optimize: Focus on what truly matters.
• Automate: Use tools like IFTTT for small daily wins.
• Outsource: Reframe AI as a partner, not a shortcut.

Teaching them concepts like the External Brain (capturing ideas for clarity) or the Three D’s (Decide, Delegate, Delete) isn’t just about school success—it’s about life readiness.

AI: The New Email

If email is our generation’s productivity challenge, AI will be theirs. Schools often approach it with fear and misinformation. I aim to demystify AI, showing how tools like Magic To-Do or ChatGPT can enhance, not replace, their creativity and problem-solving.

The Big Picture

The response to this initiative has been incredible. Parents and educators alike see the value of empowering kids with these skills early. Whether through platforms like OutSchool or community workshops, I’m excited to scale this idea. If you know a middle schooler—or a parent—who’d benefit, let me know. Let’s equip the next generation with the tools to do less and live more.

Interested in this middle school productivity program? Drop me a line—let’s make it happen!

P.S. Whenever you’re ready... here are 4 ways I can help you optimize and grow your business:

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