Could Time-Tracking Change Your Life And Make You More Productive? I Tried It Out

Hey,

I hope you’re well and haven’t been too inundated with pitches after your tweet! I just wanted to throw you an idea for the Better Living series, if you were still looking.

As I’m typing this email to you, I’m tracking my time. I expect it’ll probably take me about half an hour, as I know that’s typically how long it takes me to send a pitch. I know because I’ve been using a free time tracking app for years. Time tracking might have got a bad rep from lawyers forced to log their loo breaks and journalists tied to their desks, but for me it’s the only productivity hack that’s ever stuck.

I’d love to write about what I’ve learnt over the last few years. It might sound simple, but time tracking has taught me how long it takes to get things done. I’m now empowered to say no to work that doesn’t fit in. I know my limits and can manage my expectations of my productivity. I know that eight hours at a desk definitely doesn’t mean eight hours of solid work – so it’s alright to take a break. I know the difference between what is a slog and what feels like a slog. Put simply, it’s changed what I define as work.

I’d love to write about this for better living, as well as pulling in some expert advice and other case studies to talk through the practicalities, software and recommendations for making it work.

Do just shout if of interest!