Photo: D. Paul Graham, “All in a Maze Work”, Austin Texas, 2022

“Monday 5 Things”™ …..  Productive…..

We’ve almost finished the ninety days of Q1 for this year. Ninety-days that have been a very busy start to the year, but I’m not sure I’ve had a productive start to the year. As I tried to finish this week’s missive, I found myself going down various Google rabbit holes, and took some time to read some quotes and notes that I’ve kept over the years. All in the name of “research”. More honestly revealed as procrastination. In this M5T redux refined, here are a few ways some of the worlds’ best and brightest adopted to keep their days productive.

1. It’s a breeze.

It is said that Benjamin Franklin took an air bath each morning to set the tone for his day. Yup… butt naked for an hour in front of an open window each and every day, rain or shine, summer or winter. I suggest checking with your neighbors first before attempting this one. As Robin Williams’ character Parry said in the Fisher King, “Let the little guys run free!”

2. Hitting the right note.

Igor Stravinskystood on his head between his time spent composing symphonies. Although, that might be hard to explain in your office. Pianist Glenn Gould fasted on days when he had a studio recording. Yeah, that one doesn’t work for me. Numerous illegal substances have been used by certain musical geniuses over the years, but, for the record, M5T cannot support anything stronger than coffee or Red Bull in your quest for increased productivity.

3. Take a page from authors.

Anne Rice wrote “Interview with a Vampire” while working all night and sleeping all day. She said it gave her better perspective on her dark characters. Maya Angelou couldn’t write in a well-designed room. The poet preferred to write in plain, down-trodden motel rooms and waiting rooms. Ernest Hemingway, Charles Dickens, and Lewis Carroll, all wrote standing up. Mark Twain, George Orwell, and Truman Capote often wrote in bed to make their time writing more productive. If any M5Ters have success with this one, please let us know.

4. These boots are made for walking.

Aristotle, Dickens, Steve Jobs, Zuckerberg, Nelson Mandela, and Ghandi all were famous for their walks and often used this time for serious thought and meetings with others. Studies suggest that we spend over 9 hours every day on our gluteus maximus. In other words, find some time to get off your butt.

5.  Some quick ZZZ’s.

Thomas Edison,Leonardo DaVinci, Churchill, JFK, Napoleon, Ronald Regan, and John Rockefeller were nappers. It is said they all slept four hours or less each night and were unabashed in their afternoon time-outs for power naps. Studies have shown that a good nap will boost your memory, cognitive skills, creativity, and energy level much more than a double shot of espresso in your venti latte. If you call and get my voicemail around 1:00 pm, I just might be working on boosting my energy and creativity for the balance of the day with a nap.

Here’s to a week of finding those things that make your days more productive.

© 2023 D. Paul Graham, all rights reserved.

M5T is now on South Magazine… Read it here…..

For over 11 years, D. Paul Graham has published “Monday 5 Things” ™, also known to readers as M5T. You can reach Paul by email at dpg@imagegraham.com