Adaptability and resilience

Robert Kiyosaki teaches us that entrepreneurs, like soldiers, must learn and be prepared to adapt to changing circumstances, uncertainty, and challenges, as well as have the ability to recover from failures and setbacks.

Adaptability and resilience are essential qualities that allow entrepreneurs to maintain focus on their long-term vision, even in the face of adversity, such as inevitable military setbacks due to a failed mission or the loss of a business.

When starting a business, one must have the ability to adapt to new strategies, innovate, recover, learn, and persevere.

The leader is a role model

Robert Kiyosaki teaches us through his book “8 Lessons in Military Leadership for Entrepreneurs” that a leader is a role model, since effective leadership is built on example. In this way, Kiyosaki teaches us that both entrepreneurs and military leaders do not only influence the team through directives or regulations, but they must set an example for their team, fostering a sense of respect, loyalty, values, actions, and attitudes that they want their team to adopt.

For example, a sales supervisor cannot demand that his or her salespeople perform well if the supervisor himself or herself doesn’t know how to sell or despises the sales profession. On the other hand, a leader cannot demand that his or her subordinates arrive early if he or she himself or herself is late to every meeting. The important thing here is that we must first deliver, so we can then demand from others.

Working as a team is essential

Robert Kiyosaki teaches us that teamwork is essential to achieve the objectives and goals of the organization, since both in military operations and in business, collaboration among the members of a team is essential to be able to advance and meet the proposed goals and objectives.

Working together as a team fosters innovation, problem-solving, and resilience. It also allows you to maximize strengths and address weaknesses, especially during times of uncertainty or difficulty.

Discipline for a better quality of life

Robert Kiyosaki teaches us that discipline can give us a better quality of life, since both in the military and in business, discipline and concentration generate great benefits in the medium and long term.

Through discipline people can build a structure and purpose that allows them to have greater productivity, focus, confidence and sense of achievement, as discipline allows you to create many habits positives such as staying reflective, planning, managing time, setting clear priorities and sticking to a plan, which is very useful both on a military level and on a personal and professional level.

Understanding the mission

Robert Kiyosaki, through his book “8 Lessons of Military Leadership for Entrepreneurs”, teaches us the importance of understanding the mission, since, like the military, entrepreneurs must know their objectives and goals.

Understanding the mission in business is crucial because it defines the organization’s fundamental purpose and guides all its actions. The mission establishes core objectives and aligns decisions, helping prioritize resources and efforts toward clear goals. It also allows the company’s values and essence to be communicated, distinguishing it from the competition and strengthening its brand.

Another point to consider is that the mission inspires employees, partners, and shareholders, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose. It also aids in coherent decision-making, as it acts as a filter to evaluate opportunities and resolve dilemmas, ensuring consistency in actions.

What do you think about this topic? Do you know of any other lessons Robert Kiyosaki has taught entrepreneurs?

If you have any questions or queries, you can write them below (comments section).

Image by Pexels via Pixabay.com under Creative Commons license.

The post Lessons from the book: “8 Military Leadership Lessons for Entrepreneurs” by Robert Kiyosaki first appeared on Victor Romero.

Many people today struggle to improve their productivity, primarily due to the sheer number of distractions surrounding us, resulting from the accessibility of technology, social media, and microcontent. Below, we’ll share some productivity tips by Albert Einstein.

Take time for reflection

Albert Einstein spent long hours in deep thought, often in solitude, developing his various theories and reflecting on various topics. Albert Einstein greatly valued reflection time, as it was a tool for generating innovative ideas and introspection. This habit allowed him to gain a broader perspective, explore problems from different angles, and find creative solutions.

To implement this habit, we can set aside a moment in our day or week to think uninterrupted. It could be during a walk, an hour in a quiet place in our home, or a free writing session. This time will help us clarify our goals and find solutions to complex problems.

Simplicity

Albert Einstein believed strongly in simplifying the complex, as he famously expressed, “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler”. In terms of productivity, this means eliminating distractions and focusing solely on the essentials. Albert Einstein avoided complicating his routine with unnecessary tasks and prioritized the ideas or problems that truly mattered.

For example, we can identify the most important tasks of our day (those that generate the greatest impact) and eliminate or delegate less relevant or secondary tasks. We can use tools like to-do lists or the two-minute technique to keep our focus on the essentials.

Using curiosity to learn

It’s advisable to use curiosity to learn more, question the status quo, and generate new ideas. For example, Albert Einstein’s curiosity led him to learn about diverse areas and explore new ideas/concepts, which often ended up challenging the limitations or beliefs of the time. This was fundamental to his contributions and discoveries, such as the theory of relativity.

Use your imagination

One of Albert Einstein’s most famous quotes was: “Imagination is more important than knowledge, because knowledge is limited, imagination encompasses the entire world, stimulates progress, and gives rise to evolution”. This quote helps us understand how important imagination was to his philosophy of life.

Thinking outside the box can reveal shortcuts, automation, or more efficient methods, saving time and effort. For example, if we’re stuck on a task or process, we can spend a few minutes brainstorming. Ask ourselves, “What if there were no rules? How would I solve this?” For example, if our workflow is slow, we can imagine how a futuristic company or fictional genius would do it.

It’s important to note that Albert Einstein used visualization to explore physical concepts, such as imagining how space-time would curve. This practice gave him clarity before diving into calculations.

For example, before beginning a task, we can close our eyes and imagine completing it successfully (visualizing the key steps and the final result). For example, if we have to write a report, we can imagine the finished document and how we will feel presenting it. If we have an interview or business meeting, we can imagine ending it successfully.

Time to rest

To increase productivity it is advisable to dedicate time to rest, since if we take the example of Albert Einstein, not everything in his life was work or hyperactivity, since it is known that he dedicated around ten hours a day to rest, which allowed him to have adequate and restful sleep, in addition to dedicating a specific time to take daily walks that allowed him to clear his mind and recharge his mental energy.

What do you think about this topic? Do you know any other productivity tips from Albert Einstein?

If you have any questions or queries, you can write them below (comments section).

The post Five Productivity Tips from Albert Einstein first appeared on Victor Romero.

Topics of interest

In order to start and develop the habit of daily reading, it is advisable to choose topics of interest that really generate satisfaction and enthusiasm, since if topics or genres are chosen that are not of interest to us, this activity can become an “obligation” instead of a moment of enjoyment, learning and pleasure.
Choosing a topic that we are truly passionate about will generate greater commitment, interest, curiosity, and enthusiasm, which will allow the reading habit to be more sustainable and fun.

Create a space for reading

To develop the habit of daily reading, it is advisable to create a space to carry out this activity, since when a special place is chosen to read, a psychological connection is generated with a specific physical space, l or which contributes to reinforcing the habit of reading and facilitates the adoption of this activity just by approaching said place.

It’s recommended that this designated place be comfortable, quiet, and free of distractions, as this provides a greater incentive to start reading and helps us increase our concentration level. For example, reading in the dining room, sitting in an uncomfortable chair surrounded by other family members or other people, isn’t the same as reading in a private room, sitting on a comfortable sofa.

Starts with little reading time

When you want to start a habit, it’s advisable to begin with short routines, such as the two-minute rule (from the book Atomic Habits). In this case, to develop the habit of daily reading, it’s advisable to start with just a few minutes of reading, rather than overwhelming ourselves with the idea of reading for one or two hours on a specific topic.

It is generally advisable to start with a reading time of between 5-10 minutes a day, as it is a more manageable period of time and gives the person greater confidence (in the initial stages), which will allow them to gradually increase this time as the person feels more comfortable.

Another option is to read by page count, for example, instead of reading 10 or 20 pages, we can start by reading 1 or 2 pages; this way, we can overcome the “initial resistance” when starting a reading session.

Set a schedule

It is advisable to establish a defined schedule, which can be adjusted to our daily routine, since in this way we can encourage consistency and turn reading into a daily priority, which will allow us to associate that time of day with the habit of reading.

It is advisable to set a specific time of day to read. For example, at 9 pm or before bedtime, this way we can develop a rhythm that will allow us to develop a solid and lasting reading habit.

Have a book at hand

It is always advisable to have a book at hand, as this way you can take advantage of the free time that arises during the day and turn it into short, enjoyable, and productive reading sessions.
When we talk about having a book on hand, we mean that you can carry a printed book, an e-book, a magazine, or a reading app that you can use to carry out a reading session during a break or while waiting in line.

Technology support

While a “digital diet” may be necessary for many people to increase productivity, we must emphasize that the proper use of technology can be an excellent support for developing the habit of daily reading. This is because technology can help us make reading more accessible and adaptable to our lifestyles and routines.

People can rely on technology, as it allows them to carry practically an entire library in their pocket, making it easier to enjoy a short reading session anytime, anywhere. Through technology, people have access to audiobooks, e-readers, and reading apps, in addition to helping them monitor their progress, receive alerts/reminders, and recommendations for other books related to their topic of interest.

Regarding e-books and reading apps, one of the most recommended is Amazon’s Kindle, which allows you to adjust the background (sepia, gray, or white) and font size. On the other hand, regarding audiobooks, one of the most recommended apps is Audible (also from Amazon).

Reading Club

To develop the habit of daily reading, joining a book club is recommended, as it’s a way to stay motivated and make reading more engaging and social. By joining a book club, people can turn the activity of solitary reading into a shared experience, in addition to generating greater commitment, accountability, motivation, and inspiration about reading.

It’s advisable to join a book club, as people who participate in these groups feel more motivated, especially when they exchange ideas or comment on a specific book, which encourages them to stay more engaged with reading.

What do you think about this topic? Would you like to learn more about how to develop the habit of daily reading?

If you have any questions or queries, you can write them below (comments section).

The post Seven tips to develop the habit of daily reading first appeared on Victor Romero.

Online banking and the democratization of money

Online banking is one of the financial tools that has most influenced the democratization of access to money, as it has allowed a large number of people (who did not have access to traditional banking services) to access better financial services and manage their economic resources effectively and efficiently, allowing them to participate and contribute to the global economy.

Online banking uses cloud-based technology and platforms to eliminate the various barriers that prevent people from accessing efficient financial services. Some of these barriers include geographic location, business hours, lack of physical offices in the city, high operating costs, and demanding requirements, among others.

How Fintech Enables Financial Inclusion

Fintech companies promote financial inclusion in a variety of ways. Below are some examples:

Innovative products

Fintech companies develop a wide range of innovative financial products and services designed to meet the needs of people who are unlikely to have access to traditional financial products or services.

For example, fintech companies design and provide intuitive and secure platforms that allow users to store and manage their money. One example of this is digital wallets, which are ideal for people living in regions with limited banking infrastructure.

Cross-border services

Fintech companies have the ability to offer cross-border services that can meet the needs of users who rely on international financial transactions, giving them the opportunity to participate in the global marketplace.

For example, Fintechs offer the possibility of carrying out cross-border transactions easily and effectively through multi-currency accounts or payment processors, thus benefiting small and medium-sized businesses, independent workers, and teleworkers, since they can offer their products and services (and charge for them) outside their borders.

Greater accessibility

Fintech companies ensure that financial services reach more people, primarily by providing financial tools that operate within online platforms and mobile applications, which can be used by anyone with a smartphone and an internet connection.

For example, Fintechs have taken advantage of the rise of telecommunications and smartphones to develop mobile applications through which customers can access their financial products/services from anywhere and at any time (24/7).

Economical and affordable services

generally offer more affordable and economical financial services, especially compared to traditional banking services. This ensures that financial services are more accessible to everyone and not an elitist or luxury product/service.

For example, Fintech companies offer the opportunity to open accounts without having to maintain a minimum balance and offer personalized services that adapt to the needs of each client, which allows them to eliminate or minimize costs for fees and commissions related to different types of financial operations (transfers, maintenance, currency exchange, among others).

What do you think about this topic? Do you want to learn more about Fintech?

If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact Victor Romero by writing your question below (comments section).

The post Online banking accused of democratizing access to money: How fintech enables financial inclusion? first appeared on Victor Romero.

Traditional banking

When we talk about traditional banking, we are referring to financial institutions that have been offering financial products and services to individuals and businesses for several decades. Typically, these types of financial institutions are authorized to provide their services within a certain region.

The following stand out: loans or credits, savings accounts, current accounts, credit cards, safekeeping of physical assets in safe deposit boxes, among others.

Fintech

When we talk about Fintech, we are referring to a group of companies that use technology to offer financial tools and services that provide solutions at different levels/sectors of the market and the financial system. Fintech provides services directly to users of the financial system and, in turn, offers financial solutions to other entities and traditional banking.

Collaboration between Fintech and traditional banking

In its quest to offer advanced and efficient solutions to meet the changing needs of its customers, traditional banking has been forced to evolve by adopting technology, largely offered by Fintech companies through their innovative tools.

This is because, at present, the needs of clients and users of the financial and commercial system require digitalized processes or online transactions, so they increasingly depend on the use of applications and technological tools to operate in an increasingly fast-paced and interconnected world.

Partnership across the trade finance ecosystem

Due to the rapid evolution and growth of commerce and the financial ecosystem, most companies need to evaluate and test new financial products and services, even if they are comfortable or satisfied with the current service received from traditional banks.

Thus, companies tend to satisfy this need with the services offered by Fintech companies, which offer a wide variety of online platforms and tools tailored to their needs and expectations.

Digitization and automation of financial operations

Fintech, through its various financial solutions, enables the automation and digitalization of all financial processes and operations of a company or organization, thereby minimizing manual work as well as any errors or failures that may arise.

Among the most notable technologies and tools (provided by Fintech companies and adopted by traditional banks) are blockchain technology, cloud computing, distributed ledger technology, and artificial intelligence, which enable more efficient and secure financial transactions.

It’s worth noting that with the continued expansion of Open Banking and Open Finance, fintech and traditional banking will need to work together and collaborate more, creating different solutions that adapt to the sector’s new needs.

Should Fintech and traditional banking compete?

As we saw in our previous article, traditional banking doesn’t necessarily have to compete with fintech companies, as in many cases, the collaboration between these two systems creates a synergy that delivers positive results for end users.

For example, a traditional bank can hire a fintech company to leverage its technology platform and provide better service to its users. Instead of updating or developing a new (its own) technology platform, the traditional bank leverages a pre-existing modern platform (developed by a fintech company).

On the other hand, fintechs sometimes rely on existing financial infrastructure, such as payment networks, banking agreements, permits, and regulations. Collaborating with traditional banks can facilitate fintech´s access to this financial infrastructure and expand their reach and influence.

Another point is the regulatory issue. For example, traditional banks have a long history of risk management and regulatory compliance, a product of several decades of experience. In this case, fintech companies can partner with traditional banks to leverage this experience and address the sector’s regulatory challenges.

What do you think about this topic? Do you think fintech companies and traditional banks should collaborate or compete?

If you have any questions or queries, you can write them below (comments section).

The post The rise of Fintech: Collaboration or competition for traditional banks? first appeared on Victor Romero.

Reading can be practiced in a variety of ways, whether through articles, books, brochures, or even comics, but it always provides a lesson, especially when we find the right material. Below, we’ll explore some of the benefits of daily reading.

Improve vocabulary

Through daily reading, people can significantly improve their vocabulary, since by carrying out this daily practice, people are constantly exposed to new words, expressions, phrases, and also allow correct use of language in different contexts, which is an important factor to strengthen vocabulary and in turn improve a person’s communication skills.

Stimulates lifelong learning

Reading helps stimulate lifelong learning, as it shows people new information and ideas, as well as other perspectives that stimulate the person, keeping the mind active and with a high level of curiosity to continue seeking more knowledge and better understand the world, especially as the capacity for critical thinking increases.

Stimulates brain function

Daily reading helps stimulate brain function, strengthen cognitive function, and stimulate neural pathways. Reading helps the brain stay focused, active, and agile so it can process words, imagine scenarios, and connect ideas, thereby increasing analytical and problem-solving skills.

Expand knowledge

Daily reading expands a person’s knowledge, as it is a practice that exposes individuals to new ideas, different perspectives, other cultures, and a wide variety of information. Each time a person concentrates on a reading session, they are exposed to new concepts that expand their knowledge, which ultimately benefits them for life, as each piece of content adds value to them. Through reading, one can learn about historical events, scientific discoveries, different cultures, or tools for personal growth.

Reduces stress

Daily reading helps reduce stress, as the brain must focus on the content of the reading, taking the mind off everyday worries. When people read content of interest, they have the ability to “immerse” themselves in it, thereby reducing their cortisol (stress hormone) levels. The practice of reading has even been compared to meditation, with similarities noted in its ability to stimulate deep concentration and mental clarity, lower heart rate, and reduce muscle tension.

Helps create written content and improve spelling

Reading helps create written content because it exposes readers to different topics and points of view, which stimulates and inspires them to create their own content. It also teaches us different ways to express our ideas and points of view in written form.

Another benefit of reading is that it helps improve spelling. By reading consistently, you learn certain writing and spelling patterns, which helps you detect writing mistakes and improve your overall spelling.

Helps develop imagination

As we read, we visualize different situations and scenarios, which allows us to develop our overall imagination, which is essential for coming up with new ideas, planning, and innovating in different aspects of our personal and professional lives.

What do you think about this topic? Do you know of any other benefits of daily reading?

If you have any questions or queries, you can write them below (comments section).

The post Accused of not reading? Seven benefits of daily reading first appeared on Victor Romero.

Make it easy

James Clear teaches us that by making things easier, we can become more effective at stopping procrastination, as this can eliminate the “mental resistance” that sometimes prevents us from starting a new task or habit. In this case, by using the Two-Minute Rule, we can turn a large task into smaller, more manageable ones, which can be completed in less than two minutes.

For example, if you want to build the habit of reading, it is better to start by reading just one page, rather than trying to start by reading 5 or 10 pages.

Create small impulses

James Clear teaches us that when we create small impulses, we can stop procrastinating, as it’s the best way to eliminate the feeling of overwhelm we can feel when we’re about to start a larger task. In this way, by applying the Two-Minute Rule, we can start a new habit by executing small actions that serve as “small impulses” that require little effort to execute.

For example, when we want to create the habit of running daily, it is better to start by jogging for 2 minutes and then resting. This way, we will realize that once we are moving, it will be easier to keep going, since it is always more difficult to start.

Facilitates consistency and regularity

The book Atomic Habits teaches us that we must focus on carrying out small tasks or small actions consistently and regularly in order to create lasting habits. By putting the Two-Minute Rule into practice, we can create habits based on small tasks that we can execute little by little, consistently making it easier for us to achieve good results in the long term.

For example, when we want to create the habit of running every afternoon, we must initially commit to “dressing appropriately” to do this activity, in this way, by putting on sportswear, we are taking a small step towards our habit, which will make it easier to do so on a regular basis.

Set small goals and gradually increase the difficulty

James Clear teaches us that to create lasting habits, it’s important to start by setting small goals and gradually increasing the difficulty. Over time, this will allow us to execute tasks naturally, which will allow us to increase the level of difficulty and objectives progressively and naturally.

For example, when we want to start an activity based on perfectionism, we can create a kind of barrier that doesn’t allow us to move forward, which can cause frustration. On the other hand, by executing specific tasks, which are done with small efforts, we will obtain small achievements, which will allow us to advance naturally until we achieve large objectives in the long term.

What do you think about this topic? Do you know another way to stop procrastinating using the two-minute rule?

If you have any questions or queries, you can write them below (comments section).

The post How to Stop Procrastinating Using the Two-Minute Rule (Atomic Habits Book) first appeared on Victor Romero.

However, the growth of e-commerce has been thanks to the use of technology at a financial level, since different online financial tools and platforms have been developed that have made it possible to satisfy the needs of consumers and businesses.

This is where traditional and digital banking come into play, seeking to gain customer loyalty through services that provide the best financial solutions. Below, we’ll explore some key factors that can determine who can win this battle for customers:

Types of processes in financial operations

Today, customers are looking for financial services that allow them to optimize their processes and minimize the time required for their financial transactions, especially given that many commercial and business processes are digitalized. This is where digital banking takes advantage of traditional banking, as most customers seek automated and digitalized services to enter the vast world of global online commerce.

This is because, through digital banking, customers have access to financial tools that make use of technology and offer optimized and secure processes, which minimize possible errors or manual errors, which are more frequent in traditional banking and in manual or face-to-face processes.

This is because digital banking allows customers to access financial tools that leverage technology to offer optimized and secure processes, significantly reducing manual errors or mistakes, which are more common in traditional banking and manual or in-person processes.

Security and financial information

Digital banking can expand its customer base by outperforming traditional banking in the security and financial information game. This is thanks to the fact that digital banking offers financial services that use tools such as blockchain, the cloud, and even artificial intelligence. However, when it comes to financial information, thanks to the expansion of Open Banking, traditional banking has caught up with digital banking, as it has embraced the use of more open or transparent technology and standards to cooperate with automated, direct processing and the efficient use of multiple sources of financial information data to offer better financial products and services.

Asset custody

An important point for clients is asset custody. In this case, both digital and traditional banking offer this service to meet the needs of each client. Clients who operate with fiduciary assets (usually cash) can rely on custody services through safe deposit boxes and certificates, which allow them to safeguard these types of assets.

For its part, digital banking offers customers custody services for digital assets, such as cryptocurrencies, digital currencies, smart contracts, or non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Many financial institutions (which are part of digital banking) even offer custody services for fiduciary assets similar to traditional banking.

User experience

When we talk about user experience, digital banking generally tends to offer a better experience to customers, especially when compared to traditional banking, since for some people it can be a cumbersome process to go to a physical branch of a traditional bank, especially to be able to make a deposit, withdrawal or some type of transfer.

Through digital banking, customers can carry out any type of transaction quickly and easily, as digital banking features platforms and applications designed to facilitate and optimize financial operations, offering a more satisfying experience for the end user.

On the other hand, traditional banking is highly valued by people who want to receive in-person service, which can be an effective tool in certain situations requiring human contact and more personalized service.

It’s important to note that in recent years, traditional banks have been implementing technology into their financial services, allowing them to offer new solutions and a better user experience to their customers as they have expanded their physical presence and improved their online service.

Should digital banking and traditional banking compete?

It’s important to emphasize that traditional banking doesn’t necessarily have to compete with digital banking, as in many cases, the collaboration between these two systems creates a synergy that delivers positive results for end customers. Below are some examples of collaboration between Fintech and traditional banks:

– Technological leverage: This is perhaps the best-known type of collaboration when a traditional bank hires a fintech to leverage its technological platform and provide better service to its users. Instead of renewing or developing a new technological platform (its own), it leverages a pre-existing modern platform (developed by a fintech).

– Financial Infrastructure: Fintechs sometimes rely on existing financial infrastructure, such as payment networks, banking agreements, permits, and regulations. Collaborating with traditional banks can facilitate fintech access to this financial infrastructure and expand its reach and influence.

– Risk management and regulatory compliance: Traditional banks have a long history of risk management and regulatory compliance, a product of decades of experience. In this case, fintechs can partner with traditional banks to leverage this expertise and address the sector’s regulatory challenges.

What do you think about this topic? Do you know of any other features that digital and traditional banking offer that satisfy their customers?

If you have any questions or queries, you can write them below (comments section).

The post Digital Banking vs. Traditional Banking: Who Will Win the Battle for Customers? first appeared on Victor Romero.

Why use a stopwatch and planner to be more productive?

While there are many online tools for time management (software, mobile apps, desktop programs, etc.), traditional tools allow for greater focus because they are free of distractions, allowing us to be more productive. For example, if we use a mobile app, we may see a notification (from social media or an instant messaging program) when using our phone that distracts or blurs our focus. However, with a physical planner, the distraction is minimal because it doesn’t require interacting with electronic devices or using the internet.

Benefits of using a stopwatch and a calendar

It is important to use a stopwatch and a physical planner in combination, especially to increase productivity, as they allow for the creation of a balanced system (free from distractions) that allows us to have precise control over time and an effective and flexible structuring of activities.

Chronometer

Using a stopwatch helps us become more aware of the time we can dedicate to each task, which allows us to be more productive and avoid extending the time established for a specific activity.

By timing tasks, the level of concentration or focus can be increased, since by setting time limits, the person is stimulated to work in a concentrated manner and with a certain degree of urgency, which is a perfect “catalyst” to carry out tasks in a certain period of time, which is essential to meet our goals and objectives, especially in the medium and long term.

While many activities are managed in 45- or 60-minute chunks, there are some techniques that use shorter periods. An example is the Pomodoro technique, a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo in the 1980s (its name comes from a tomato-shaped kitchen timer), which Cirillo used while a student. The main idea is to divide work into focused intervals, usually 25 minutes long, separated by short breaks (5 minutes), which helps keep the mind fresh and avoid fatigue.

Agenda

Using a planner helps us create a “road map” or written record that establishes the different tasks or activities to be performed during a day or week, with their respective priority level and execution time. This way, we can carry out a series of tasks based on a structured plan that will help us organize our time, which is essential to achieving our medium- and long-term goals.

One of the great advantages of physical planners is that they don’t depend on batteries, internet, or electronic devices. A physical planner is always ready, whether in a power outage or in a location with no signal, making it reliable and practical, and also contributing to a digital diet or disconnection.

Combination of a stopwatch and a calendar

By using the combination of a stopwatch and an agenda, we can generate time records and compare them with the planning established in the agenda. This practice allows us to carry out a thorough review and then make the necessary adjustments to improve our performance and effectiveness.

Lists or materials that represent activities carried out

Another physical productivity technique (which can be complemented by the use of a stopwatch and diary) is the use of a list of activities, which we can “cross off” as we do them. We can also use different materials to represent activities. For example, if we have to make 20 sales calls in one afternoon, we can place 20 paper clips or marbles in a glass and as we make those calls, we pass those paper clips or marbles into another glass.

Weekly planning in the agenda

It’s important to plan (in a planner) all of our daily and weekly activities. For example, every Sunday night, we can dedicate an hour to planning our entire week, specifying the activities we’ll do and the rest times. Another time to do this planning is on Monday (at the beginning of the week).

When viewing by distributing our activities across physical pages (in a planner), we’ll have a clearer view of our week. This makes it easier to prioritize tasks and detect overloads before they become a problem.

What do you think about this topic? Do you know of any other ways to plan our weekly activities to be more productive?

If you have any questions or queries, you can write them below (comments section).

The post Stopwatch and Agenda on Trial: How to Plan Our Weekly and Daily Activities first appeared on Victor Romero.

Disciplined and structured routine

Albert Einstein had a disciplined routine and structure, which consisted of following a detailed schedule that started all his activities, from the first hours of the day until before going to sleep, which allowed him to be more productive in his work and make the most of his time.

For example, by planning our week and allocating a specific time to carry out a task consistently (without interruptions or distractions), we can be more productive and efficient, which will allow us to achieve our goals and objectives faster.

Time for walks

Although Einstein devoted a lot of time to his work, he was aware that he needed to take time to disconnect and go for walks. For this reason, he took a long walk every day. This habit helped him find time to clear his mind, generate new ideas, debate with other colleagues, and increase his productivity and creativity.

For example, when we have a problem and we are stressed because we cannot solve it, we can dedicate some time to go to the gym, walk or jog, which can create a space that allows us to clear our minds and generate new ideas/perspectives or simply talk with other people, which will allow us to find solutions to our problems or challenges.

Simplicity

Simplicity was a habit that Albert Einstein adopted and transformed into their lifestyle, as it was a way to avoid distractions, allowing them to focus on the tasks that really seemed most relevant or important.

An example of simplicity in Albert Einstein’s life was his approach to clothing. Einstein was known for maintaining an extremely simple and functional wardrobe: he chose to wear similar or identical outfits every day, thus avoiding the need to spend time or mental energy choosing what to wear. This habit reflected his philosophy of eliminating unnecessary decisions in order to focus on what truly mattered: his ideas and theories.

Dream

Sleep was a very important habit for Albert Einstein’s productivity, as he believed that sleeping well was essential to maintaining a high level of creativity and mental acuity. Einstein dedicated approximately 10 hours to sleep each night, in addition to taking a few naps during the day. In this way, he achieved physical and mental well-being, which helped him to be more productive, patient, and efficient.

For example, when a person has good sleeping habits, they can rest and recover both physically and mentally, which is essential for our brain to function properly, increase its capacity to store and process information, and have more patience, which will help us increase our level of creativity and productivity, allowing us to achieve our goals and objectives.

Time for other recreational activities

Albert Einstein dedicated time to relaxation and music, as he was skilled at playing the violin. Music was fundamental in creating a balance between his work and creativity, as through music, Einstein was able to disconnect from his work, but at the same time, it became an important stimulus for his creativity and the development of new, innovative ideas.

Practicing a hobby or pastime can help us mentally, as a hobby promotes relaxation and reduces stress. Spending time on a pleasurable activity helps us disconnect from daily professional pressures and recharge our batteries.

Many hobbies, such as painting, playing an instrument, or solving puzzles, stimulate the brain differently than routine work. It can also boost self-esteem, as mastering a skill or completing a personal project provides a sense of accomplishment and self-realization.

What do you think about this topic? Do you know any other habits Albert Einstein used to improve productivity?

If you have any questions or queries, you can write them below (comments section).

Image by Al Aumuller via Wikimedia.org under Creative Commons license.

The post Albert Einstein’s Five Habits to Be More Productive first appeared on Victor Romero.