Every week, we share the shortcuts, workspaces, and productivity tips of our favorite experts.
Today, we’ll get a rare glimpse of a wild Lifehacker writer.
you’re free to hardly call it a computer anymore… ## What apps/software/tools can’t you live without?
I need at least one Windows machine at all times.
Windows just gets me.
I really digHabitRPGfor tracking how awesome (or lame) I am, andIneedSpotify in my life.
I listen to music while I drive, when I walk, and while I work (sometimes).
What’s your workspace setup like?
I have other bookshelves throughout my apartment that hold most of my other books.
It’s a good space to keep the things I’m currently working on.
What’s your best time-saving shortcut/life hack?
Just start doingwhatever it is it’s crucial that you get done.
Even if you promise yourself that you will only do it for a couple minutes.
If you want to save yourself time, suck it up, bite the bullet, and start.
I’ve always had a Nike attitude toward things: Just do it.
What’s your favorite to-do list manager?
I’ve even written myself notes to remind myself to drink water after a night of drinking.
You’d be amazed how much more you want to write when you are using your favorite tools.
I’ve always been a pen and paper kind of guy.
Besides your phone and computer, what gadget can’t you live without and why?
My iPad (4th generation).
I use it to read articles on the web when I wake up in the morning.
I look for stuff I can write about while I’m groggy and still waking up.
I also do mostnot allof my comic book reading on my iPad.
I also really enjoy my Kindle, though I want to upgrade it to a paperwhite model soon.
I currently have an original Kindle Touch and it is yucky.
For coffee, I use a simple French press with freshly ground beans, usually Kenyan.
What everyday thing are you better at than everyone else?
What’s your secret?
I’m a chameleon.
Besides, I’d rather be a multi-tool than a hammer.
I know just enough about everything that I could do well almost anywhere.
What do you listen to while you work?
It usually depends on my mood.
If I feel a little zoned out, I prefer silence.
What are you currently reading?
Comic-wise, I’m readingSagaandLocke & Key.
Are you more of an introvert or an extrovert?
Introvertuntil I’ve had time to get a good read of you.
Over time I just become that goofy guy you know, Patrick.
It’s sort of like running the Patrick OS in Safe Mode (with Networking Enabled).
What’s your sleep routine like?
I value my sleep highly and I grab it whenever I’m able to.
I am usually in bed by 11 or 12, either reading or watching Netflix.
And by “watching” I mean falling asleep to a show I’ve watched a million times already.
Fill in the blank: I’d love to see _______ answer these same questions.
I think I’ll ask him.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
I like baseball, so I think baseball metaphors are great.
Not every swing of the bat has to be a home run for you to move forward.
Have someone you want to see featured, or questions you think we should ask?
