Every week, we share the shortcuts, workspaces, and productivity tips of our favorite experts.
Today youll go behind the scenes with me.
Im Patrick, and this is how I pretend to work.
Whats your best time-saving shortcut or life hack?
Second, I make tomorrow lists.
You cant get everything done in one day.
Well, you’ve got the option to, but youd be miserableand screw that.
Whats your favorite to-do list manager?
Also my handyMead, 3 Subject, College Ruled, Spiral Notebookthat always has aPilot G2attached.
Pencil is for math, sketching, and for those who have little confidence in what they write.
Whats your workspace setup like?
Yes, sometimes Im one ofthosepeople.
Besides your phone and computer, what gadget cant you live without and why?
Honestly, I could live just fine without most of my gadgets.
I stopped using my Kindle for books because I missed the way books felt in my hands.
I find I actually read more when I can see the physical book sitting on my shelf or nightstand.
What everyday thing are you better at than everyone else?
Communicating and connecting with people.
I know how to hold a conversation, make people feel heard, and express myself clearly.
A little empathy and acceptance.
Imagine what makeseveryonetick, what theyre feeling, and what a day is like in their shoes.
Ask them about themselves,make them an expert, and actually give a shit about what theyre saying.
What do you listen to while you work?
Got a favorite playlist?
I would be lost without Spotify.
Indie pop for driving/walking around.
Hip hop or EDM while Im running/working out.
Classics and 80s pop while Im doing chores/busy work.
Folk and soft indie for relaxing times.
Chill electronica (usually without words) while Im writing, or good ol fashioned silence.
Heres my current work playlist:
Im also a huge fan of working with ambient sounds.
Noisli is mygo-to for babbling brooks and thunderstorms.
What are you currently reading?
How do you recharge?
Whats your sleep routine like?
Im a night owl and practically force myself to sleep every night.
Im very interested in trying a sunrise alarm to see if that helps.
Fill in the blank: Id love to see _________ answer these same questions.
Whats the best advice youve ever received?
Stoic philosophy is my favorite source for advice and life lessons, especially Marcus AureliussMeditations.
I particularly like anything that suggests lifes hardships can be conquered with a little mind over matter.
Heres a brief taste:
You have power over your mind - not outside events.
Realize this, and you will find strength.
I thinkMeditationsshould be required reading in schools.
If you havent read it yet,go grab yourself a free copy.
Is there anything else youd like to add that might be interesting to readers and fans?
I help produce and play in aDungeons & Dragonsbased YouTube series called THRESHOLD.Check it outif you like tabletop RPGs.
Have someone you want to see featured, or questions you think we should ask?
