Comment by matt_kantor
1 day ago
> Write each task on a sticky note. When you finish the task, crumple the note into a ball and throw it into a clear jar.
I independently stumbled upon this same system. It sounds like the author takes it further than me (I don't create notes for routine/repeating tasks, and don't break them down so much—in a typical day I only complete around 2-3 notes).
I've used sticky notes for years, but ~6 months ago added the jar (prior to that I just recycled them). It helps to have a visual reminder that I'm making progress over the long term, even if it doesn't feel like it some days.
My current jar is just about full and I've been debating what to do with it. Save it as desk art? Find a bigger jar and transfer the notes? Burn them in a cathartic ritual? I'm open to suggestions.
My gf and I are the stereotypical software nerd meets astrology girlie (but doesn't take it too far). She likes to do rituals every so often and I've found that it does create a moment of reflection that you can use however you like. The last time we were camping she told me she wanted to do one so I bought some of that fire color changing powder (mostly just fine metal shavings of various types) and then glued a bit of that on some paper and made sort of a paper packet and then I had the whole group write on a packet something they wanted to let go of and then we all tossed them into the fire at the same time and the fire changed colors. It was pretty magical and I scored a lot of brownie points! So you could sprinkle some of that into your jar and just toss a handleful into the fire and watch the magic of your productivity ascend to the heavens. Or, you know, just watch physics at work.