Graham Allcott

So one key productivity lesson is to learn to be a bit kinder to yourself.

The science bit is in the organizational structures, the use of tools and technology

So we’re going to begin this book at the beginning. You can’t manage time. There’s no point trying. What you can manage is your attention, and it’s an even more subtle skill to learn.

Pay attention. Wisely. Time might be spent, but attention still needs to be paid. Look after this currency, as it’s the most valuable currency in the world

the ability to be present, in the moment, focusing your attention only on the one thing you want to focus it on. Most people experience this fleetingly, usually in moments where you’re up against a deadline and that deadline means you forget your hunger, you forget the other 10,000 things you could be doing at that moment and you’re 100 per cent engaged in the work.

and we know what children need: protection, nurturing, motivation, food, teaching, safety, to be listened to, to be treated as an individual and to be free from stress

The truth is so many people are quick to beat themselves up when things don’t go their way, but a cycle of ‘stress, lower productivity, more stress, even lower productivity’ isn’t good for anyone.

So list three simple steps that you’re going to take that will allow you to be kinder to yourself. It could be as simple as leaving the office on time every day this week, booking your next holiday, treating yourself to a relaxing, full-hour lunch break, having a massage or even just vowing to stop checking your emails when you’re not in the office.

but it’s vital that we develop an awareness of the relationship between attention level and the complexity of our work.

Physical activity and good nutrition go a long way to keeping you at your best for longer