a framework to feel more productive
the 4 quarter framework
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After addressing my grievances with Online Productivity Gurus (“OPGs”), I thought it wise to make something clear.
While I disdain OPGs idolatry of productivity at all costs and on their own terms, I still want to be productive. As I’ve written before, I just want productivity that’s about playing the long game, celebrating small wins, and leaning into steady growth. Productivity that is human.
In this spirit, I’d like to share one of my favorite tips to feel more productive as the end of the day.
I call it the 4 Quarter Framework.
In this framework, I divide my day into 4 quarters.
Quarter 1 is early morning. It starts when I wake up and ends when I start my workday. Quarter 2 is the start of my workday till lunch. Quarter 3 is my workday after lunch. Quarter 4 is the rest of the day.
The goal is to “win” 2 quarters a day and winning looks different for each one.
Q1 is all about my morning routine. If I wake up with enough time for reading and writing, it’s a win.
Q2 & Q3 are dependent on my workday. If I have the meetings I need to have and get the tasks done that are needed, they’re a win.
Q4 is about enjoyment and chores. This varies wildly but as long as I’m present with my family or getting out the chores I need to, it’s a win.
All I need is to win 2 quarters to win the day.
If I have a great morning of reading, writing, and meetings then it doesn’t matter if the rest of my day goes off the rails.
If I fail at Q1, sleeping through my alarm then dropping off my daughter at daycare with just enough time to make it to my first meeting, that’s ok. I have 3 more quarters to still have a great day.
The secret of this framework is that it makes the scorecard highly achievable so my chances of feeling productive are maximized. It leaves plenty of room for error and humanity.
The 4 Quarter Framework reminds me that a good day doesn’t require a flawless day.
You just need a couple of wins.
That’s what makes this framework feel so freeing. It gives me permission to recover.
A failed morning doesn’t have to become a failed day. A chaotic afternoon doesn’t erase the good that came before it.
There’s always another quarter.
Give the 4 Quarter Framework a try and let me know how it goes!
Love this. I do something similar, but with a "done for day" list of 3 essential things (i.e. the 3 things I want to focus on / get done, to consider it a great day). I write them down in the journal every night before bed, then return to them the next night and put a check next to each one that got done.
If 2 out of 3 are checked, it was an excellent day. 3 for 3 is just a bonus.