Every week, we share the shortcuts, workspaces, and productivity tips of our favorite experts.
This week, were going behind the scenes at Lifehacker.
Im Josh Ocampo, and this is how I work.
Take us through a recent workday.
My day starts at night.
At around midnight, Im usually searching for story ideas and Slack them to myself.
(Im a frequent user inr/Politicsandr/Fitness.)
By 9:30, I usually have a good game plan for my day and start researching and writing.
What apps, gadgets, or tools cant you live without?
Rover
Soundprint
Underway
Netvue
Plague, Inc.
PS4
Whats your workspace setup like?
The books you see were sent to our remote editors.
And the sickly plant (named Brian) belongs to our deputy editor Alice.
I can assure you he is thriving now!
Honestly, Im just very grateful to have a work laptop.
Im very happy to have the ability to physically move and still work.
(Its the little things.)
Whats your favorite shortcut or hack?
Take us through an interesting, unusual, or finicky process you have in place at work.
I can develop a one-track mind when Im writing and I think its helpful to get some perspective.
By the time Im back at my desk, I can more clearly edit/decide when things arent making sense.
If Im able to, Ill wait until the next morning to edit something just for more clarity.
Goes without saying, but my editors.
Im very in my head when I write and can be self-critical.
How do you recharge or take a break?
I eat or have more coffee.
Ive also very recently gotten into album/song reaction videos on YouTube.
Ill listen to one while Im struggling with a story or just want a little break.
Outside of work, I take a half-hour nap every day.
What are you currently reading, or what do you recommend?
I very recently re-read Anthony BourdainsKitchen Confidential(which I love) and finished Stephanie DanlersSweetbitter.
Can you share a music playlist youve made, whether for working or elsewhere?
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Nathan Fielder or my cat.
Whats the best advice youve ever received?
Dont tell people that youre willing to work long hours because theyll take advantage of it.
Whats a problem youre still trying to solve?
How little sleep I can survive on without compromising my ability to think rationally.
