Every week, we share the shortcuts, workspaces, and productivity tips of our favorite experts.
This week, were going behind the scenes at Lifehacker.
Im Virginia K. Smith, and this is how I work.
Well if were taking it way back, my background is in classical music.
I think Ive been very lucky swinging from vine to vine, job-wise.
So staying open to new or varied options has been a huge help.
Take us through a recent workday.
I tend to block off the first couple of hours of the day for that.
What apps, gadgets, or tools cant you live without?
Having a Pleasant Morning is really important to me, in case thats not already obvious.
Other than that Im not big on gadgets.
I just got Airpods and I mostly like them (they were a gift!).
told me to start using for various shopping and to-do lists.
I also likeLive Awakefor guided meditations, and recently re-downloadedDuolingoto brush up on French before a trip next summer.
Whats your workspace setup like?
Pretty basic, and not in any way intentional.
Whats your best shortcut or life hack?
My faithful friendSlackbotreally keeps me in line.
And the GMG Union (and by extension, the Writers Guild of America East)!
I couldnt be more grateful or proud to be at a unionized company.
Its hard to imagine doing this job with a team that was less tuned-in and communicative than ours.
I really feel lucky to have them, all the time.
How do you keep track of what you have to do?
I have a Google Doc called To Do where I list out….what I have to do.
Also, the aforementioned Slackbot reminders, and even the occasional Google Calendar reminder.
How do you recharge or take a break?
I also am trying to be more thoughtful about staying the hell off the internet during my off hours.
Whats your favorite side project?
I dont really have side projects, tbh!
I have stopped feeling bad about this.
Living well is my side project.
What are you currently reading, or what do you recommend?
I cant say enough good things about it.
Also, you didnt ask this, but I have TV recommendations!
I need more people to talk to about this masterpiece of a show.
I beg of you, start watching it.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
The editors-in-chief of the other sites at GMG!
And also everyone on our executive editorial team.
Whats the best advice youve ever received?
I think about that all the time, and find myself repeating it to friends pretty frequently.
I have a go at revel in process instead of resenting it.
Whats a problem youre still trying to solve?
Im still trying to break myself from the myth of multi-tasking.
Have someone you want to see featured, or questions you think we should ask?
