Let’s face it. Most of us occasionally struggle to get stuff done – particularly avoiding those tasks that really need to be completed. By the time we realize we’re behind, the problem or project has often become unmanageable!
Since I am primarily a task-oriented individual, accomplishing tasks and achieving goals is more natural for me than for those who are more people-oriented. Over the years, I have learned a number of principles that help me to more effectively accomplish tasks and reach goals.
Here are five simple ways to get more done…
1. Focus on achievable tasks.
It is impractical for me to personally attempt tasks that require skills or experience that I do not possess. When you have an idea or responsibility beyond your expertise, consider delegating it to a more appropriate individual and empowering them to accomplish the task more effectively. Free yourself to focus your energy on the tasks that you can accomplish and are passionate about.
2. Prioritize.
Once you identify the tasks that are achievable, prioritize them. Within an organization, it’s best to prioritize them according to the mission, vision, core values, and strategic plan of the organization. If the task doesn’t correspond with any of these, it is likely that it should be near the bottom of your “to do” list, if on the list at all.
3. Do the simplest tasks first.
When prioritizing, consider completing the simplest tasks first. As you complete the simple tasks, you create momentum that encourages you and others around you. You will find that you have more energy and excitement about your work. As you gather momentum, others may also jump in to help because most people like to be involved in creating positive change.
4. Do your least favorite tasks early.
It took me a while to figure this one out – I am still not always successful at it. Identify tasks and responsibilities on your list that are your least favorite and do them early. If you don’t, they’ll drain the life out of you. Getting them done and out of the way early allows you to passionately approach your other responsibilities.
5. Hard work and positive results facilitate a fun, casual work environment.
Those that work with me have heard me repeat this over and over. When it’s time to work, work smart and work hard (in that order). When you do, you will greatly reduce your stress level and the anxiety of those around you.
BONUS – The number one way to get more done – read about it here!
What would you add to the list? Let us know in the comments.
Love the whiteboard suggestion. Thank you Michael.
It’s a pleasure, Kate!
Great post Michael. I also found the 12 things growing leaders do differently extremely helpful. Thank you!
Something that works for me; Each morning, normally before breakfast, I determine my 3 or 4 goals (intentions) for the day. I then pay attention to those 3 or 4 daily goals and follow through with them. It’s a great way to eliminate a long overbearing “to do list” and feel like you are achieving things. Doing a few things really well, is (I think) better than trying to do too many things poorly. Glad to be connected with you.
Good idea – I do something similar at the office. And I write my daily goals on my white board in order of priority. My team is used to it now, so occasionally they stick their head in the door to see what I have left to do for the day (and whether they should interrupt me). 😉
Excellent Post, Michael. I like to way to structure your subjects.
Thanks my friend. Let me know how I can serve you.
You welcome and thank you for the offer.
Check email, FB, twitter, VM, texts ONCE and only once a day
I agree, John – checking these items once a day would work for most people. However, much time is wasted checking in on them frequently. I have scheduled two times each day to process email and social media. For more on this see my post about my Ideal Week. Thanks for jumping in here!
Michael, I do think that items 3 and 4 can conflict – priority task versus simple task. The top in order of value or importance might not be simply. For me, in that case I will go for priority. What do you think?
Chucs
Good question! I always do the simplest tasks first – Any item that I can do in less than 5 minutes. This helps me clean a few items/distractions off my plate and get some momentum.
Then, I schedule time on my calendar for the rest of the items (which require more than 5 minutes). When I’m scheduling, I schedule the least favorite items early so I can get them out of the way and avoid procrastination.
I’ve written more about this here – http://www.michaelnichols.org/schedule. Hope this is helpful.
I findi t really helps to write my list down first and then cross off items as they get done
Good call Mark. Make a list! And there are all kids of ways to do this. I personally use both my calendar and task list for this purpose. For most tasks I find that I have to actually schedule them on my calendar so I block out time to get them done.