I like to get sh*t done. I really do. It feels GOOD to be productive and I’ve been able to create a lot of amazing stuff in my life as a result of my “just do it” tendencies (hat tip to Nike).
Ever since having a baby, productivity has taken on a whole new meaning and gravity. It’s just not that easy to get sh*t done anymore. And I’m torn between two loves: I want to spend absolutely as much time with my daughter as possible, but I’ve still got lots of business ideas to pursue and manifest. It’s been an interesting journey learning to balance these two aspects of my life, and while I’ll never pretend to have it mastered, I’ve certainly figured out how to get a lot done in very little time.
The key for me to thrive in both my roles has been mastering efficiency. Here are the strategies I’ve found to be by far the most effective in getting sh*t done when you have minimal time. None of these ideas are original or unique, but it’s surprising how many of us know these things but don’t actually do them.
Here’s my challenge to you: implement all of these five strategies religiously for one week and see how your level of productivity changes. I’m not encouraging you to do more. If anything, these tips will help you to spend less time working, but be much more effective when you’re at it.
1) Make a to-do list of 5 things (max) that need to get done. These are not basic admin paper-pushing stuff. I’m talking the real “I got something done today” kind of things. The things that will move you and your vision forward, professionally or personally.
2) Do at least ONE of these to-dos first thing in the day. Before checking email. Before going on facebook. Before any of that random distracting time-sucking stuff. (Maybe not before coffee… but that’s up to you 😉 ) My experience is that productivity inspires more productivity. Or at the very least, it means at least one thing got done on your list (and that’s more than happens for most people!)
3) Turn OFF all distractions while you do this one thing. Phone, email, facebook, twitter, pinterest, TV, music (well, I’ll make an exception for music if helps you be more productive)… anything that beeps or dings when “something” happens or that could possibly call your attention away from the matter at hand. Now, I’m not suggesting you be irresponsible here. If you’re a parent, clearly you want to keep you phone on so the nanny can get in touch if she needs to… you get my point. But anything non-essential gets turned off.
4) Set a tight but doable time limit for yourself. As my mother always said “Work expands to fill the time available.” And it’s so true. If you have a limited amount of time, you’ll focus more, you’ll be more efficient, and you’ll get it done faster. If you have more time, you’ll fiddle around, you’ll dilly dally, you’ll go down rabbit holes that don’t need to be explored.
5) Build little rewards into your day. This can be super minor, but things like “I’ll make myself that cup of tea and have a snack when I’ve finished [ fill in the blank ].” This means you still get to do the other distracting stuff, but you do it AFTER you’ve done the important stuff. You’ll appreciate the downtime more since you’ll be feeling so good about what you’ve already accomplished.
What are your strategies for getting sh*t done?
I really like this post but I’d like some real life examples! What kinds of things have you accomplished by doing this? That would be even more inspiring!
Thanks. I have two kids and your rules are simple: set goals and determine time limit with a small goal. This is exactly what I need. Thank you!
Great tips and I definitely believe that the more time you have, the less focus you’ll get. That’s why I liked this article called “Don’t Quit Your Day Job.” Now that I’m on break from work, I feel like I’m in a rut! Definitely should implement the timer system.
Thanks for your great article. It is easy to understand. I adapt it in my daily life.