Many people struggle to get things done. They look around and see half completed projects, papers stacked on their desks, the email inbox overflowing, and voicemails waiting to answer. Ever feel like you are drowning and someone is pouring on more water rather than throwing you a life preserver? Here are three quick steps to get you going and getting more things done.
What Gets Pictured, Gets Done. I have a dream board in my office in my sight line. I see it every day. Pictures on my dream board depict my dreams and goals. My wife and I wish to spend about 3 months annually in Hawaii in semi-retirement. I picture the place and daily pace. I experimented with lifestyle while on our last trip. We went to the beach in the morning. I snorkeled, enjoyed the sun, yet had time to read and think. Thinktime for me is very important (and it should be important for you, too). In the afternoon, while my wife enjoyed the pool, I stayed in the cabana nearby and returned calls, completed client paperwork, and other tasks. The evening was free for dinners or sunset walks on the beach. This is my picture of retirement. If the most challenging thing in the day was playing golf, I would go crazy. I have other dreams, with other pictures, that remind me daily of WHY I am working today. What I picture, gets done.
What Gets Planned, Gets Done. You know this part. You have attended time management courses. You know the tips and tricks. The problem? You have a daily task list, but the task list is not intentionally connected to your strategic plan for the year, month or week. Now, some people do not have any plan, and that certainly is a problem. A plan provides the path. Without the path, who knows where you end up, right? I work with many people who have the plan, create the path, but do not execute. The reason? They do not have a weekly plan that is connected to the path. They feel good about checking off the daily tasks. Unfortunately, too many daily tasks are not directly related to the strategic plan. They live in the tyranny of the urgent. Only 7% of the population creates a weekly plan and follows through. If this is the only point you remember, this will change what you get done. Before the work week begins, plan your week, then work your plan. Amazing things get done.
What Gets Measured, Gets Done. Ouch. Now I am getting personal. I know few people who truly enjoy evaluation. Let’s face it, when something is on the line, we perform. Creating deadlines and scoreboards keep personnel, and you, on track. The key to measurement is making sure the measurements matter. People hate busy work and filling out forms nobody reviews. However, most employees actually want feedback. They want to know how to improve. They want to hear affirmation for jobs well done. If you want to get things done, measure what should get done. I have developed a very simple form of score boarding that can assist an entire organization to step it up. Simple, yet powerful, this tool keeps people accountable, focused and goal-oriented.
I have taught productivity for over 25 years. If you want to learn how to get things done, live a balanced and productive life, then check out my “Getting it Right: Work/Life Balance” one day workshop.