Tag: getting things done

The same long task list

Take a look at a long task list at the end of your day. And, you’ll find the following set of emotions accompany you – hopelessness, pessimism, negativity and discontent. If you force yourself to work on that list, you could sit for a good few hours and find yourself stuck on task #1.

Take a look at that same long task list once you wake up the next day. This time, you’ll likely find that hope and optimism appear. And, with that hope and optimism, you’ll get to work on that list. Rearrange it, start with a few quick wins, postpone the low priority items and, before you know it, you’ve built momentum.

The task list didn’t change. Your perspective did. The same long task list that looked insurmountable became doable.

When complaining about their inability to get things done, most folks point to a lack of time. But, as this example illustrates, all the time in the world wouldn’t have helped you that evening. All you needed was rest. Manage your mental energy well and you’ll find yourself amazed at how much an energized mind can accomplish. Manage your mental energy by resting your mind, exercising it (reading to it, challenging it by taking on tough problems) and providing it the right kind of fuel.

Sure, learn how to use time well. But, spend your energy managing your energy. It is that skill that separates the masters from the professionals.

Sand and big rocks

If “top priority” tasks are the “big rocks” and small admin tasks are the “sand” – always focus on the big rocks first. That’s good common sense advice.

In practice, I think almost always works better than always.

I think a bit of flexibility in our getting-things-done process does a lot of good. For example, on days when I feel my attention is fragmented, I find it a lot more helpful to tackle the sand first. I’d never be able to focus on the big rocks till I get a bit of the sand out of the way as the sheer volume of sand stresses me out.

So, if that’s happening to you, don’t feel guilty. Just set aside a couple of days as admin days and plug away on clearing the sand. “Big rock” thinking is not allowed on these days – we don’t care about the big picture. Just focus on managing the sand in your life.

Sometimes, you have to wade through the sand to get to the big rocks. It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon.