If you are a regular reader of Lifehack, I bet there have been times when you have had this reaction:
“Oh no not another Getting Things Done article.”
But I also bet you read them anyhow.
Why is that? Maybe it is because our lives revolve around getting things done. From the moment you wake in the morning to the time you close your eyes at night, you spend the day fulfilling responsibilities, completing tasks and working towards goals both big and small.
For some this revolves around home life, cooking, cleaning and looking after children. For others it’s buying and sell stock or painting magnificent paintings. Regardless of the type of work you do, it is usually go…go…go!
There is a body of people out there that believe we should toss productivity out and live life more in the flow. Some believe that we cannot control life’s outcomes and we shouldn’t even begin to try. Although there is some merit in not trying to control and over engineer a life that could be fluid and carefree, but at Lifehack we believe in productivity. We believe in its merits and its potential. We believe that there are ways and means of managing your daily and weekly workload that will help you to get “it” done more quickly, reducing your stress and allowing you to do what it is you do when you are not in work mode.
When we read an article it is usually to gain more knowledge about the subject area — to see if there is anything we can learn that will enhance and improve our lives. So if you find you are reading article after article on getting things done, I will pose to you the following question: How much of what you have learned have you implemented?
Be honest now — do you have a successful workflow system set up? If your answer is “yes” then you are excused to go back and get some stuff done. If your answer is “no”…well, then you are also excused to go implement some of the stuff you have learned to date and start getting things done.
There appears to be a huge gap between knowing and doing. How much longer will you wait to get started? How many countless books do you read before you heed their lessons? Are you subconsciously hoping that the changes will happen in your life without your input?
I urge you again to stop reading and start doing. Because productivity systems are nothing without action. Ideas without action amount to nothing.
So if you are still hanging around and haven’t gone to take action, here are a few suggestions to get you started and create a little bit of momentum.
Revisit your goals for inspiration to act (if you don’t have any, create some today!).Commit to doing 10 minutes of something a day, create new positive and productive habits to help you on your way.Block process emails, a maximum of three times a day.Start the day with your worst task first (“eat your frog”); the rest of the day will be sweeter.Get up an hour earlier and exercise; this will give you more energy.Declutter your environment. A clean desk allows you to focus more easily.Be clear about what you want to achieve every day.Always leave time in your schedule for contingency; this way you won’t be disappointed if things don’t go to plan.Eliminate distractions, close email programs, switch off email notifications. In fact, switch off the phone when you are trying to get important work done.Implement the Pareto Principle (80/20 rule) and identify your 20% that adds value to what you are trying to achieve.Smile and be optimistic about life. Optimistic people are healthier, happier and more productive.It is time to stop learning and start doing. Ask yourself what one thing could you do this week to get you closer to your personal success. What one thing have you been procrastinating on that will have a major impact when complete? It’s time to take action, my friends.
It’s time to finally get things done!
(Photo credit: Handwritten Motivational Note via Shutterstock)
Ciara Conlon is a Personal Productivity Coach and author. Her mission is to help people achieve their best through working efficiently and being positive and present. “Through Productivity and Positivity I believe there is little we can’t achieve” go to Productivity & Positivity and get Free eBook called Clear the Clutter; Find Your Life
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