Get ‘er Done Method

When you break down an impossible task to manageable size,
you soon have a task that is possible to manage.

-SL Taylor

There’s so much on your “get ‘er done” list that it’s impossible to get it all done. No matter how hard you try. I don’t like to call it a “to do list” because that makes it seem like work-call me crazy but I really don’t like work.

When I think of “to do’s” it automatically makes me think time consuming because there’s always so much “to do.” So many little steps to complete. And, doing things never seems final. If you’re doing, you’re not done.

So, I prefer the “get-‘er done method.” It’s silly but it does make you think achievement right out the gate. If you know you’re only going to put things on your list that are going to get done then you’re more likely to do them. And this makes it easier to see some finality with your projects. They’re not just lingering out there waiting for you “to do” them.

Start by getting yourself a small but nice notebook that you can carry with you. If you’re someone who likes to keep your lists in your phone that’s fine, however you’re best organized is all that matters. For me, I prefer the sensation of actually writing down my projects. It’s more natural and it gives me time to get clear about how I’ll approach each one. The steps involved and the time I’ll need to do them.

Priorities

Think of some of the things that have been piling up on your list. Jot them down in order of your priority for getting them down. There are two ways to prioritize. The first way is to do the most important things first. The second is to do the things that can be completed quickly.

It’s up to you how you prioritize. Unless something just simply can’t wait, I like to get done the things that can be quickly and easily finished. That way I can mark them off the list and, have a real sense of accomplishment.

Now that you have one big “get ‘er done” list, start breaking down each project into baby-steps. Begin by setting a timer for 50 minutes. For the entire 50 minutes, give the project your undivided attention. For big projects take the first 50 minutes to do your homework.

Task Switching Costs

Organize your project and get clear about what you want to do and how you want to do it. Then work solely on each project and do not, I rewrite…do not multitask. Research has shown that the human brain isn’t adept at performing multiple tasks at once.

Multitasking actually slows you down. It distracts you and draws your focus away from the task your doing. Multitasking can lead to mistakes and seriously undermines your progress.

Psychologists have identified what they label as “task switching costs.” When you switch rapidly form one task to another this creates mental blocks and your brain needs time to catch up and process the new information. This “lag” time can slow down your productivity by as much as 40%.

If you finish your project before your 50 minutes is up start on your next project and work on it until the timer runs out. When the timer goes off, stop working for 10 minutes. This gives your mind a break.

Stop and Smell the Roses

You can work on something else if you must, like checking email. But make sure you’re ready to go back to work on your project in 10 minutes. It’s better to stop working all together and take a break, take a short walk, stretch, take some deep breaths, meditate, clear your head and do a little something for you.

After 10 minutes, reset the timer for another 50 minutes then go back to work on that project if it’s not finished. Or you can start another project and alternate working on different projects until they’re finished. But don’t work on them at the same time. This leads to confusion and not getting things done. See above-multitasking isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

Begin every project this way. And soon you’ll make it habit. When you take a baby-step approach, you’ll be surprised how much you can get done in 50 short minutes and you won’t feel stressed or overwhelmed. You’ll be able to stay focused and this will help you “get ‘er done.” So, set that timer and get to it.