The Simple Key to Getting Things Done: Just Start

July 28, 2020

I have long been known as someone who gets a lot of things done in the course of a day. I like feeling like I’ve accomplished something – and that alone motivates me. I think I’ve always been like that – in fact, when I did the Gallup Strengthsfinders Assessment some years ago, ‘Achiever’ was one of my top five strengths. Quite simply, I like getting things done.

When asked for advice, my answer is always the same – just start. Just start somewhere, even if you don’t have everything organized perfectly, even if you don’t have a perfect plan for the rest of the project, even if you only have an hour and you know that this task might take two. Just start. You may not have time to get all the things on your list done, but you probably have enough time to complete one or two tasks.

Interestingly, I am not alone in this perspective. I recently watched Malcolm Gladwell’s Masterclass (which was fabulous!) and he shares that same perspective when writing a book. He will start a draft, knowing that it might not (and likely will not) be perfect, but the key is to start. He admits that it’s a fallacy to think that a writer will have the entire story mapped out in detail before they start – they rarely do…but they have to start somewhere. Again, just start!

What other sage advice do us ‘Achievers’ have to give?

Well, having a list is important. I appreciate that this concept is not for everyone. I know people that regularly go grocery shopping (like my husband) without a list. I would just end up forgetting something and then waste time returning to the same store again. So, I make a grocery list – and frankly, I also make lists for lots of other things too.

Having a routine is also important. It’s hard to get a flow when every day is different. Sometimes you don’t have a choice – when your kids need you, they need you. I get that. But if you can, I find having a bit of a schedule really helps. Even for ‘around the house stuff’ like Mondays are for vacuuming, Tuesdays are laundry, Wednesdays are errands…

Finally, understand your optimal work time. Are you a morning person or an afternoon person? Whatever you are, plan to do your best work at this time. Don’t fight nature. I know that for me, mornings are my most productive time. I schedule the most important things for me in the mornings.

And remember, for all of us, it’s a work in progress as we try to get stuff done in the middle of a pandemic when

we are also trying to navigate new routines at home. Don’t beat yourself up too much if your ‘to do’ list take a little longer these days!

Got questions about how to get things done? Check out my website and contact me to discuss it in more detail.