4 Golden Rules for Getting Things Done
The tendency to start more tasks than you finish is all too common. Fear of failing to meet expectations from ourselves and others is one of the primary reasons we start things and just don’t finish. To coddle ourselves, we might say that we are “perfectionists” and that’s why things are just never quite ready to go. Alternatively, some people just can’t seem to hone in on small tasks. These are the people that get so wrapped up in the big picture that narrowing in on the steps to get there feels impossible.
If checking everything off your to-do list feels unachievable, congratulations, you’re normal. Getting it all done in one day has never been a practical goal, but getting the most out of your day should always be. The solution to this common problem starts with your outlook. Once you begin to view your year, as a collection of months, days, and then hours, you can begin to effectively manage every moment of your time.
Luckily, the habit of starting and not finishing is a habit that can be unlearned with some effort. Dale Carnegie was keenly aware of the damaging effects having a “serial starter” mindset can have on our productivity. He outlined 4 work habits to combat this in his Golden Rules. To learn how to actively apply these steps to your everyday life, register for the Dale Carnegie Training Courses.
1) Clear your desk
Before beginning any project, clear your desk of all papers and close any windows on your desktop unrelated to the immediate task at hand. This is a practical way to curb your tendency to become sidetracked by outside sources. Although your other tasks may be important, realize that there is really no such thing as multitasking. Becoming present in that moment will help you fully execute your goal. In 2017, it may be a good idea to switch your phone to Do Not Disturb mode for the time being too.
2) Do things in order of their importance
Prioritize like it’s your full-time job. Prioritization is an instrumental part of end-to-end execution. Remove any preferences you have may about tasks, and objectively prioritize them based on importance and urgency. Ask yourself: What needs to get done in order for XYZ to happen? This will help you develop a habit of creating timelines built on actionable steps and not just ideas on a never-ending to-do list!
3) Solve problems in the moment
When executing any project, issues will undoubtedly arise on your way to the finish line. Instead of sweeping those issues under the rug, face them in the moment. If you are unable to correct that problem in the moment, at the very least, plan your solution. When you choose to ignore upsets in your project, they will hold you back in the long-run. After all, project management is about managing.
4) Learn to organize, deputize, and supervise.
Getting organized on tasks is a given, but assigning responsibility is just as important. Spell out the chain of command on projects and balance the workload of all participants for maximum productivity. When problems arise that you are not able to mitigate, assign it to someone who can. You cannot multi-task on your own, but when a great team is on board, checking multiple tasks off of your to-do list at the same time becomes a realistic goal.
For more information, please visit our website!
www.westernct.dalecarnegie.com
For more information, please visit our website!
www.westernct.dalecarnegie.com
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