When it comes to getting things done, there’s really no secret formula. You just gotta do the work. But there is a simple process you can do to get the wheels turning towards accomplishing your goals. It simply starts by writing things down. That’s it, no magic formula. But it does work.
How Does It Work?
First, write down 3 to 5 things you want to get done today. Secondly, priorities them 1 thru 5 (1 being the most important). Lastly, get started on the first task and don’t move onto #2 until you’re done with #1. That’s it! Repeat the process and chip away at completing each task one-by-one. Try it out and see if it works for you. The key is to write things down (very important to see your tasks on a sheet of paper). So grab a pen and pad, write out your list and get started on reaching your goals.
So simple! LOL. Thanks.
So simple, but effective. Did you write down the things you want to get done today? ;)
Great post! I appreciated your comment about not moving forward until an item has been crossed off. It seems simple but I know I stay in a vicious cycle by not heeding your advice in this area. Definitely something to work on!
Thanks Regina – yes, not moving forward until you complete the first task is huge. The first task of your day should be your most important in the priority. Its empowering when you get the first task out of the way. Its pushes you forward.
Amazing i love this post
Addicting for sure. The sooner you right it down, the more build up it creates if you can’t get it done till later for instance. I’m a stay at home dad. I write my list in the morning and think about it all day. When it come time to work I love the fact I have a list, get it done, then do the extras like learning etc. Great post Mike.
Thanks for the insight Kris.
Another best one! This really did help me today! A lot :)
Thanks Mike, you are rockstar forever!
It’s funny how so many tech-people stick to the pen and paper. I do. I’ve tried sticky notes on my laptop, todo lists on my smart phone, but inevitably I go back to my notepad and pen because it proves to be the most effective. Especially for stay-at-home-Dad/web designer(got my first paid gig!)/
Thanks, ML.
@Vishnu – Thanks buddy for the feedback.
@Jason – Yes, I’ve tried them all, Evernote, Remember the Milk, Action Method, etc. All of them are great tools, but I keep going back to the simple pen and paper.
My typical note-pad setup looks like this…
Thanks for the tip! I’ve been doing this for a few days now (since the video came out) and it actually improves my productivity!
Great video Mike. Thanks a lot for these tips..
@Rob – Thanks for the insight, glad to see that its helping you.
@Pradeep – Much appreciated.
Thanks so much Mike,
never thought it could be so simple but brilliant.
Like you I’ve tried so many GTD Tools for my Desktop or Smartphone and I am not really happy with them. At the end I just need a piece of paper and I am more efficient than ever. :)
Hi Mike,
thank you so much for this tip! I’ve started writing things down for the next day as soon as I saw your video and I’m quite surprised I managed to stick with it and I even find it a bit addicting. So much so that I’m making lists in my head for ordinary day-to-day stuff. :D
And I have to say, pen and paper work the best. :)
@Dana – That’s great that you put it into action and having great results. Its amazing how simple this method is but it works. When I first heard it, I started writing things down and you feel so empowered about getting things done. When I forget to write out my list, I’m all over the place and feel so unproductive. It works. Thanks for the feedback.
Back a few years ago when I was still in school, we all used laptops and all the other tech stuff to take notes (phones, laptops and whatnot) and one day our business teacher snapped and had a rant about how a pencil and a piece of paper will get more things done than all of out technology combined. “this is infinite. you will never replace a pencil and a piece of paper no matter how hard you try”.
As much as I hate to say it, he was right. Every time I write down my task on a piece of paper, the likelihood of me actually finishing the said task increased tenfold. I used to think a lot about this, trying to rationalize how this works.But you know what, I don’t care anymore. All I know is this: write your shit down on paper, it is the best way to keep track of your tasks that you set out for yourself. I just wish I knew this 4 years ago :).
Great vid btw.