There is great satisfaction arriving at the end of the day having accomplished what we set out to do. Is this an everyday occurrence for you - or just occasionally? Most of us manage lists of actions that we want to accomplish which we envision will move us towards worthwhile goals. However without methods and discipline do actually get these actions done we can see these list grow and grow as we add new actions and at the same time move forward the actions we never got around to.
Our days begin with the greatest of intentions. We expect to get much accomplished as we begin our morning activities. But the days pass and, most always, we begin to wonder where the day went. Why did we not get those actions done that we absolutely needed and wanted to get done this morning? If you have this problem more often than not, here are 7 tips that will help you get more done in a day. Take a look and put some into effect. You'll see immediate improvements:
1. You can't successfully multi-task. While we may believe that multi-tasking is a valuable skill, it really is not. Tasks are accomplished one at a time.
2. Power and Effectiveness are derived by doing what you are doing while you are doing it. All attention upon a given task is the key to getting it fully done.
3. A well-run life requires both planning and accomplishing. These are different hats. When we are wearing the "planner" hat, then that should be the only hat we wear. When we switch to "doing" then we should only do that. Never plan and do at the same time. Of course you will need to, now and then, adjust direction as the day goes. This is to be expected but does not change the rules. If you have to adjust, just do it as the "plannner". Don't mix actions.
4. We need to focus and one of the best tools for that is a simple countdown timer. The way you use it is to decide on a task and a duration of that task and then set the timer to countdown from that duration to zero. And while it is counting down, you do nothing but that task. Do not break the faith. It is a covenant between you and yourself. No cheating - or you cheat your success.
5. Consider the Pomodoro Technique. This is a working model where one works 25 minutes and breaks for 5 and then repeats. The 25 minute period is called a Pomodoro. Every 4 Pomodoros one takes a longer break.
6. When we plan our days (usually in the morning or the night before) we should consider it a sort of "battle plan". A battle plan is simply a micro strategy that you intend to use to maximize your resources (in this case - time). You should account for everything, your tasks, your routine actions like, perhaps, picking up the kids, exercise, meals, etc. Once you do this, and work out exactly how you are going to get everything done, you will really be able to focus without worry.
7. Definitely use some sort of Task Management or Project management tool. These will help you keep a firm grip on the "big picture". But remember, it comes down to the one day. A "Battle Plan" is an additional tool to use to work out how you are going to get things done during a given day. Task Managers manage your life - "Battle Plans" manage your day. The day is the fundamental unit of getting things done.
Action can only occur NOW. Today is the day - always. To be effective, we need to use tools that will keep the big picture in mind as well as tools that will help us battle plan those precious hours during each and every day.
Our days begin with the greatest of intentions. We expect to get much accomplished as we begin our morning activities. But the days pass and, most always, we begin to wonder where the day went. Why did we not get those actions done that we absolutely needed and wanted to get done this morning? If you have this problem more often than not, here are 7 tips that will help you get more done in a day. Take a look and put some into effect. You'll see immediate improvements:
1. You can't successfully multi-task. While we may believe that multi-tasking is a valuable skill, it really is not. Tasks are accomplished one at a time.
2. Power and Effectiveness are derived by doing what you are doing while you are doing it. All attention upon a given task is the key to getting it fully done.
3. A well-run life requires both planning and accomplishing. These are different hats. When we are wearing the "planner" hat, then that should be the only hat we wear. When we switch to "doing" then we should only do that. Never plan and do at the same time. Of course you will need to, now and then, adjust direction as the day goes. This is to be expected but does not change the rules. If you have to adjust, just do it as the "plannner". Don't mix actions.
4. We need to focus and one of the best tools for that is a simple countdown timer. The way you use it is to decide on a task and a duration of that task and then set the timer to countdown from that duration to zero. And while it is counting down, you do nothing but that task. Do not break the faith. It is a covenant between you and yourself. No cheating - or you cheat your success.
5. Consider the Pomodoro Technique. This is a working model where one works 25 minutes and breaks for 5 and then repeats. The 25 minute period is called a Pomodoro. Every 4 Pomodoros one takes a longer break.
6. When we plan our days (usually in the morning or the night before) we should consider it a sort of "battle plan". A battle plan is simply a micro strategy that you intend to use to maximize your resources (in this case - time). You should account for everything, your tasks, your routine actions like, perhaps, picking up the kids, exercise, meals, etc. Once you do this, and work out exactly how you are going to get everything done, you will really be able to focus without worry.
7. Definitely use some sort of Task Management or Project management tool. These will help you keep a firm grip on the "big picture". But remember, it comes down to the one day. A "Battle Plan" is an additional tool to use to work out how you are going to get things done during a given day. Task Managers manage your life - "Battle Plans" manage your day. The day is the fundamental unit of getting things done.
Action can only occur NOW. Today is the day - always. To be effective, we need to use tools that will keep the big picture in mind as well as tools that will help us battle plan those precious hours during each and every day.
About the Author:
You will master every day with good battle planning. This has been made easy by Gary Singer's unique and simple program called Time Coach.
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