I used to be a perfectionist. It can be hard if are one. Why? Because it’s simply impossible to be perfect. A better alternative is to getting things done. (rather than perfect)
So, that leads to the question how you can get things done in a world filled with distractions, interruptions, overwhelm, and stress?
Two Obstacles
Firstly, you need to know about the two obstacles preventing us from getting things done on a daily basis.
- You are working on too many things at once
- You have unclear and unspecific goals
We have the power to overcome both of those obstacles and master the ability to finish what we start. There are 4 steps you have to follow to get things done more joyfully and more productively. I’m going to use the acronyms for the word D.O.N.E.
Step 1: D = Decide & Define
Naturally, most of us have different goals we’d like to reach in all areas of our life. But, for the purpose of this exercise, you must challenge yourself to decide on one single goal to focus on and define that goal in a way that is specific, measureable and achievable.
Once you master these follow-through steps and experience the power of bringing one important project to life faster than you ever imagined possible — you can apply these skills to other projects and goals, too.
These goals or projects should be exciting, challenging and deeply important to you. Each one, if you finished it, would make a tremendous positive impact on your business and life.
a. List all the goals or projects you’re considering.
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b. Now it’s time to decide. What’s the single project or goal that — if you finished it — would make the most tremendous positive impact on your business and life?
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Step 2: O = Organize Your Life Around What’s Most Important
Now that you’ve decided and defined what’s most important, you’re ready for step two: set yourself up for success by organizing your life around achieving it. The biggest excuse we all use for not finishing what we start: “I don’t have the time!”
From this moment forward, you’ll never use that excuse again. Because, by the end of this exercise, you’ll have scheduled the actions needed to bring your goal to life and planned ahead to overcome obstacles that could take you off track.
“If it’s important enough to you, you’ll make the time. If not — you’ll make an excuse.”
The truth is If It’s Not Scheduled, It’s Not Real. Your calendar is your new best friend! Scheduling is organizing your life to what’s most important.
Study after study has shown that deciding in advance when and where you’ll take specific actions to reach your goal can double or triple your chances for success. Did you read that? DOUBLE or TRIPLE your chances for success! So it’s not enough just to schedule time in your calendar — you must also specify the location where you’ll do the work.
Open up your calendar of choice (Google Calendar, Day Planner, iCal — whatever you use!) and begin to block out dedicated, non-negotiable chunks of time on your calendar to do the necessary work to reach your goal.
However, plan for problems. Unexpected problems will happen, will get in your way. But plan ahead of time on how to overcome them, and you’ll follow through. Don’t just sit and hope for the best, therefor make a plan and stick to that. Identify your personal triggers and learn to overcome them, by being one step ahead of it. Remember you’re in charge of your life, it’s your duty to protect your calendar and sticking to it if you want to reach your goals.
Step 3: N = No Train
If you’re tired of being overstretched, overcommitted and overwhelmed and you’re ready to get things D.O.N.E. then it’s time to get a first class ticket on the No Train.
When you’re on the No Train, you allow “no” to be your initial response to all new projects, new requests and new demands on your time — whether that request is from an external source or yourself. By the end of this exercise, you’ll say no to time-sucking habits and free yourself from unnecessary obligations.
The truth is, every time you say yes, you’re saying no to something else. Meaning opportunity lost! Choose to do something meaningful, and don’t feel guilty about your choice. Be selective with your time, set clear boundaries.
On the other hand, make more time and space to do important deep work. More breathing room, more white space, more freedom, more energy, more joy, more creativity.
Take an honest look at your daily habits. List any time-sucking activities and habits that distract you from getting things done.
Then, say it (out) loud and proud. “I’m now ready to say NO to the following disempowering habits and activities:
- Hours of: Netflix
- Gossiping about others
- Constantly checking emails
- Constantly checking WA messages
- Comparing myself with others
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Doesn’t it feel good to declare it? Review your no list daily and keep conditioning yourself to JUST SAY NO to habits and activities that don’t nurture your soul and fuel important work ahead.
Step 4: E = Execute
This might be the most important of all: executing. In other words taking courageous, consistent action to bring your goal to life.
In this exercise, you’ll determine what step to take right now to bring your project to life and get it done. Don’t worry if you don’t feel ready because the world’s happiest and most successful people never ‘feel ready’ to make a bold move, they just go. This reminder is especially important if you have perfectionistic tendencies. (that used to be me!)
“You don’t have to get it perfect, you just have to get it going!”
If a project is scary and out of your comfort zone – start before you’re ready! Most of us can talk and think about an important project, but don’t confuse activity with accomplishment. It’s just a fear based lie that tells you that you’re not ready! It’s a dream killer! If you’re honest it’s been an excuse of yours. Starting before you’re ready is the key to getting things done. We call this action based learning – a body in motion, stays in motion. Create that momentum for yourself. Your environment will create the opportunities in your unconscious mind. Everything starts moving. Tenacity is more important than Tactic. What is it that you’ve been procrastinating? Making a phone call? Networking? Sell your pitch? Start a new business? Working out? Eating healthy? Get moving and start before you’re ready!
Congratulations!
You’ve just completed the 4 steps to getting thing done joyfully and productively. Now that you know the steps, you must stay focused on implementing them daily.
Because success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally, it comes from what you do consistently.
Come back to this article anytime you need a refresher and want to strengthen that vital skill of finishing what you start.
I’m here rooting for you!
M.
