Get a Lot More Done, A Lot Faster
As an entrepreneur, you probably have a longer to-do list than most people who have straight 9-5’s. If you’re also a parent, you could probably have a to-do list long enough to wallpaper your kitchen. In this age of social networking and over-scheduling, it’s hard to complete one task efficiently, let alone get it all done.
If you’re feeling a little less productive these days, don’t worry—it’s not a character flaw. You just need a great strategy to improve productivity. Here are four simple steps you can implement today that will have you blowing through that list in no time:
1. Turn Off Everything—Could a lack of productivity have something to do with all of the gadgets that are supposed to make life, well, more productive? Abso-friggin-lutely! Your PDA, your cell, your hands-free headset, they’re “gateway gear”—gateways to distraction.
So instead of suiting up before work, stow it all way and turn everything off. Unplug your wireless router and your landline, turn off your cell and put up a sign on your door that says, “Don’t enter unless someone died. And, even then, think long and hard about interrupting me.”
2. Capture the Genius—Besides outside distractions such as incoming calls, emails and other demands from people, the biggest threat to your productivity is having a thought and then trying to remember it.
We often get great ideas when we’re performing other, unrelated tasks. So have a capture pad at the ready to record all of your brilliant musings and random thoughts. Using this simple, inexpensive method you’ll be able to let the thought go and get on with your work.
3. Work in Blocks—Completing a time-intensive project is a challenge for the most dedicated entrepreneur, which is why so many of put off starting. Instead, block off 60 to 120 minutes to work on ONE project. You may not complete it in an hour, but you’ll make a huge dent, and you’ll be pumped and ready to tackle it again in the next block.
4. Commit to Others—Nothing motivates like being accountable to others. You’ll push yourself to finish a project if you have to deliver it to someone at a specific time. For example, if you’ve been putting off cleaning up your office, call a client and ask if they’ll pose with you for a brochure photo…in your office. When you know your client is coming in a few days, you’ll finally clean up that mess.
The same is true for any project. If you just can’t seem to get it done, no matter how many distractions you turn off and how many blocks of time you allocate, promise you’ll deliver it to another person and sure enough you’ll get shit done.
So, what’s on your monster to-do list? List the top three things you want to accomplish this week in the comments section. Then, implement this simple productivity strategy and let me know how it goes. It can be done—and it can be done faster. Onward!
By Mike Michalowicz, Author of The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur
September 28th, 2009
THREE things I want to accomplish this week:
1)use my new camera until I can make a decent vblog and get my message across in a more professional manner.
2) Book a minimum of 5 cabins on my two “focus” cruises.
3) Get myself “tricked out” for the wedding this weekend-mani, pedi, hair trim, facial, etc.
I agree sometimes the gadgets we think we need to increase productivity take on a life of their own and we work more to support the gadgets.
When inspired ideas come I get away from the office, grab a pen and notebook, settle in my rocking chair and just get quiet and let the idea flow.
Here’s to productivity AND having a life!
Peace out!
Sandy!
@thedivacruiser
September 28th, 2009
Sandy! There you go!!!! Now you are committed to it. Focus, focus, focus… meaning you shouldn’t even be reading this until you are done!
- Mike
September 28th, 2009
Hi Mike,
I really like the point in your book, where you ask one to promise $100 to a person, if you do not complete a task.
September 29th, 2009
Hey Daniel – Thanks for reading the book! And I appreciate you highlighting that little exercise. I have a few variations I now do, but they all drive home that fact that our beliefs are directly influencing (controlling is probably a better word) our actions.
- Mike
October 2nd, 2009
Great ideas here Mike! Thank you for Sharing.
next week (as today is friday) I will:
1. Submit 10 articles to ezinearticles.com
2. Make 10 videos to send as e-mails or post (combo)
3. Have my business blog up and 5 posts in
I am all about blocking out time as well as having accountability partners. The more the better! I have now copied your bolg as one of the top 10 to follow. I love what you have done here. Thank you and keep up the good work!
October 2nd, 2009
@Helen – Thanks! Love that you are showing your commitment publicly! Chances have increased greatly that you will get em done now.
October 26th, 2009
Hi Mike,
Great advice in this post. I work with Champion Assistants, out of Kirkland, WA. As a VA firm, we work with a lot of entrepreneurs and growing businesses that are overwhelmed by their workload. One of the things I’ve seen from most of our clients is that once they delegate the administrative tasks, they’re able to really focus in on their dreams and start thinking more long term. The most important thing to remember is to get out of your head and really hone in on the place you want to take your business.
Thanks for the advice!
Kevin
http://www.championassistants.com