The Fine Art of Getting Things Done
Whether you are a corporate executive, a professional on the rise or running a one-woman shop, there are tools, tips and tactics that will decrease effort while increasing output. Today, I’m going to share some of the tried and true techniques that I use to get more done in less time. Hopefully, you’ll post some of your own methods so we can all learn from each other. After all, we’re all in this together.
As I always say, if you want something done give it to a busy person. They always get things done, right? That’s all well and good but what if you’re that busy person? With more and more piled on, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. It really doesn’t matter how much you get done if your “To Do” list keeps growing longer.
Here’s how I manage to juggle it all while maintaining sanity.
Identify Systems
Learn how to use systems that increase efficiency and help you be more effective. I’m an excel spread sheet gal which probably stems from my days in corporate. I also use Basecamp and Drop Box. The key to using these tools is knowing what needs to be done and by when. I’ll list out all the deliverables, dates of completion and by whom. I post and share all relevant documents. I try to keep it as simple as possible. This will take a lot of pressure off you.
These work for me but might not be as valuable for you. It’s important to invest the time to find the systems that work best for you and your work style. Regardless of which systems you use, be consistent in using them and they will increase your productivity. I believe that having systems in place is vital to your success.
Get Help
I have an executive assistant to pull together all the loose ends and get things done while I’m working. It’s not easy juggling a political career, a coaching and training company, the Women at the Top Network® as well numerous volunteer efforts. While I’m focused on everything else, I need someone to focus on me.
You don’t need to spend inordinate amounts of money. Today with access to things like virtual assistants you can find the help you need within almost any budget. I suggest first analyzing where things are falling through the cracks and strategically hire someone to address that challenge.
Keep Moving
With all these things moving in orbit around you, it’s easy to get anxious, concerned or frustrated. Sometimes we just need forward momentum. When I feel like this I grab my list and do something, anything, and just get it done. This technique gives me a productive moment, forward momentum, and the “feel good” factor that I need to ground me. Even a few things crossed off my list tell me, “I can do this!”
Do the Hustle
What’s my secret to getting things done? It’s something that I call “the hustle factor.” This might sound a bit insane but I often refer to myself as the Seabiscuit task master. I typically run my own race (so to speak) but then when there’s a real or perceived competition then my will to win or get things done really kicks in. That’s why I have a kitchen timer in my office. When I have a limited amount of time to get something done, I will actually set the timer and then play “Beat the Clock” as I hustle to accomplish my goal. Crazy I know but it works for me. My suggestion for you is to find little tools and tricks that help to motivate you. For me it’s creating that artificial sense of urgency to get something done and I can get a lot done in a short amount of time.
Know the Cost
I work with women in corporate positions. They’re frazzled, putting in long hours and taking work home. They’re so busy getting work done that they have no time left to manage their career. The budgets are there but they don’t use them to hire help. This is a big mistake and it often costs them promotions, raises and corporate clout.
Business owners also need to hire help. Your time is valuable and if your days are spent on $10 an hour jobs you won’t have the time or the energy to drive your business forward. There are assistants in all price ranges and skill sets. They can help you with a wide variety of things.
Maybe you need a consultant or coach to help you figure out exactly what you need help with. The time and money invested today should pay you back for years to come. Just doing a few things more efficiently could make a huge impact on you, your career or business, and your outcomes. If this sounds like you, contact me for a COMPLIMENTARY 30-Minute Coach Chat™. You will learn new ways to get more done in less time.
There’s More
To learn more about finding help in getting things done watch my appearance on Focus Forward; we devoted an entire show to this important topic. Watch my tips, like, comment and share. We want to know what you are thinking.
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- Posted by Regina
- On June 14, 2018
- 0 Comments