It seems that the clock has been put on high-speed and time before Christmas is moving at double speed. I know my list of things to do ‘before Christmas’ seems to be on the increase and, frankly, causing me some stress. So, I decided to break it down and get a handle on it. And to get EVERYTHING done. Yep. Everything. Here are my steps for getting everything done before Christmas. And, it involves making a list and checking it twice…
1. Make a List
In David Allen’s book, Getting Things Done, he recommends we write down EVERYTHING that needs to be done so that to-dos are not floating around in our head. I can’t tell you how many items are on MY list, but it goes for pages and pages. I use a few methods for capturing to-dos (I’m not organised enough to just use one) including notebooks, online applications, voice memos, emails to myself. It’s not pretty! But, I still manage to get a lot done and to stay on top of things, most of the time. Today though, I am creating a NEW list of ONLY the things that will get done before 25 December – the things that are most important. And this pre-Christmas list is a subset of the bigger list – but doable.TIP: In order to achieve everything, make a succinct list of the top 3-5 things that the completion of which will move you closer to your goals if it were done by 25 December.
2. Check it Twice
Review the list and, if necessary, reduce the number of items. I find at times, as I’m making lists, one thing leads to another and 3-5 priorities becomes an overwhelming number of items. So, exercise restraint. Check your list (at least twice) and pull off everything that is NOT top priority. I KNOW you have more than 3-5 important things to do, but don’t set yourself up for failure. Most things are NOT going to be finished by Christmas and the new year is just a few days away so you can tackle the longer list of items then. The point of this process is for you to have a win. So, don’t list ANYTHING on the pre-Christmas list that you know you have no chance of accomplishing. It’s better to tick check things off and get them complete and THEN, if you still have time, add another item from your POST-CHRISTMAS list and have a go at completing that too. TIP: Choose items that you would feel excited about achieving. Remember – just 3-5 big items, for now.
3. Schedule time to take action
I tend to over commit. You? One of the reasons I’ve chosen only 3-5 items is because I want to achieve these while managing my day to day work. It’s not as though I’m sitting idle – so I want to be sure these ‘big rocks’ can fit into my schedule. If your items need focused time, time out of the office, or away form your inbox and Facebook account then schedule that time. Beyond scheduling… I know that you now what to do, so I’ll keep it short.
4. Take Action
Easier said than done, I know. Do something. Do something every day. It’s 20 December. So, say you have 5 items and about four days to get them done, that’s 1.25 items a day. Start today and you’ll be on your way. (I know, I could have posted this last week and given you more time… But hey. This was the first chance I could get THIS done. (Smile.) )
5. Celebrate
Reward yourself for every item you check off. It doesn’t have to be a big reward. Time alone in a coffee shop with my iPad is one of the greatest rewards I rarely give myself. So, find what will have you feel good. I’d love to hear what you’re setting out to do and what you achieve. So, drop me a line or add a comment below. And, good luck.
