JKLTip If you start to get overwhelmed by things to do make a list of the needs and just start knocking them off
Sometimes it feels like our list of things “to do” just won’t stop growing. No matter how hard we prepare, there is an ebb and flow between too much to do, too little to do and rarely, somewhere in between. When we get to the point that we take our to-do pile and turn it into a mountain, there is one best strategy to use.
Contrary to popular belief, this strategy does not involve motivation. The most important thing to do is get started. This is what I call “grab one and go”. It’s a very quick three-step process.
One, create a list of the things that you need to get done.
Two, delete the wants immediately at this point, leaving only the needs. Side note, my personal favorite method is a physical whiteboard because the physical wiping away builds psychological momentum. After you’ve wiped the wants away you should have a list of the more important priorities for your business, hobby, or life.
Part three is simple, and the punchline, just “grab one and go”. Take anything that appeals to you in the moment and do that one thing. After the task is completed, wipe it away and take a quick break (maximum 15 minutes). Then go back to the list and repeat.
Motivation Comes and Goes
Motivation is a very difficult thing to hang the hat of our success on. It took me a very long time to realize this. I wonder how many people it slows down. Perhaps it even prevents people from achieving their goals. I know it slowed me down for a long time.
The problem is, when we wait for motivation, more often than not, we do nothing more than wait. If you’re anything like me this time of year there is a mounting list of “woulds, shoulds and coulds”.
If done, these things would help your goals but it feels like they are creating angst instead. You get that little bit of shoulder tension, feel a bit more confused and are at risk of doing nothing because you feel overwhelmed. It’s the “grab one and go” method that can quickly get you out of this risky rut.
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