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The Little Handbook for Getting Stuff Done : zen habits
Picking one important thing
If you focus on getting the small stuff done but not the big stuff, or switch between tasks all the time, you’ll be less effective.
Pick one important thing to focus on at a time and learn to evaluate what tasks and projects are of higher value to you.
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Obstacles to Getting Stuff Done
- The habit of putting off starting, because it’s uncomfortable.
- Maybe you get started, but then constantly switch to other tasks.
- You put off starting (or finishing) because conditions aren’t perfect, or the work isn’t perfect.
- Rely too much on other people and not taking responsibility.
- You get pulled away by constant distractions and interruptions.
- Fear, uncertainty, feeling overwhelmed & self-doubt and tiredness.
Picking one important thing
If you focus on getting the small stuff done but not the big stuff, or switch between tasks all the time, you’ll be less effective.
Pick one important thing to focus on at a time and learn to evaluate what tasks and projects are of higher value to you.
Starting
It's best done by focusing on the smallest first step and practicing just launching into that.
Pick the tiniest first step, and launch into it.
Focus sessions
Pick a short interval (10 minutes, 15, 20, or 25) and practice focusing on one task during that session, until the timer goes off.
Then take a break, and try another focus session.
Managing a tasks list
It's a great skill for keeping yourself focused and Getting Stuff Done. Choose a to-do program, put your tasks in the to-do list and every day just pick a few to focus on.
And at the beginning and the end of each day step back and taking a look at the overall picture, to adjust your plan and refocus.
Shitty first draft
Don't worry about perfectionism, just get the task done. Then go back and revise.
But don’t overthink it, just focus on doing.
Taking full responsibility
It means not blaming others for your difficulties in getting things done.
Recognizing the obstacles but taking responsibility for finding a way, or accepting what needs to be accepted, or recognizing your part in the dynamic you’ve created.
Communicating
Communicate clearly and honestly, so that everyone is clear on responsibilities and boundaries and consequences of not honoring those responsibilities and boundaries.
Creating structure
Having a minimal structure is good. You can adjust over time:
How will you start your day so that you’ll work on the important stuff? How will you do your focus sessions so you won’t be too distracted? How will you review your day so that you’ll learn from what happened? How will you create accountability?
SIMILAR ARTICLES & IDEAS:
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Key Ideas
Productivity is simplicity
It...
Helping others
Productivity shouldn’t only be the pursuit of self-improvement, but also a mission to improve the lives and the work of people we encounter.
Prioritize the work that excites you
This leaves you to make room on your calendar for discussions that exhilarate you.
When what you spend your time on is congruent with your interests and values, progress feels conveniently close.
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Moving Away From Pseudo-Work
Pseudo-work is when one works just for the sake of work, and is productive on paper but hasn’t really achieved anything substantial, or contributed to one’s core objective.
Focusing on Meaningful Work
- When the focus is on the essential, we start to work on what matters to us the most. It makes us avoid the urgent work shoved in our faces which may not be important at all.
- Focusing on meaningful work helps us prioritize our day in the order that aligns with our purpose and mission. It makes us less stressed out and more joyful.
- Productive work, which is challenging and even discomforting is welcomed as it is important and meaningful to our lives. The distractions then no longer disturb us as we are giving the work our entire focus.
Keys To Essential Meaningful Productivity
- Be clear on what matters to you, and focus on that.
- A lack of structure makes the entire day random and accidental. It is good to have a certain structure for all your tasks while keeping it flexible.
- Remind yourself the reason for it being important to you, and then give it your heart and soul. Keep yourself in a playful, relaxed mode.
- Move towards any fear you encounter, and not away from it. It may be a small obstacle but our psychological fears make us feel discomfort or groundlessness.
- Batch out small errands into specific, time-bound activities, leaving time for more important things.
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Key Ideas
Zen to Done (ZTD)
It's a productivity system that teaches how to take a simple approach to improving your productivity, by encouraging you to focus on forming one productivity-boosting habit at a time.
The Minimalist Habits of Zen to Done
- Collect: Get ideas and to-dos out of your brain and onto a list.
- Process: Review your list daily and decide how to act on each item.
- Plan: Pick a few high priority items to accomplish each week and every day.
- Do: Schedule time to accomplish your selected to-dos without interruptions.
The Collect Habit
To clear your mind and improve focus, get your ideas and to-dos out of your mind and onto a list.
Documenting to-dos in the moment lessens the likelihood that you'll forget to do something and gives you a master list of to-dos to reference when you're trying to decide where to direct your time.
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