One plus Two (a simple strategy to stop the busywork)
I’ve been experimenting with how to bring a daily focus on doing Great Work – which is actually better expressed as not getting sucked into the endless flow of Good Work that can so quickly consume a day.
Here’s my current strategy which seems to be working. It’s inspiration lies in a little bit Eric Klein with a dash of Zen Habits.
At the start of each day define one – just one – high impact action that you will definitely, certainly complete. Put it as an “all day task” on your calendar, so it stays front of mind.
Define two bonus high impact tasks. Great if you get to them, but not a stick to beat yourself up with if you don’t. Add them to your calendar too. (I call them my Gravy Tasks).
At the start of each day, check back on yesterday’s tasks and give them a Y or a N, and define the 1+2 for today.
And do more Great Work.
- Stop the busywork #1: 7 strategies to do more Great Work
- Stop the Busywork #3: Change up your space
- Stop the Busywork #4: When it’s time to escape
- Change This Manifesto: Stop the Busywork!
- Stop the busywork #2: What’s your date? (Mine’s Sept 15 2043)
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Thanks for this tip! It would definitely help reduce the pressure of trying to accomplish everything at once. When we’re spread too thin, we tend to sacrifice quality for quantity and it’s not too good for our output. By applying this one plus two approach, it would help us put a little order on how we do things, establish our priorities and get to accomplish even more.
P.S. Visit http://www.makemorelivemoregivemore.com to help get your priorities straight and accomplished this 2010.
The godfather of effective management – Peter Drucker – says “first things first and last things not at all.”
And that’s why Peter Drucker is so revered.