Get More Done by Doing LESS
“Perfection is the enemy of progress.” - Winston Churchill
Photo by Content Pixie on Unsplash
I do an exercise with my time management clients where I have them list absolutely everything they have to and want to get done. A to-do list “brain dump,” if you will. We then do a little tutorial on how to prioritize, and, when they seem to have caught on, I ask them to pick 3 things to do today. “Just three?,” they always say. “But this list is so long.” Yup, just 3!
Using a worksheet like this one will help you focus your thoughts so you can pick your 3 priorities, and plan your tasks for the day. While interruptions are unlimited, there are only so many hours in the day. Might as well make them count.
One of the most effective- and freeing - productivity habits I have learned in the past decade as a professional organizer is to only schedule 3 things on my daily to-do list. When I first read this tip, I too was shocked — but also so relieved. As a busy small business owner, mom, wife, house manager, and woman in the world, there was an expectation (admittedly, very much self-imposed) that I needed to tackle as much as possible each day. This expectation was overwhelming and exhausting.
I have found that when I set out to accomplish fewer things in a workday, I am able to be much more focused, thorough, and calm. The exercise of choosing which three will be completed that day helps me figure out what my priorities need to be. Overall, I am better at all of my jobs. Of course, if I complete my 3 things and still have time and energy I move on to a few others. But, if I don’t have the energy after three, then I don’t feel bad about moving on to more relaxing things.
We think “productivity” is the goal, but what we are really looking for is the feeling of accomplishment. Few things are more rewarding. No matter how many things are swirling around in your head, at home, and at work, getting 3 things done is a manageable goal and a very satisfying way of feeling like you have done something with your day.
I am here to spread the gospel that, in a culture of busy, 3 things is all you need. Try it for yourself and see.