GETTING THINGS DONE

– How to get back on track –

Usually we leave the business advice to May-Britt, but today I’m taking on her dutiful task. I happen to be the master of making to-do lists and I even go as far as making to-do lists for my to-do lists. And the first bullet point on my to-do lists: make a to-do list. So as you can see, it’s become quite a ritual and a very big hassle that I’m even surprised I have the time to anything else besides making lists.

Last week I was at an event organized by Clinique, the launch of a new product of theirs made for all kinds of skin issues. Ideal for women who don’t have the time to spend hours on end in the bathroom. At the event we were all given a book entitled ‘Getting Things Done’ written by David Allen, a famous productivity guru. The book is made to give your head a bit of rest, to plan everything out and actually take care of all loose ends so that your to-do lists are actually completed rather than extended.

Now I know what you are thinking: HOW is that possible? Well, that was exactly what I was thinking too, but don’t worry, I was a worthy student and I have notes about the five different steps to clear your head, enjoy the moment, and not feel so absent during important meetings. I’m telling you: read and learn. I know I know, it’s another bullet point to add to your already existing list of things to do but I can assure you, it’s going to be very constructive and in the end you’ll be left with more free time, and isn’t that what we’re all looking for?

Step 1 – Collect

Write something down as soon as you think about it. Usually you’ll say to yourself: oh I need to bring this tomorrow, but then you’ll forget about it the next day. Write it down. Trying to remember everything in your already bulging head is tough. Evernote and Wunderlist are useful apps you can use so you don’t always have to drag along a notepad.

Step 2 – Decide

The notes you jotted down, what do they even mean? Are you planning on doing something specific with your thought(s) or are you going to just leave it be. What would also work is making separate lists, as in things you need to do in the near future and things you have to do ASAP. Decide if you are or aren’t going to do something with the notes you took, that way it won’t always be in the back of your head. Oh, and stick to the two minute rule. If you’re able to get something done in two minutes (reply to an email or take out the trash) then do not add it to your list, just do it immediately.

Step 3 – Organize

Organize your list. Add deadlines. It’ll give you more structure. Put your post in specific piles and keep your administration up to date. If you don’t, you’ll cause more stress than necessary.

Step 4 – Reflect

You make the right decisions if you take the time to reflect. It sounds very dull, but schedule in a time once a week where you go through everything you’ve done. And also have a good look at what your upcoming weeks look like. That way you’ll be more conscious of what you’ve already done and it gives you the opportunity to put some perspective on your upcoming endeavors.

Step 5 – Do

Make the right decision in an active way. Don’t be groundless but really make the most out of what you are doing. Or else you shouldn’t be doing it anyway.