The Secret To Getting Things Done

Want to know the secret to getting things done? The important things, the things that matter, the things that will really make an impact in your life and in the lives of others?

It took me years to uncover the real secret of how to get things done (and I’m a sucker for systems, I’ve tried all sorts of productivity methods). And a long time to implement it into my life and work even after I figured it out.

The secret to getting things done?

Do the things that matter.

That’s it. Do them and only them. Critically analyze everything and determine if you need to do it. If you don’t, decide if it’s something you want to do (you have room in life for a few pleasures, right?)

How to clear the clutter

Unsubscribe. Ruthlessly unsubscribe from mailing lists, especially those that are primarily solicitations and don’t provide any value to your life. With less clutter in your inbox, you’ll be able to appreciate the emails that matter.

Send less email. Research shows hat for every email you send, you receive multiple emails back in response. Instead of sending emails, can you tweet? Call? Ask in person? While you’re at it, only include recipients who NEED to be included. You don’t want a cluttered inbox, right? Pay that forward.

Set priorities. What are the most important things that you want to accomplish today? Things that will help you achieve your dreams or make a difference in the world. Write them down. Do those first. Remember to make time for the Important, even in the face of the Urgent.

Say no. Learn to say no. Or to say yes slowly. Every moment you spend on a Yes to someone else’s requests, is a moment you’re not spending on your own things that matter. Say No to meetings that you aren’t needed at; say no to dining out with friends even when you’re not hungry, say no to that drink you don’t really want.

Define expectations. Most of us don’t work in vacuums, completely able to set our own schedules and tasks. When I work with others, it is important for me to define the expectations. “I can get this to you by Thursday,” I say; rather than, “Sure right away” (even when I’m working on five other “sure right away” projects). Last week, a co-worker asked if I could complete something ahead of schedule, “I might be able to, but I will need to get you [another project I’m working on] later.”

Do the work. Now that you are focusing only on work that matters, you will hopefully be more excited about taking it on (I feel ya, I’ve spent countless hours playing Sudoku to avoid some silly piece of work I “have” to do that isn’t really necessary). Be careful, now that you are focusing on work that really matters, that will change the world and rock your day, you’ll also face resistance. You can beat it, just do the work.

The added benefit of cleared clutter

When I clear clutter, I have more Brainspace to devote to the projects that matter. I find that even when I am not actively working on a clutter-task, it is still eating away at my energy and concentration. Asher and I share responsibilities for shipping Legalize Trans* shirts. An important and necessary task. And, a task that I am not particularly skilled at. And one that takes away from my time and energy to manage other aspects of the business such as affiliate relationships, conference presentations, and marketing. Last week, our friend took over shipping. That’s what he does and he loves it and he’s good at it. For him, managing our shipping is Important Work. That’s a double-win. Simply having them mental space cleared of clutter improves my life in all areas.

Clutter Check

Take 10 minutes to identify clutter in your life (digital, physical, emotional). Then, today, remove at least one item. Repeat tomorrow. Report (to your friends and/or to me) how it goes.