Do you ever wonder where the day’s gone? You had a bunch of stuff to get done, but haven’t? Do you then self-disciplinefeel bad and beat yourself up because you think you should be doing more?

Maybe you bite off more than you can chew. Often you completely underestimate how long a task will take? And with others keep pushing them down the list thinking, “I’ll get to that – at some stage”.

Trust me, it’s not uncommon.

So if this is you, here are some suggestions for getting more done.

Life is full of distractions. Your goal is to remove these and focus.

Make a list of all the projects you could work on.

Decide on what’s really important first. Notice I said important, not urgent. The big rocks that will make the biggest difference to your business and personal life.

Examples could be getting your new website done. Or completing your book. Or creating a new product or service.

And on a personal note, spending more time with your family.

Make a list of all these.

Decide on priorities and completion dates. Be realistic. Don’t make the goal so big you can’t attain it.

Now take out your diary and block out immovable items. Such as set holidays, school functions, time with your family. Doing this will ensure you recharge your batteries and spend time with people who are important to you.

Then look at your project list and break each one of these into smaller, manageable chunks. Chunks that you can work on for 30 to 60 minutes at a time.

At the start of every week, take out your project list and decide which ones you’ll work on.

Choose in terms of importance and then urgency. Notice if you keep pushing something important away. You could be logistically or emotionally stuck.

Put the tasks you’ve decided on into a weekly plan and then create a daily plan. Allocate specific times you’ll work on each task.

When working on a task set a timer for 30 minutes. Turn off all distractions. Don’t look at your email. Don’t answer the phone. Concentrate!

In the beginning it’ll be hard. Your mind will want to wander. You’ll crave the distractions. “I just feel like making a cuppa…”. Be disciplined.

Once the timer goes off, take a short break if you need one. Then get back to it.

You’ll be amazed at how much more you’ll get done.

Now if the thought of all this freaks you out, all the more reason to do it. Get yourself an accountability partner – someone who’ll push you along and help you keep to your word.

Remember. Take small steps and get them done. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Barbara & Rashid.

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