9 January 2007
Simple strategy for getting things done
I’ve been trying a new strategy and holy biscuits, am I getting a lot done.
Every day, I grab about 10 things off my “This Week” list and put them on my “Today” list. Then (and this is the key) before I even open my email program, I try to knock at least two things off my Today list.
It works :)
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: email is a great way for other people, instead of yourself, to dictate what you do on a day-to-day basis. Take control by doing what you want to do, before responding to what others want you to do.
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Greg
# January 9, 2007 - 1:04 am
Good point Ryan.
Same holds true for RSS so Carsonified doesn’t distract you and send you on a long a.d.d. ride. hehe
Richard Adams
# January 9, 2007 - 1:17 am
Ooh, nice idea!
Jacob Wyke
# January 9, 2007 - 8:43 am
Yeah this is a great idea. I often advise people to do a “procrastination buster” and knock off 3 tasks that they have been putting off before starting anything else in the morning. This then gives you extra motivation as you have finished some of the tasks that you were most dreading to do.
Mark Caudell
# January 9, 2007 - 9:10 am
Being PC based (hiss) at the moment I’ve not been able to find myself a decent to-do list programme so I’ve been using a Google Homepage module that allows me to prioritise entries and I add to it through the day and deal with the high priority ones as soon as I get home whether freelance or household based.
I find the best thing is to get the small things out the way quickly first leaving the two big things. When I come to these big (time/effort) items I break those down into smaller items and get those done in a priority order. This technique I find helps me be super efficient with getting things done in the few hours a night there are between working and sleeping.
John Topley
# January 9, 2007 - 10:16 am
“Holy biscuits” – I like that! :-)
Edward
# January 9, 2007 - 11:57 am
Along the same lines, I found changing my email settings from ‘check for new mail every 2 mins’ to every 15 mins has made me much more productive.
Mike Papageorge
# January 9, 2007 - 1:06 pm
I do something similar – see Move big rocks before sunrise.
I’ve found it definitely helps to increase productivity, and if you can get things for clients done before they wake up, all the better.
Jeremy Graves
# January 9, 2007 - 5:36 pm
Funny how small changes in behavior make us more productive.
Another favorite strategy is DYM (delegate your misery). However, not recommended at home :)
Ken Walker
# January 10, 2007 - 4:32 am
Thanks for the tip. I would add the web browser, too, to that list of things to leave closed before 10 AM.
This, especially, after having Macworld speculation all morning. ;-)
Tracy
# January 12, 2007 - 11:21 am
Thanks for the tip. I’m trying as best as I can to stay on focus and less distracted. Some days are better than others.
W
# February 5, 2007 - 6:17 pm
oh wait.. I read devel-random… damn foiled again!
Geek | Manager » Blitz Your Email
# February 10, 2007 - 9:55 pm
[...] I find that taking 30-60 minutes, twice a day, helps me to stay 100% on top of my email. The timings of the blitzes are important though — I find first thing in the morning and just after lunch are the best times for me. The former is because I’m in a role where sometimes there are urgent fires to be put out — others feel quite rightly than an alternative strategy can be more effective. The latter is because just after lunch is typically quite an energy lull — especially if you work in the North East where they believe in proper hot lunches! [...]
PrimoFeed » Blog Archive » Blogging about a Startup
# March 15, 2007 - 3:55 am
[...] I have a laundry list of to-do items that I don’t know where to even begin. A few months ago, I came across Ryan Carson’s blog post about how to get things done. I took his advice and apply it to my list; taking a few items off the big list of fun stuff and focusing on it until it’s done. [...]
Web Worker Daily » Blog Archive Open Thread: What’s Your Morning Routine? «
# July 23, 2007 - 12:22 pm
[...] Ryan Carson finishes at least two things from his daily to do list before checking email — that’s part of his strategy for a productive morning. WWD contributing writer Leo Babauta suggests that writers create a morning writing ritual because it’s a peaceful time and it ensures you get it done. That reminds me of creativity maven Julia Cameron’s morning pages, uncensored writing that she recommends you do each morning. [...]
StartupBackpack » The dreaded getting things done checklist
# July 24, 2007 - 3:13 pm
[...] Ryan Carson from Carson Systems, the minds behind the “Future of” conferences, DropSend, Vitamin, and Amigo, has put together his strategy for getting things done: [...]
Harry
# June 2, 2009 - 5:26 pm
Ryan, that’s a simple method, worth a try.
You may want to check out http://www.GoalsOnTrack.com, a very nicely built web app designed for tracking goals and todo lists, and has time tracking. It’s clear, focused, easy to navigate, worth a try.