Hey all,
I'm kind of new here but I've noticed a common theme amongst a majority of the new people here. That common element is a lack of action. It's easy often times to get caught up in the next big idea, or decide that what you're working on now doesn't have the same "upside" as what you've just thought of. But I'll tell you now, TAKE ACTION ON WHAT'S IN FRONT OF YOU!
Here are some tips to make sure you get that next job done:
I'm kind of new here but I've noticed a common theme amongst a majority of the new people here. That common element is a lack of action. It's easy often times to get caught up in the next big idea, or decide that what you're working on now doesn't have the same "upside" as what you've just thought of. But I'll tell you now, TAKE ACTION ON WHAT'S IN FRONT OF YOU!
Here are some tips to make sure you get that next job done:
- Break big tasks up. Too often people make a single to-do list for an entire project. I've seen it several times even on this forum. If you generally have trouble with "finishing" (go ahead.. laugh now!), break that list up. Think of the 10 things you will have to do to accomplish #1 on your current list and make a to-do for that. Now, I don't suggest you take long on these. Just take long enough to make sure you remember what each task entails. Once you're done with your first mini-list, write / start on the next.
- Set your alarms. Most people are extra productive in short bursts. We've all experienced this, where you were extra productive for the first 20 minutes you sat down. There is a reason most of us share this experience. Give yourself a SHORT time limit for a task and when the alarm goes off, stop working. Go grab a drink, go outside and breathe a bit, whatever you have to do to separate yourself from the task for a minute. After your break come back to the task if not finished. This tactic works fantastically for me!
- Appreciate completion. When you finish one of your tasks, take a couple of minutes to appreciate what you've done and get excited about it, especially if you found it rather difficult or it was something new for you. You ARE your boss when it comes to this stuff, make sure you show yourself some appreciation.
- FOCUS. This sounds like common sense, but take away those simple distractions. Email, instant messaging, cell phones, extra browser tabs that aren't open on something related to the task at hand, CLOSE ALL OF IT! Show yourself the courtesy of devoting your entire energy into what you're doing right now! Doing this produces the most quality work you are capable of at that time.
- Get sleep! Duh.
