The Secret to Getting Things Done
The other night someone asked me how I managed to get all the things done that I do. Because I know how much more I want to get done and could get done, it usually surprises me when someone thinks I’ve done a lot.
My pithy response to this person was: “I don’t know. I just do it.”
Yeah, that’s a pretty useless answer. So I’ve been thinking about the question and how I might answer it given another chance. Here’s what I’ve come up with…
The secret to getting things done is to make time to do them… not find time to do them. When we are in “find time” mode we rationalize that 10, 20 or 30 minute blocks of time aren’t enough to accomplish anything.
When we are in “make time” mode we use those same 10, 20 or 30 minute blocks to our advantage. Granted 10 minutes might not be enough time for me to write a story, but it is enough time to fold a basket of laundry or wash a sink full of dishes.
Getting those “lesser” chores completed takes them off my radar screen of things to do, creates a better feng shui atmosphere, and frees up that smaller chunk of time that may have been part of a larger chunk blocked off for chores.
In case that paragraph didn’t make sense let me give you an example. Let’s suppose that I typically spend 1-hour each evening on household chores. Remember this is theoritical and that is not to be construed as indicative of how much time I actually spend on household chores. 
Okay… so I’ve blocked off 1 hour to clean up the kitchen, fold laundry, vacuum, etc. If I’ve used smaller blocks of time to complete those tasks then I now have 30-60 minutes to work on a bigger project.
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that when I have 10-minutes to do a task I can usually complete it. If I have 30-minutes to complete the same task, I can usually complete it. But my pace is much slower and relaxed. Do I need to be relaxed to fold laundry? Personally I prefer to zip through it and get it done. Then I have time for something else.
So whether you need to make time to get more things done or make time to relax and have fun, the key is to make the time. Make the task a priority. Make it important. When something is important you not only find the time… you make the time… AND you take the time.
What’s your secret to getting things done?
