Get It Done! Effective Task Management in Four Easy Steps

You know what it feels like when your to-do list has taken on a life of its own – there’s a mountain of papers on the desk and countless emails are being flagged, pinned and highlighted to deal with “later”. At home, things are not much better as you never seem to have time for tidying, organizing or getting jobs done around the house. Does it all seem out of control with “to be done by” dates disappearing off into the horizon? 

Let’s say for example that you have a large pile of household paperwork to sort through, file or deal with. This can feel daunting and stressful whenever you think about doing it. Your thoughts will tend to be negative ones – there’s no point of doing anything as it won’t make a difference – I don’t know where to start – I can’ t make any inroads here – I can’t be bothered.

After all, it’s so much more fun to watch TV, surf the net, play with the kids, go out for dinner, meet up with friends and basically do anything else apart from the ominous outstanding task. This phenomenon actually has a name: procrastination. 

“if we are not doing something, it’s because we don’t want to do it”

We all know about putting things off and in most cases, if we are not doing something, it’s because we don’t want to do it. There’s an aspect of it that we don’t like. This part carries the negative charge which in turn creates feelings of resistance.

So, in order to avoid procrastination, it is important to understand what the task means to you. Let’s pick another example – say you want to update and improve your LinkedIn profile to be more competitive in the marketplace and find a better job.

When you think about logging into LinkedIn, you visualize this complex network of social media, groups, friends, professional contacts and all the other features including a recently updated user format. In an instant, you feel overwhelmed and put off with no desire to write or promote yourself as there simply seems to be too much to do. But if you follow this simple four-step process you will turn this task into something you are actually going to do.

1. Identify your beliefs & fears.

Take a closer look at the task and think about doing it. How do you feel? What comes into your head? Do a mini-brainstorm and write down all the negative thoughts that come up – no censorship. Become aware of your any beliefs or doubts that hold you back.
There may be different parts of updating your profile that you dislike: selling yourself, dealing with a social media platform, having to check dates and information, writing a work history and so on. Once you are clear about what is holding you back and why, the next step is easy.

2. Ask yourself why you want to do it.

What’s really in it for you? What is the positive outcome that you expect or count on? How will your life change after completing the task? What will be different? What is the positive intention?

So, in this case, it would be having an updated profile that demonstrates your professionalism, being picked up in HR searches, getting more profiles views & contacts, leads & job opportunities and so on.

3. Visualize that you have already done it.

Whatever it is, imagine it’s done, finished. Connect to the future feeling of what that would be like and any sensations or thoughts that come up. Then set a date that feels right to you and write it down. This should feel easier after completing the previous steps.

I.e. imagine the profile done & dusted with new photos, a high number of profile visits listed on your home page, exciting job offers etc.

4. Treat Yourself.

Last but not least, think of a reward! How can you treat yourself for having accomplished one or maybe even two or thr ee things on your list? – Whatever makes you happy and allows you to enjoy some “me-time”. What about renting a film you really want to see, booking a massage, taking a walk, phoning a friend or going out for coffee?

Take each item from your to-do list – whether it’s joining a gym, talking to your partner, writing a job application or sorting out your desk drawer – then apply the same technique.
Your list could turn into something like this:

This is a quick solution for being effective in your daily life and getting tasks done. Don’t let yourself be held back by procrastination!
Try out this method see if it helps you follow through with your plans for a productive 2018. Imagine where you could be this time next year?

If you like the table-style format, download our free worksheet and fill out your own version.