In the previous post, we saw some random notes from the book “Eat that Frog” by Brian Tracy. In this post I will share the list of 21 things needed to do for getting things done as the book mentions – I will put half of the list on this post and the other half in the following post. I hope they will be a help to you as they have been to me. Here they are:
21 ideas for getting things done
1. Set the Table – decide what you want, write out goals before begin, clarity is essential.
Ability to concentrate on most important things = happiness and getting more done
10/90 rule – first 10% of time you plan will save you 90% of time when you begin to work
We always have enough time if we manage it right
2. Plan day in advance – think on paper. Every day you spend time planning will save you time in execution.
Write out what you want will help you
Planning is bringing future in present so I can do something about it right now.
Every minute in planning saves you at least 2 hours in wasted time
Proper prior planning permits proper performance
Think on paper, you will be able to do more
Make list at end of day or night before and be ready for next day – you will be more effective the next day.
A. Have a master list
B. Have a monthly list
C. Have a weekly list – to plan out week in advance
D. Transfer from montly/weekly list to daily list
3. Apply the 80/20 rule – 20% of what you do will amount to the 80% of importance. Concentrate on most important
There is always 20 percent (2 out of the 10 to-do things on my list) that are more important and will be more profitable if I do it.
Resist the temptation to clear up the small things first – if you choose to do the small things at the first of the day, you will make a habbit of doing small things, so start with the big things first. Most people do the small things and procrastinate on the big things.
Time management is life management – control over what you do next.
Your ability to choose between the important and most important is important and will allow you to accomplish more than the average person.
4. Concentrate on the consecuences – what are the good or bad consecuences of doing what I am going to do.
5. Practice the ABCDE method continually – organize by value and priority
ABCDE rule: put an “A, B, C, D, E” beside every task to see what is the importance.
A. Something very important – the frogs of your life
B. Should do – not as important as the “A” task. Never be distracted by a tadpole when you have a frog in front of you.
C. Nice to do but no consecuences at all if do – call a friend, etc
D. Something you can delegate to someone else – you should delegate things that can be done by others.
E. Something you can eleminate all together because not important to do. Maybe was important at one time, but not important now.
6. Focus on key result areas – what are the things I have to do well at and focus on those things.
7. Obey the law of forced efficiency – there is never enough time to do everything, but always enough time to do the most important things.
8. Prepare thoroughly before you begin – proper prior preparation prevents poor performance.
9. Do your homework – more knowledge you have about the task you are going to do, the better and more quickly you can get it done.
10. Leverage your special talents – determine what you are good at or what could be good at and do those things very well.
Here to Serve,
Jeff Bush
www.reachingall.com
