Do you ever get overwhelmed by everything you have or want to accomplish in the next week?
If so, here’s a technique from a podcast I listened to yesterday that you may find helpful.
1. Write down everything you could do in the next week
For example, ship the package, write a thank you note, create a podcast, respond to client emails.
Don’t worry about organizing the list into categories. It’s probably not organized in your mind. And likely everything, big or small, carries the same “to do” weight.
Really get it all out of your head.
All of it.
Just this steps helps a lot of people feel better.
2. Choose 3 Big Things
Then, choose 3 Big Things.
Actions that will bring you closer to your overall goals.
So significant that, if you don’t accomplish anything else in the next week, you can still say, “at least I did x, y, z.”
Why this works
Have you ever opened your email on Monday morning. And immediately started putting out to “little fires?” Then, all of a sudden, you look up and it’s noon?
Certainly there are things that require fast action.
(Like catching your child before they fall down the stairs)
But most things can wait.
Most To Dos do not need, require, or warrant immediate action.
Instead, pausing and planning will make it easier to prioritize the most important things. Things that move you forward toward your Big Goals.
The rest can wait.
(or be crossed off the list entirely)
In fact, sometimes the answer is made clear if you wait.
“Muddy water, let stand, becomes clear.”
― Lao Tzu
You’re ambitious.
I know you want to check ALL the things off your list.
But sometimes life throws a monkey wrench in your plans. Like the time your kid got sick and you had to stay home from work to take care of them. Then you got sick. And couldn’t get off the couch for 2 days.
Some weeks, maybe even most weeks, you’ll be able to do more than the 3 Big Things. But, by choosing the 3 Big Things, you end up more focused and motivated.
Choosing 3 Big Things moves forward toward your goals with a momentum you would have lost by putting out all the fires. It makes all the difference.
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