From One Slacker To Another: Advice on Getting Things (Mostly) Done
The secret to getting things done isn’t actually getting things done.
It can’t be.
Because none of us will ever have everything on our to do list checked off.
So I figure the secret to getting things done must be getting things mostly done. Because there really isn’t any other option, is there?
There is no finishing life.
There is no perfecting life.
There is no: “There, now I’ve done that. Now I’m done.”
We’re never done. Life will never be perfect. There will always be another load of dishes after this one.
The secret to getting things done is to get things mostly done.
How to Get Things (Mostly) Done
1. Just start, whether it is that long desired novel you have wanted to write, organizing your kitchen cupboards, or finally getting your photographs actually printed. Just start. Don’t worry that it won’t be perfect; it won’t be. Even if you don’t finish, starting is better than nothing.
2. Write a monthly list of goals, chores, and desires. Only don’t refer back to your list. Write it out and seal it in an envelope. At the end of the month open it up. You will be surprised by how much you’ve gotten done and encouraged. Try this.
3. On the topic of encouraging lists, before you have any old lists to look back on and be encouraged by, write a new one, RIGHT NOW. Only don’t write things you need to get done this month, write things that you’ve already done last month, last year even. Write out as many accomplishments (cleaned the garage, went to the gym four times, washed the dog, watered the plants, etcetera) that you can think of (no accomplishment is too small). Write out things you are proud of, things you thought you would never finish but did, and even things that you started but didn’t finish (see number 1). Tape this list to your computer monitor. It’s proof that you’re the type of person who gets things done.
4. Don’t worry if things don’t turn out right immediately. It’s much easier to wax your car after you’ve washed it. But if you’re thinking about how you’d like your car detailed (and how you’re too cheap to get someone else to do it) you may put off even washing it.
5. Don’t think beyond the first step. It’s annoying. It annoys me; and it will annoy you.
6. Make your goals easier, more “slacker friendly”. It’s better to get something done than nothing.
7. If you’re anything like me, really, really, try, very, very hard to forget that getting that “first step done” often leads to other steps. Because there’s no way I’m waxing my car in the middle of winter.
8.. It’s okay to leave things half done. There’s always tomorrow for the other half. And this way tomorrow, before your in-laws come over, you will only have to unload the dishwasher and mop the floor (half done is also where good husbands/obedient children come in handy).
9. Think of all the crappy novels, people with bad haircuts, messy houses (other people’s houses), and rotten children (not your own) you can. Now, consider, other people have written crappy novels, taken chances with crappy haircuts, continue to live in messy houses, and somehow love their rotten children. Thinking like this always makes me feel better. And maybe it’ll inspire you to clean your house. After all, it’ll barely be any work to get it cleaner than your sister-in-laws.
10. Lastly, don’t feel bad about not getting things even mostly done. For example, if you’re about to log off and go watch a movie instead of doing the dishes, don’t feel bad about it. Just write “Do the dishes” on a piece of paper, put it in an envelope, and open it in a month. I pretty much guarantee your dishes will be done in a month. If the dishes you aren’t doing tonight are still not done in a month, then you can feel bad.
I love that last one – very funny and also true. It puts things in perspective and that’s just what I needed today.
I’m glad I could help!