Getting Stuff Done

Every day, new ideas and new agendas are born. Some people have this uncanny ability to convert these ideas and agendas into clear outcomes. And some people struggle all talk, and make no progress despite the ideas and agendas being tangible and real.

We can categorize the first group as “doers” and the second group as “dreamers.” So, what distinguishes doers from dreamers?

Ideas and agendas do not convert into outcomes on their own; they require a structured process to bring them to life.

I use a Five-step process to track and measure myself when it comes to ideas, agendas, and projects.

Step 1: Convert the idea, agenda, or dream(whatever you desire) into a goal. If it’s not framed as a goal, it’s not getting done. Period.

Step 2: Set deadlines for your goals. A goal without a deadline is just wishful thinking. Deadlines create urgency and momentum, forcing you to take action.

Step 3: Back up your goals with habits and rituals. Identify what you will do daily to push the agenda forward and do it.

Step 4: Implement systems to reinforce your habits. It could be tracking against a project planner or a daily checklist. Personally, I use daily journaling as a system to reflect on what I have done and how it is tracking.

Step 5: Finally, add an aggressive dash of obsession in pursuing your goals. Showing up with half-assed commitment just doesn’t help.

Getting stuff done is an exceptional capability that requires one to start with a good foundation of having a process to deal with execution.