Successful Business Strategies
Successful business strategist and author of "The 4 Disciplines of Execution" gives his advice on how to make the most out of your time:
"If you want to make the most of your time, start thinking in terms of bucket size. The bucket with a lit match in it is worth 2 hours out of my day. I need 3 buckets filled with lit matches, before I can spend 2 hours working."
Don't waste your time on tasks without significance. Measure each one as best you can before deciding whether or not it deserves your full attention.
"You're managing a limited pool of time."
-DAVID ALLEN, Founder of "Getting Things Done"
Don't get distracted by minor activities.
When you start a new project, really focus on it and do only what is essential in the beginning. Once you feel like you are making progress, then take on more activities that help the cause.
"The question is whether I'm going to start now or later. If later it's too late."
-DAVID ALLEN, Founder of "Getting Things Done"
Don't be afraid to delegate if something doesn't need your full attention or if someone can do it better than you can.
"When you become a leader, you realize that your days are numbered. You need to delegate so that you can do the most important things yourself."
-DAVID ALLEN, Founder of "Getting Things Done"
Don't overlook the value of simple acts.
You should focus on doing the things that matter no matter how small they are. Even simple as it is, it's better than staying idle and wasting time. "The only thing I can do right now is to write out my goals for the year - in tiny letters."
-DAVID ALLEN, Founder of "Getting Things Done" Don't let too much time elapse without giving some thought to what's happened since your last action.
Don't let your mind wander into negative thoughts.
"By the time you think of the answer, it's already too late."
-DAVID ALLEN, Founder of "Getting Things Done" Don't procrastinate even if it seems harmless. Procrastination is a serious problem that can hamper productivity and dedication. It is always better to do what you have to do now than to do it later. "The biggest challenge with getting started is just doing something."
"Procrastination is opportunity's assassin."
-DAVID ALLEN, Founder of "Getting Things Done" Don't get lost in the details when you should be keeping your eye on the big picture.
"You have to be open to the possibility that you might make an enormous mistake. Otherwise you're going to spend a lot of time on stuff that doesn't matter."
-DAVID ALLEN, Founder of "Getting Things Done" Control stress by making your manual tasks as useful and simple as possible.
The less effort required to complete a task, the more time you'll have for long-term planning and other meaningful activities.
"When there's something I need to do, I write it down." -DAVID ALLEN, Founder of "Getting Things Done" Don't let yourself overcommit.
If you can't finish all your projects within their limits , then don't start them at all .
"If you find yourself overcommitted, your systems are not working. You need to do an end run around your commitments and get back to basics."
-DAVID ALLEN, Founder of "Getting Things Done"
Don't be afraid to change.
You can't be successful if you don't move with the times. You also have to learn from your mistakes and constantly improve your system or every time life throws a curve ball at you, it's going to knock you out of the game . "I need three buckets filled with lit matches before I can spend 2 hours working." -DAVID ALLEN, Founder of "Getting Things Done" Don't procrastinate even if it seems harmless. Procrastination is a serious problem that can hamper productivity and dedication. It is always better to do what you have to do now than to do it later. "The biggest challenge with getting started is just doing something."
"Procrastination is opportunity's assassin." -DAVID ALLEN, Founder of "Getting Things Done" Don't ignore things which are important for your success.
If you wait for the perfect time and the perfect moment, it might never come .
"You have to be open to the possibility that you might make an enormous mistake. Otherwise you're going to spend a lot of time on stuff that doesn't matter. "
-DAVID ALLEN, Founder of "Getting Things Done" Don't try to solve difficult problems in your head.
The best way to deal with a difficult problem is to write it down on paper and then forget about it until later. It's a lot easier to solve complicated issues using an external device which allows you to take your mind off them. "It frees up my mental resources."
-DAVID ALLEN, Founder of "Getting Things Done" Don't let your inbox control your time or stress levels.
Do something every day that moves you closer to the ultimate goal of being completely unbothered by work e-mails and other notifications. Everything else should be archived or deleted. "It frees up my mental resources."
-DAVID ALLEN, Founder of "Getting Things Done" Don't let yourself get stressed out.
Being stressed will prevent you from working to your fullest potential. Adopt a mantra or statement that you repeat in your mind whenever you find yourself losing focus: "I have more important things to do right now."
"I have more important things to do right now." -DAVID ALLEN, Founder of "Getting Things Done" Don't waste time on unimportant activities.
If it doesn't move you closer to your goals, it doesn't deserve your full attention.
You should focus on doing the things that matter no matter how small they are.
"The only thing I can do right now is to write out my goals for the year - in tiny letters."
-DAVID ALLEN, Founder of "Getting Things Done" Don't be afraid to leave things undone.
You can always return to your unfinished tasks later.
"One of the things that often happens when you have too much on your plate is that you don't get things done because it feels like a hassle or you're too busy, but then you don't get them done because of all the guilt and shame."
-DAVID ALLEN, Founder of "Getting Things Done" Don't let your emotions run away with you.
Even if things are going well for you, be aware that a down moment can arrive at any time.
"You'll be surprised. It's like waking up in a room with no windows and no doors. Once you get in here all the sudden it gets dark and the room starts moving."
-DAVID ALLEN, Founder of "Getting Things Done" Don't let yourself become too fragile.
Being too sensitive will make it harder for you to take risks and face challenges.
"Until you have faced significant challenges, you won't have the mettle to do big things." -DAVID ALLEN, Founder of "Getting Things Done" Don't let yourself get distracted by other people and issues.
Conclusion:
These are few of the proverbs that I use for my personal productivity system. Not all these proverbs are from David Allen's book "Getting Things Done". But I used them in my daily life and I found it really helps to make me more productive. So if you are also looking for ways to become more productive, follow these proverbs to stay focused and enjoy success in your work/life.
Please share with others so that they can also benefit from it. Also, do let us know about your own favorite productivity related proverbs!
Also Read: How To Reduce Stress Using 10 Simple Slow-Breathing Exercises - Exhale! Exhale! Exhale! And...