David Allen
Beginning drivers seem to make a lot of jerky movements with the wheel. Actually they're making smooth movements to very short horizons.
A complete and accurately defined list of projects, kept current and reviewed on at least a weekly basis, is a master key to stress-free productivity.
The next time you want to hires someone and are evaluating performance and skill sets, look at the person's ability to get ready fast. When has she been really surprised (positively or negatively)? How long did it take her to integrate it and navigate a positive response?
Sometimes the greatest gain in productive energy will come from cleaning the cobwebs, dealing with old business, and clearing the decks.
So in order to achieve clarity and be fully and positively engaged in what you're doing, you must (1) know the goal or outcome you're intending and (2) decide and take the next physical move to propel you in that direction.
Once a week, do a thorough review of all your projects in as much detail as you need to. If you do, your systems will work. If you don't, no system will work.
My opinion is that anybody offended by breastfeeding is staring too hard.
Mosquitoes can ruin the hunt for big game.
'Land on Mars' as a project still comes down to something like 'Call Fred about the Mars budget proposal' that can be accomplished as soon and as easily as any other activity in our inventory of work at hand.
It's hard to be fully creative without structure and constraint. Try to paint without a canvas. Creativity and freedom are two sides of the same coin. I like the best of both worlds. Want freedom? Get organized. Want to get organized? Get creative.
If you want to catch fish, and really enjoy the sport, you will maintain your lures and line in some organized fashion. The best at it will always have their tackle ready.
I've experienced (more times than I like to admit) avoiding slightly uncomfortable conversations with others I should have had on the front end and then endured much more excruciating ones on the back end.
'I need milk' and 'I need to decide whether to buy this company' both tie up space in psychic RAM. The solution is simple. Write it down. Look at it. Do it or say to yourself 'not now'.
Decide the outcome and the action step, put reminders of those somewhere your brain trusts you'll see them at the right time, and listen to your brain breathe easier.
Beginning drivers seem to make a lot of jerky movements with the wheel. Actually they're making smooth movements to very short horizons.
A complete and accurately defined list of projects, kept current and reviewed on at least a weekly basis, is a master key to stress-free productivity.