It’s all about Getting Things Done these days.
There are as many models for Getting Things Done (GTD) as there are stars in the sky. Well, maybe not that many, but close.
What’s your preferred method for Getting Things Done?
I’d like to share a model I am experimenting with now. It’s simple to say and so far it’s been effective in practical use. It’s a 5 Before 10 List.
Five Before Ten
It’s as simple and obvious as it sounds.
What are the FIVE things you will do BEFORE ten am today.
That’s it.
Then after you have accomplished these 5 things before 10am … write your 5 before 3 list. Where you list out the Five Things you’ll do BEFORE Three PM.
Lather. Rinse. Repeat.
But my schedule is different
If these times don’t work for you and your schedule … just adjust the times.
If the number of tasks don’t work for you and the way you work … adjust them.
This is not a mandate. It’s just a model.
Use what works for you. Try it for a few days. If it’s working … keep going. If not – stop, assess, re-configure, and re-set.
Keep Moving and GTD
As you do more 5 Before 10’s you will find what you are really good at doing in the mornings and what can be best shifted to your 5 Before 3 afternoon efforts. You will likely find that some tasks are best done in the morning.
Find your balance points for efficiency.
Slot them into 5 Before 10 –or- 5 Before 3 as needed.
Perhaps because you might have more energy or focus in the mornings or perhaps because the other people you rely upon need time to complete their 5 Before 10 efforts first.
As you do this more you will find a rhythm that works for you. As you get better at both listing and completing your 5 Before 10’s you will Stand Out In Your Career. People will seek you out because they know you value your time and you allocate it wisely. Getting Things Done is a skill many aspire to have and too often struggle to achieve.
Try Using Five Before Ten Lists to Get Things Done for a week and see how it works out for you. If you have another model that works share in the comments so we all can learn.
