Getting Things Done

There are countless articles on how to get things done. It all comes down to two things:

1. Willpower
2. Knowing what you actually need to do

Without the second, the first one diminishes. When we don't really know exactly what we need to do, we become lazy, tired, and burned out. We have vague goals to meet, such as "get good grades" or "get the job done." That's going to take you nowhere.

So here are Arthur's tips on how to get things done:

1. Every morning, make a list of specific things that you would like to do that day. This list includes everything from the most urgent to things like "spend an hour with my kids." You can keep adding to this list throughout the day as you remember things or as things come up.
2. Categorize your list into
   
• Must Do - Urgent
• Must Do - Not Urgent
• Would Like to Do
3. Start off my doing the most urgent tasks. As each one is completed, cross it off your list. Even though I'm a computer guy, I still prefer to write my list on paper so that I can get that satisfaction of crossing it off my list. I mean REALLY cross it off, feel good about it!
4. When all the urgent tasks are done, move on to the "Not Urgent" list. These lists are flexible and dynamic, so add and remove as the day passes.
5. At the end of the day, make a list of what you have accomplished and save it. It gives you a lot of satisfaction and perspective when you see what you have done that day.
6. Rinse and repeat every day.

Another important thing: On your desk, have a sentence or two written on a card stating your ultimate goal that will inspire you to keep working and to keep you on track.

Give it a shot for a week, but follow it religiously. It will really help.

PS: When doing homework or at the job, sign off of AIM and any other messaging service. Even an away message isn't enough because you will be constantly checking it.