A while ago I ran across the quote “We have a strategic plan, it’s called doing things” from Herb Kelleher. This quote generated a blog post about the importance of action. (Not to minimize the importance of a plan . . . but sometimes you need to “just do it” as Nike would say!)
One of the responses I received after this post was, “I don’t have a problem ‘doing things’, I have a problem stopping! I can sit down to work on a 15 minute task, and the next thing I know 4 hours have gone by.”
Sometimes struggling to disengage from a task can be just as frustrating as struggling to engage in a task.
One tip I recommend is to use a timer.
Set a timer, a LOUD timer, across the room.
If you want to spend 15 minutes connecting with prospective clients on LinkedIn, then set the timer for 15 minutes. If you want to spend one hour editing your newsletter, set the timer for one hour. If you want to spend 45 minutes creating handouts for a class, set the timer for 45 minutes.
The effectiveness of this tip is that the timer is LOUD . . . and . . . ACROSS THE ROOM.
If your timer is next to you, the impulse is to turn it off and say to yourself, “I’m almost done, just 5 more minutes.” However, the reality is you get “sucked into” another 20, 40, 60 minutes. When the timer is across the room you are forced to disengage in the task to turn it off . . . and then make a choice about whether or not to continue.
I’d love to know your thoughts. Do you find it easier to engage or disengage in tasks? Please comment below!
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Once I sit down and start something I find it IMPOSSIBLE to stop until I’m done. I think that’s a bit part of how I’m so productive though.
Thanks for the comment – Amanda! I’m a big believer, if it’s not broke, don’t fix it. If you find applying single focus until completion to a project works best for you – AWESOME! Many of my clients sit down to create their social media posts for the day – and end of creating them for the week (or even month!) . . . which isn’t the top priority for the day. For these people (which it doesn’t seem like you are) the clock works well to let them refocus on the next priority on the list.
I’m a big fan of my timer. It also helps me tackle a task that I’ve been dreading! I set it for a twenty minute block and know that after twenty minutes, if I’m STILL hating the task, I can stop. Usually, is that after that initial phase of “I don’t wanna! I don’t wanna!” has passed, I’m ready to start the timer again for a longer period.
My other suggestion is to get a timer that KEEPS RINGING until you turn it off. A wind-up oven timer just goes DING and stops!
I’m also a huge fan of using a timer to initiate action . . . even if you hate the task after 20 minutes, you still are 20 minutes closer to completion! Thanks for your comment!
Lisa
I think it’s time for me to stop “doing” things. Thanks for this.
Thanks for your comment.
For me, it’s really hard to get started on a task (especially writing). But once I get started, then I don’t really have a problem with getting distracted. So what I like to do is setup a todo list before I start the day, which really helps with my productivity.
Thanks for the comment, Josh. I would be LOST without my to-do list!!!
Hi Lisa – a great reminder to use a timer! It’s so easy to get “sucked in” to other things too … and the timer helps to be more focused. Bev (also a lover of chocolate and the beach!)
Hi Bev
Great to meet another lover of chocolate and the beach!! My favorite “awareness building tool” is my timer. Sometimes I set it to ring at random intervals just to remind me to ask myself “are you working on your #1 priority right now?”! Thanks for stopping by!
I LOVE using my timer! I also use the 30/30 app on my phone to set time for different tasks that I want to do, and then switch when that time is up. It’s great because I can set different amounts of time for different things.
Laura
My timer is one of my favorite – and least expensive – tools! I use it to start a task, to stop a task, to monitor time in my group coaching class . . . . I appreciate your comment!
Thanks for this suggestion, Lisa. Sometimes, it seems like life is an endless series of projects, and I use an alarm clock from time to time. It keeps me on track, but I see that more often would be better. And I like your “across the room” idea.
I like to work standing up, to keep me focused and avoid fiddling around on a project.
However, my most effective help comes from my wife, who often suggests, Hey, get out of the office and help me with this. Or that.
Hi Robbie
Recent research suggests that you can make decisions quicker when standing than sitting. For that reason, I also use a standing desk for part of my day. Thanks for the comment!
Lisa
I need to try this… social media is such a time suck! I do switch off social media and email when I sit down to work. This helps me stay productive. Once I start to read blogs, check social media, etc. then I lose WAY too much time.
Welcome Sally
I agree . . . you can lose HOURS in social media. Using a timer has really helped!
I use a 15 minute timer if I don’t want to do a task and tell myself I can stop if I like after that. Sometimes I do stop and go back and do another 15 minutes later until I am done with it. Other times I just carry right on and get the whole thing done. It is usually never as bad as I think once I get started.
Hi Ana
Thanks for the comment. I agree – once started, the task usually isn’t as bad as you think. Plus . . . even if it is . . .you are at least 15 minutes closer to finishing!
I like the timer idea! I tend to get the most done, though, when it’s something I DON’T want to do (e.g. assess essays) but force myself to sit down and start it. Once I’ve started, I can go on for hours and be really productive. I’ll try the timer for things I DO want to do, like read facebook or twitter posts. That can suck up hours and produce nothing!
Great distinction, Rachel! I find when I “make myself” do a task I don’t like (usually for 15 minutes) the momentum kicks in and I continue. However, if I still “hate” it . . . at least I’m 15 minutes closer to completion!
I like the idea of “doing” things. I have some friends who love planning things, and talking about things, and starting things and they drive me crazy. I do like to plan to a degree, but then when I have my plan in place, I like to just get on with it. I think that’s maybe the angle Herb was going with. Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving such a nice comment on my sibling rivalry post!
You are most welcome – Adrian. I agree . . . sometimes all the planning in the world doesn’t get us any closer to achieving our goal – but 10 minutes of action will. Thanks for the comment!