Five Ideas I’ve Implemented to Get More Done
Glen / 
62 Comments / 
June 8th, 2009 / 
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A little over two weeks ago now, I set myself a self-discipline challenge that produced some great results. I am honestly still amazed that something as simple as cutting out time wasters in my life, over a very short time-frame, has had such a positive impact on me.
Since finishing the challenge, I’ve really “upped my game” and my productivity is still through the roof. Due to the success I have experienced in this area, I’ve streamlined my operations and brought together all my positive, productive ideas, for maximum results.
In this post I want to get quite personal and share with you all the positive habits and ideas that I have implemented into my life in order to get more done. They aren’t as drastic as completely eliminating all time-wasters from your life, but they have been highly effective and I am loving the consequences.
My only request is that you don’t view the following ideas as some chore or forced action. Instead, adopt a fresh perspective, and even see if any of these might work well in your own schedule. Not only have the following ideas helped me to become much more productive, they’ve helped me enjoy what I do so much more as well.
The Five Ideas
The following items can each be used independently to bring about positive change, but to take things to the next level I am currently using them all at once. I certainly don’t think this is overkill and I actually view each idea as important and as helpful as the next.
1. Do the Hardest Task First
It was thanks to the book Personal Development for Smart People by Steve Pavlina that I realised I tend to try and ease myself into the day. What I mean is that I would check my emails, monitor my income statistics, check website stats, and then force myself to get onto the important items on my to do list.
I now see that I was using the first few tasks in my day as a cushion in order to protect myself from the real work that I had to do. When this is the case, we spend much longer than necessary on the simpler, more enjoyable tasks because we know the thing we’re putting off is just around the corner.
Now, the first thing I do when I wake up is work on the task I know I don’t want to do or at least the task that is the most important. It is a real struggle but as soon as I get moving then things start to flow nicely.
I much prefer having a day that starts with a small hurdle and continues to get easier, rather than a day I know is going to get progressively more demanding.
2. Process Email Once Per Day
Because my whole business revolves around the internet, spending time sending and responding to emails is a large part of my day. That being said, I know I was giving far more attention to this aspect of my routine than it deserves. It wouldn’t be rare for me to check my email at least 10 times in a day.
For over a week now, I have been processing email just once per day, and this has helped me dramatically. I have came to realise that the reason I would check email so compulsively is because I was using it to procrastinate before I would get onto the next task. I was using email as a way to feel busy, just for the sake of being busy.
This surprised me when I really thought about it, but I have never had an email yet that would have urgently required me to respond. Therefore if an email comes in just after my daily check, it’s fine if I just respond to it the next day.
3. Adopt a Numbers Based Schedule
A numbers based schedule (shown on the image below) is something that I only adopted at the beginning of this month, but already seeing great results with. Although this may seem slightly robotic, I like to plan as many aspects of my day as possible. In my ideal world I would just have a daily checklist of things to do without thought, then cross them off and, in time, enjoy my rewards.
In my line of work I’m required to be creative, and constantly try new things, so sadly the above ideal is not an option. Instead, I have tried to schedule myself a daily task system simply based on numbers. At the top of a sheet of paper on my wall, I have 30 boxes which each represent a day. Every box has a series of numbers in it, so for example the first day on the sheet which is Monday, June 1st, I have the numbers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 written inside the box.
Below these boxes, I have a key to signify what each item means. The numbers 1 and 2 refer to a protein shake I take, 4 refers to the gym, 7 refers to my motivation document (the next point) and so on. Certain items only appear a few times a week, such as the Gym (4) only shows on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
The basic premise is this: if I can cross of all items on that list on a daily basis, I will get a lot closer to achieving my goals. This keeps me as efficient as possible, and I stay motivated by aiming to cross off all the numbers at the end of each day.
This is the desk where I spend most of my day. You can see my poor DIY skills with the extra bit of “floating wood” I added on the right to give me some more room.
4. Read My Goals and Get Emotional
When I started my own 21 day challenge which involved visualisation, I set about trying to improve parts of my self image (which has been proven to dictate our behaviours and actions). The original idea was taken from the book, Psycho Cybernetics, which was written by Maxwell Maltz and has sold over 40 million copies to date.
One thing I added to the challenge that wasn’t part of the book was to make it clear to myself that I’m going to die one day.
Although that sounds quite negative, it actually had a very positive impact on my life. Whenever I was stressing over the smallest things, or worried about how an event might work out, I would instantly remember – “I am going to die.” Subsequent thoughts concluded that life is too short to worry about irrelevant situations, and sure enough, my anxiety disappeared and I stopped worrying.
I believe that because I bombarded myself with the fact that I’m going to die every day for three weeks, my mind would remind me of it whenever it seemed relevant. Therefore, I decided to use this same principle in order to help me stay focused on my goals.
I created a new document in Penzu (which I recently discovered, and is amazing) which listed 4 items relating to each of my three goal areas: health, wealth and PluginID.
Each morning I take a few minutes to go over all of the items on my list, and I get emotional about them. I don’t mean that I sit there and cry my eyes out, no. Instead, I imagine how amazing life would be if I can achieve these goals, I link achieving them to very positive emotions. This basically tells my brain this is what I want to focus on.
As I hoped, I am constantly being reminded of my goals and I’m also being flooded with new ideas on how I can accomplish them. This happens because our sub conscious constantly processes the things we focus on – so if I give a clear input, I end up with lots of solutions I can output.
5. Have Visible Affirmations
Being completely honest, I have never been one to believe in affirmations and in fact, I’m not even sure if this idea uses affirmations in the way they are usually defined. As you can see on the picture above, I have printed out 2 pieces of paper with 4 things items written on them in large font.
They are:
- I make $15,000 per month
- I work hard and provide value
- I work on one task at a time
- I make the most of this opportunity
I know that this is working very well for me because whenever I want to stop a task half-way through and move onto something else (like writing a blog post) then I’m instantly reminded that I should only work on one task at a time.
The reason I have a monetary value in there is because I want to get it into my head that this is the type of income I can generate on a monthly basis. This is a huge step up from what I have been able to earn even just a few months ago, but I’m hovering around this figure now and I want to keep it as a constant goal.
I stumbled upon this idea thanks to a video which involved a video tour of Steve Pavlina’s house and I’m definitely seeing the benefits. This is basically very similar to the last point in that it helps keep these things running over in your mind and it’s also nice to have them in front of me at all times when I’m sitting at my laptop.
There we have it, five ideas that I currently implement into my life to help me get things done and most of all, enjoy what I do. I don’t see this as putting constraints on myself or making my routine robotic, I actually enjoy pushing myself and revel in the accomplishments for doing so.
If you have your own productivity habits or ideas, I would love to hear them in the comments.
If you enjoyed this post, I would appreciate if you share it on Twitter, Facebook or Delicious!
Awwwwsome post.
Really practical, solid ideas.
liked the caveat at the beginning that they’re not chores, just different perspectives.
number 1 is power. really made me think about how much i “ease myself into the day”. good ‘ol 80 20, hardest stuff usually gets way more done productivity wise. interesting idea to do the thing you least want to do – the hardest thing – as you wake up. def gonna try that tomorrow.
your daily checklist ideal is interesting. i’ve tried those things. lots. like i said about the “do i really want this” question, that kind of extreme regiment just stifles my creativity… like, it’s better to let it flow for me than regiment it. knowing what you’re doing in the day means you won’t get hit with any NEW ideas, you’ll just be executing old ones. and scheduling idea time / creativity doesn’t always work – “best ideas hit you in the shower” according to the commercials
maybe just doesn’t work for me. somehow letting it flow always gets most done for me – but that’s why i like number 1, that gets important things out the way that lets me have some flow time 
efficient doesn’t give creative time to breathe in my experience…
the bit on affirmations is also really really good advice – especially how you phrase it in the PRESENT, not future tense. i find it a lil less forceful to say, “i allow myself to have an income of…” than “i make x income”. just a phrasing thing though.
really cool stuff man. interesting topic idea to begin with too.
momentum is probably the one thing i’d add. building momentum for specific projects by structuring your schedule accordingly, but not overwhelming yourself (and killing momentum)
coolness
alex – unleash reality
tweeted and stumbled btw
can’t wait to hear you say you hit that $15 000 goal
Will either be this month or next
I usually organize my goals / activities into an unordered list, handling them as circumstances allow. In addition to the things I do for money, I am also a minister and the needs of the congregation can toss a curve ball into a schedule. So, I check things off as they get done and when the page gets too messy, I start a new one, beginning with the things that were left undone on the first one.
I see that you keep things nice and simple Bill, not a bad approach at all.
Hiya Glen
What an inspiring article! I’m implementing lifestyle changes myself and have recently experienced some useful ones.
I use very clear visual representations of what I want to do during the day. I also use same process for longer term goals, even using a vision board. I like your use of affirmations and will develop that too.
Your reducing time atteding to email is another sensible approach I’ll be adopting across my communcations.
Thanks
Jens
I have recommended using a vision board in the past but lately I like to create videos around my goals and watch them once per day. I find I can focus on something much more if I put some inspiring music in the background, it makes me a lot more determined for some reason.
Thanks for stopping by buddy!
great idea about the vision mapping with videos, i do the same thing and if anyone wants to know where to get videos produced, i can do that for you, in fact here is a free reducing stress video…enjoy!!
Whoa! Bookmarked and stumbled… Inspiring! I have to set goals to reach that $15,000 a month!
Anything is possible with an action plan and some motivation
In this economy, how does one make $15,000 a month…legally and ethically…working at a pressboard desk?
http://www.pluginid.com/cloud-living/
I’m leaving this house in a few months to travel the world
That is my family home.
I like the number based schedule idea that you’ve got going on. Lately, I’ve been thinking about doing something similar, but using short words or symbols to represent the task. The physical act of crossing something off — a task on list or a number/symbol on a schedule — seems, at least for me, to be an important part in keeping track of your progress and keep yourself motivated. Doing it the opposite way — writing down what you’ve done AFTER the task is done (ie: “today I did cardio for 20 minutes”) doesn’t seem nearly as effective.
Hey Matti,
I hadn’t thought of it that way, great point! There’s definitely something about seeing the sheet and wanting to cross all the items off that keeps me going.
Hey there. I just wanted to say that this article has found its way to my face at a very opportune moment for me. I appreciate it.
I do believe somewhat in subtle universal energies. But with affirmations, I think that regardless of whether the energy you’re putting out has an effect (which to me sounds a bit hokey), you at the very least train your mind to look for certain opportunities, which means you’re more likely to notice them as they flit by.
Pessimists are closed off to opportunity, and if I think of all the times each day that I tell myself something negative about the universe, I’d better be systematically affirming positivity to at least balance it out.
Glen,
I really like the picture and the aspirations that you put on the wall. What a great way to stay focused.
Thanks Roger, I thought a picture would help people see what I mean
great ideas! i definitely do #1 and i think it really works. once you get the hardest thing out of the way you free yourself up to doing all of the other tasks on your list. super advice. thanks for sharing it!
Very nice, Glen… #4 reminds me of the Buddhist lesson: Nothing Lasts. This is something that became all too real to me on the three occasions when I lost loved ones, and another when I nearly lost my son at the hands of a careless surgeon.
The fact is, we are going to die… and not necessarily when we are 100 years old. It could be today. But that fact doesn’t have to be depressing. Like you said, it can be a great motivator and a wonderful way to keep things in perspective.
Focus on what really matters (to you) and you will have made the most of each day.
Very interesting, in every period when I’m doing a lot of logical work I set a similar (with other tools but just as much concrete) schedule. Right now, I’m in a period of creative and art so I my schedule is to do the less logical I can and then start creating (sports, music, writing…).
Different goals, different types of productivity and different approaches.
Hi Glen,
One thing that I have noticed in people who love what they do (btw, they are all successful at what they do too)is that they embody their “work”. I think that the advice you give in this post, especially what you wrote for numbers four and five, will lead people to embody their work. By embody, I mean they are one with what they do. It is a part of their being and they just know their field of expertise.
Great stuff. I love the visual reminder of goals. I created a belief board based on Steve Pavalina’s post and I have written my story the way I want it to be and have it posted on my wall in like 80pt font.
As usual totally inspiring and makes me want to get up and make things happen! My problem is that I am all about prepping and rarely take action. I will try some of these things to get my butt moving and start working on my goals. I read your posts everyday and they are a constant reminder that I can do anything I want I just have to work at it. Thanks you
Excellent and motivating……it is good to face those facts about my own human behaviour that stops me from reaching my full potential. Procrastination is the killer…… thank you.
You’re welcome Diana, I’m glad you liked the post and thanks for stopping by!
WOW I have been reading a lot on making money online. I came across your page because someone or you twitterd it. And I clicked on the link. You are my new hero. You are making 15000 a month.. I live on that a year. I have been trying differnt ways for over 5 years this shows that, If you do the work it pays off.
Thanks
Cindy aka pollyjean
Hi Cindy, you can view my guide about that here: http://www.hqhow.com/case-study-1/
Hey Glen, thanks for sharing these practical ideas. I personally practice #1, #2, #4 and #5 and they are helping me tremendously in being more productive. I got to see Steve’s video a couple of weeks back and started the affirmations too – it’s amazing how beneficial they are, for such a simple action!
Woow man, I always love the pictures you use for each blog post:)
And good for the 5 ideas, i agree 100%. Procrastinating is one of the biggest obstacles in achieving success:(
Thumbs up!
I am working on doing a vision board myself. I read that book a number of years ago, but kind of forgot about it. I must re-visit. I agree the emotion and passion is an important element, otherwise it is kind of wishful thinking and not burning desire.
I do think what we say is much of what we get. You know how people want some time off from work. So they come in and say they aren’t feeling well. Then they must be getting sick, then it is getting worse… they finally get their much needed day off but they are really sick and are not enjoying it.
It seems to be socially acceptable to say some off-hand negative remark, like “Watch this deal will probably fall apart.”. Then it happens and you are a prophet. But say some positive thing you want, and you begin to doubt yourself and people think you are a little crazy.
I love your post and ideas. You go get ‘em and make a boat load of money. Be blessed.
Great stuff Glen! Thanks so much for sharing. I don’t quite get #3 though, but I think the other 4 are good enough to get my engine all fired up!
Cheers~
Mark
I’m a fan of a numbers-based schedule. Quotas help limit, inspire, bound, and are pretty black and white.
Hey J.D. – Nice to see you over here.
I honestly had no idea anybody else had a numbers based schedule so that’s cool to hear!
I love the clean and simple workspace. This has inspired me to brainstorm and post up my affirmations as well.
Thanks for the great ideas!
Hey Sean, that’s awesome. Let me know which ones you come up with…
I always enjoy your articles, the time and effort you put into them shows. I always leave feeling motivated and inspired. Thanks.
I agree with Sean… your simple workspace, and the affirmations are inspiring! I’m going to post some above my workspace for inspiration now. Thanks!
Great to hear Karen!
Fantastic article Glen! Several things:
#1 doesn’t work for me. Putting the most daunting task first discourages me. I like to get moving on smaller things first and then roll on with the momentum thus generated.
I’ve never heard of this numbers thing before, or if I have then I’ve forgotten it. It’s a really interesting idea and I might try it.
“One thing I added to the challenge that wasn’t part of the book was to make it clear to myself that I’m going to die one day.”
Boy, that’s really interesting. I think I like that idea too. Perspective is extremely important in our lives.
Your affirmations are fantastic. So few and so simple. I have way too many. Your article has inspired me to cut some of them out.
Thanks again Glen!
Hey Stephen, thanks for stopping by.
A few of these definitely won’t be useful for everyone, so you’re right in just wanting to try what you think will work for you.
To my knowledge, I created number 3 on my own. I have never heard of this anywhere. It’s quite similar to having a schedule, though a little more simplistic.
Where does Twitter fit in this?
: – )
Actually, I say so to kid/tease, but it’s a valid question. I agree that tending to emails can result in 100 or so interruptions or start-stops in the day (that’s my metric). Twitter is worse. How do you use it and stay on topic?
Self discipline
I covered Twitter, here: http://www.pluginid.com/self-discipline-challenge/
Very practical tips to increase work efficiency!
Wow, suggestion #5 is a pretty powerful reminder to help get things done. I am going to try something similar.
Great post. Stumbled it for you.
Sounds very much Steven Covey and a 12 step program all in one! And that is a good thing! I have been doing both for 23 years….a little Wayne Dyer too!
I really like point number 5 I haven’t seen that before. I need to figure out what I’m doing right so that I can write it down though.
Good work! Love it! I practically wrote all your intelligently laid-out steps down in a diary so I can follow them too and have great results with my time.
It takes courage and determination to have one’s time been fully managed owning to some hard temptations from so many irrelevant tasks that keeps beckoning.
I must admit, this is not my first time of hearing and reading about time management. I haven’t just been able to manage my time well.
Now, I’ve got no other choice than to commit everything to managing my time. I’m ready to do whatever it takes to develop my personal life and time management is the right step in the right direction.
I can’t thank you enough for your timely insight!
Hi Glen,
I think that number 5, keep goals visible, is the most important of your great list. When your goals are visible, you always have them in the front of your mind. In addition to keeping a few print outs just in front of my computer screen, I’ve started keeping this pair of skinny jeans out during the day on my kitchen table so I see them everytime I want something to eat and remember my goal of fitting into them (they are 2 sizes down from my current size) – so far, so good!
Thanks for the great post!