Get more done
Do you want to get more done in the time you have?
You may not have a Bucket List, -Although I would wonder why not. Seriously, it’s the whole point of this website! Go read this now; We’ll all wait. You may, therefore, not feel this post is for you. Whether you have a list of exciting tasks to complete or a list of jobs you have been putting off, these tips will work just the same.
It is important to remember that your list is not a race. You are under no obligation to complete it (unless it is a list of things you MUST do by the end of the week, in which case, get on it!). However, if you want to get things done you need to have a plan. You need to make an effort and you need to make a start.
Time to get things done.
Avoid Overwhelm
The number one killer of anything fun is obligation. Knowing you have to do something often takes away part of the fun. Sometimes our ‘to-do’ lists or Bucket Lists can feel like this. It is as if someone is ordering us to do things, even though that someone is technically us…we wrote the list!
When you pair overwhelm with perfectionism you are in a world of trouble. After all, if you can’t complete a task perfectly, why even start?
This is where the power of brain-pouring and micro-tasks come in. You are going to need somewhere to write a list, but this is me we’re talking about, you can’t say you couldn’t see it coming.
“She’s suggesting a list again!”
First of all, write down everything in your head with regards to your list – whether you plan on doing it today, whether it is a random idea, everything; pour your soul out. (As an aside, I just prefer the idea of a mind pour over a mind dump…just saying).
You do not have to do all of these things on the list at once. You are going to pick 3, or 5 at most, if some are quick and easy, and those are your focus for now. Keep the list out of sight too, so you are not tempted to keep picking at it.
Regular readers will know that I annually 5 select or so items from the Kettle List to focus on. They don’t necessarily get done, but if I tried to work on an entire list of 50 items the odds are nothing would get done at all; I would be overwhelmed.
How this refers to my list
Of the things I have chosen to work on this year, I know that many of the full tasks will not be completed.
In fact, a quick check back to January will show that some will certainly not get done!
I haven’t started on an instrument, I haven’t visited a European Capital or gone on a zen retreat.
However, I have made headway towards some of the other tasks. And did you see how I not only got into the sea up to my waist – but had a swim!
After my trip to the Malvern Flower Show in May and our trip to Liverpool for Hannah’s 21st, I can tick off 2 more counties. Once we get to the Lake District in October for a Comic convention (#23 of the 40×40!) I should be able to tick a few more off. There was also the fact that I braved the sea earlier this year, and work is well on the way for completing my cross-stitch by the end of the month. Then to tackle those cranes…
Get more done with these 5 goal-achieving tips
Breaking down your bucket list into smaller, actionable steps can help you achieve more and make progress towards your goals. Here are some steps you can take to break down your bucket list:
- Categorise your goals:
First, categorise your bucket list goals into different areas of your life such as personal development, craft, travel, spirituality, health, and so on. This will help you organise your goals and create a clear plan of action.
It will provide a bit of variety, so when some tasks can’t be done – you can’t travel because there is a global pandemic, for example – then you can work on something else. - Set specific and measurable goals:
This is a crucial first step in achieving your aspirations. Once you have identified what you want to accomplish, it is essential to break down these goals into specific and measurable steps. By doing so, you can create a clear roadmap that will guide you towards success.
For instance, if your ultimate goal is to travel to Japan, ( an example I just pulled out of the air – ahem) you can break it down into smaller, manageable steps. These might include saving a specific amount of money for airfare, conducting thorough research on accommodations, learning basic Japanese phrases, making friends with people there, and so on. Each of these steps serves as a building block towards accomplishing your larger goal. - Create a timeline:
It is vital to create a timeline that outlines when you aim to achieve each milestone. Assigning deadlines to your goals ensures that you remain accountable and motivated. By establishing specific timelines, you give yourself a framework within which to work. It also prevents procrastination and enables steady progress. For example, you can decide to save a certain amount of money each month for airfare, allocate time each week to study Japanese, and set a deadline for completing your accommodation research. By sticking to your timeline, you will stay focused and steadily move closer to your desired outcomes. - Prioritise your goals:
When faced with multiple goals, it is essential to evaluate their importance and urgency. By prioritising your goals, you can allocate your time, energy, and resources effectively. Start by identifying the goals that hold the most significance to you. These might be the goals that align with your core values, fulfil your long-term aspirations, or bring you the greatest joy. By focusing on these priority goals, you will avoid becoming overwhelmed and ensure that you make progress towards what truly matters to you. - Celebrate your achievements:
As you make progress towards your goals and achieve each step, it is crucial to take a moment to celebrate your achievements. Celebrating your progress serves as a powerful motivator. It also helps to reinforce your commitment to your bucket list goals. Whether it’s treating yourself to a small reward, sharing your accomplishments with loved ones, or simply taking time to reflect and appreciate your journey, celebrating your achievements helps maintain your enthusiasm and dedication. Acknowledging your progress along the way provides a positive boost, encouraging you to continue pursuing your goals.
In summary, effective goal achievement involves several key practices. Breaking down your goals into specific and measurable steps provides a clear roadmap for success. Creating a timeline with deadlines keeps you accountable and motivated. Prioritising your goals allows you to focus on what truly matters to you. Finally, celebrating your achievements along the way reinforces your commitment and helps you stay motivated throughout your journey towards accomplishing your bucket list goals.
Time to start working on that list!