… Get Shit Done and Take Prioritised Purposeful Action!

We’ve all been there, that impending action of pressing the snooze button, when we just need an extra five or ten minutes in bed, labouring on the potential procrastination of events, tasks, or actions that we know are just around the corner. And as much as we hate to say it or acknowledge it, they are often activities, that we all may try to postpone for as long as we can.

And here lies the problem, we often get a sense of anxiety towards such tasks, that builds up incrementally to such an extent it spirals out of control, and they transform into hurdles that we deem much bigger than they actually are.

With countless tasks and responsibilities vying for our attention, staying focused and productive can be a significant challenge. The Inevitable overwhelmed feelings creep in by endless to-do lists leaving us feeling unaccomplished and unfulfilled. So how do we solve this?

Well, we must first administer some good old-fashioned discipline. Now I know what you’re thinking - That’s not for me... surely there must be another approach... isn’t there an easier way? Well, allow me to digress.

“Discipline is doing what you hate to do, but nonetheless doing it like you love it.” - Mike Tyson

Discipline is a core component for many successful people and is an essential activator for incorporating the principles of the GSD (Get Shit Done) and PPA (Prioritised Purposeful Action) Lists. Now at this point you’re thinking, oh no not another list! But hear me out.

Using GSD and PPA into our daily routines, we can supercharge our productivity and achieve remarkable results. But the key to using these effectively, and to revolutionise your approach to work is NOT to activate them first thing in the morning BUT to prepare them the night before.

The GSD list embodies this spirit of discipline by focusing on taking action and overcoming procrastination. It’s about identifying the tasks that  add weight to our shoulders and slow us down and tackling them head-on. But, here’s why the GSD list is crucial:

Clearing mental clutter: The GSD list acts as a repository for all your pending tasks. By transferring them from your mind to paper or a digital tool, you free up mental space, allowing you to concentrate on the task at hand

Amplifying motivation: The GSD list serves as a constant reminder of what needs to be done. As you cross off items, you experience a sense of accomplishment and are motivated to tackle more tasks, propelling you forward.

Fostering focus and urgency: Prioritising tasks and setting deadlines on your GSD list creates a sense of urgency. It helps you avoid distractions, stay focused on your goals, and make steady progress.

Circumnavigate the Wheel of GSD: GSD should also be thought of in 7 simple steps:

1.       Draft – Out of our minds and on to paper, write it down

2.       Define – Identify the tasks, priorities, or actions

3.       Debate – Valid your list

4.       Decide – Make the necessary decisions

5.       Deliver – Time to act

6.       Delegate – Trusting others to do their part

7.       Desist – Upon closer inspection, some tasks are not meant to be

While the GSD list emphasises urgency, the PPA list takes productivity a step further by emphasising prioritised purposeful action. It’s about understanding the underlying purpose behind each task and aligning your actions with your broader goals. Here’s why the PPA list is vital:

Strategic decision-making: The PPA list helps you evaluate the importance and impact of each task. By aligning your actions with your long-term goals, you can make strategic decisions on how to spend your time and energy most effectively.

Cultivating focus on high-value tasks: By identifying the tasks that contribute most directly to your objectives, you can prioritise them on your PPA list. This enables you to dedicate your efforts to meaningful work and avoid getting bogged down by less impactful activities, which at this stage you should have an eliminated with your GSD list first thing in the morning.

Maximising efficiency and effectiveness: The PPA list encourages you to evaluate whether each task brings you closer to your goals. It allows you to eliminate or delegate tasks that don’t align with your purpose, freeing up valuable time and energy to focus on what truly matters.

Sound good so far? So the next thing you are asking yourself is How do I truly optimise my productivity? Quite simple really, It’s essential to integrate both the GSD and PPA lists into your daily routine. So here are some practical tips for doing so:

Start with a brain dump: Begin by jotting down all the tasks and ideas swirling in your mind onto your GSD list. This clears mental clutter and allows you to focus on the next steps.

Don’t consider your GSD list in a linear fashion, think of it more like an ‘Eisenhower Box’. So, draw a box and divide it into four quadrants. Then you will need headers for the columns and rows of your four boxes; the columns marked as ‘Urgent’ and ‘Non-Urgent’ and the two rows marked as ‘Important’ and ‘Unimportant’.

Therefore, you are likely to have Box 1: Do First: First focus on important tasks to be done in the first hour or same day. Box 2: Schedule: Important, but not so urgent, but tasks that can be scheduled for completion throughout the day. Box 3: Delegate: (This one comes with a little trust) What’s urgent but less important, and therefore possible to be delegated to others, with the view of completion by the end of the working day. Box 4: Don’t Do: (Now I know what you are thinking, Isn’t that the opposite of what we want to achieve from a GSD list?) Yes and No, whilst committing ourselves to a brain dump earlier, we might present ourselves with items that would logically go on our GSD list, but upon closer examination and validation, we may actually come to realise that these are items that are neither urgent nor important. So completing box 4 serves as trigger to acknowledge and recognise these, and to eliminate them from our thought process.

Prioritise purposefully: Once you have your GSD list, review each task, and assess its alignment with your long-term objectives. Prioritise them accordingly on your PPA list, ensuring you dedicate your time and energy to high-impact tasks.

Set SMART goals: Now some of us at this point are thinking, ‘Been there, done that, got the t-shirt’, nevertheless, this is still the most practical method, transforming your tasks into specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound ‘SMART’ goals provides clarity and direction, making it easier to take purposeful action.

Review and adjust: Regularly review your GSD and PPA lists to track your progress, reassess priorities, and make necessary adjustments. Continuously refining your lists ensures that you stay aligned with your goals and adapt to changing circumstances. Don’t be constraint by being too rigid.

By harnessing the power of GSD and PPA lists, you can unlock your true potential and achieve remarkable productivity. Embracing discipline, taking purposeful action, and focusing on high-impact tasks will enable you to make meaningful progress towards your goals. So, start creating your GSD and PPA lists today and experience the transformational power of productivity in both your personal and professional life.

Remember, discipline is the key to success, and by doing what you hate to do with passion and purpose, you’ll accomplish more than you ever thought possible. And finally, I will leave you with these three final steps... Deactivate your snooze button! … Get Shit Done! … and Take Prioritised Purposeful Action!