One of the most common questions I hear is "Jack, how do you get so much done?" In this article, I share three more of my top strategies for tackling goals:
1. Get clear about what's required. When people set goals, particularly New Year's resolutions, they tend to be overly optimistic about how much is actually possible. As a result, they over-commit or make lists that are far too long.
I've fallen into this trap myself. I've learned that, to be realistic, I must take the time to break down goals and ask "What would actually be required for me to achieve this goal? How many hours would that take?" Once I have a list of activities and estimates of the time needed to achieve each item, I pull out my calendar and start scheduling those activities.
This is the point at which you come face to face with reality. If you recognize there's not enough time in the day to accomplish everything you want to, it's time to go back and prioritize your goals. Once you've identified the most important things, schedule the activities that those goals will require, and set aside the rest for later.
2. Create a daily schedule. Simply setting aside time in your calendar may not be enough to achieve your goals. I go the extra step and create a daily schedule. Additionally, I use the "Rule of 5." Each day, I choose five specific tasks that move me toward my goals and ensure those tasks are included in my daily schedule.
