How to Get Stuff Done When You Don’t Feel Like it

Would you like to get more stuff done? If so, then watch this short, 120-second episode of IN:60 with Jamie Turner for some simple tips on how to get more work done in the course of a day.

Check it out below. Or, read the transcript below the video.

Transcript: In today’s episode, we’re going to talk about three simple techniques you can use to get more stuff done in less time.

Let’s do this.

(Snap)

In a previous episode, I talked about how to get motivated to start writing a book, finish a presentation, or write a report.

I mentioned that most people who want to get motivated have it backwards. They think that motivation leads to action, when in fact action leads to motivation.

Today, I’m going to talk to you about three simple techniques you can use to finish whatever it is you’ve started.

In other words, I’m going to show you how to actually get stuff done.

If you’re like most people, you’re caught up in sideways energy.

Sideways energy is what happens when you’re distracted by things that don’t move the ball forward for your goals.

That gossip you participate in? Sideways energy.

The political arguments you have on Facebook? Sideways energy.

Long responses to emails that would be just as effective as one-sentence answers? Sideways energy.

Side comment: Can you tell I’m preaching to myself here?

So, the question becomes – how do you avoid sideways energy and get more stuff done?

Here are three steps you can use.

Step 1 – recognize Sideways Energy when you see it. Now that I’ve pointed it out to you, it’ll be much easier to spot it and avoid it.

Step 2 – create a deadline for what you want to accomplish. In other words, don’t just create a goal like “I want to write a book.” Instead, create a goal with a specific set of deadlines. “I want to finish my outline by September, finish chapter one by November, and finish the book by next May.”

And step 3, which is the most important step of all – have an accountability partner.

And it can’t be a family member who will let you off the hook if you miss a deadline. It needs to be a business associate, a college roommate, or a friend of a friend – someone who will be mildly disappointed in you if you miss the deadline.

So, let’s do a quick recap.

Avoid sideways energy.

Create a set of deadlines for each step towards your goal.

And report to an accountability partner who will be disappointed in you if you miss your deadlines.

A quick shout-out to Emily Smith who made a kind comment on one of our previous episodes.

If you like what you saw today, click on this video for more episodes like this one.

And don’t forget to hit the subscribe button down below.

My name is Jamie Turner. I’m an author, a speaker, and a CEO. And I’ll catch you next time.

About the Author: Jamie Turner is an internationally recognized speaker, author, and management consultant who was recognized as a top 10 speaker by CarreerAddict (along with Ariana Huffington, Daymond John, and Gary Vaynerchuk). His client list includes The Coca-Cola Company, AT&T, Microsoft, Verizon, SAP, T-Mobile, and Holiday Inn. You may have seen Jamie in Forbes, Inc., Entrepreneur, Business Insider or the Wall Street Journal. He’s also a regular guest on CNN and HLN where he contributes segments on marketing, persuasion, and leadership. He teaches at Emory University and the University of Texas and has been profiled in one of the world’s best-selling textbooks.