I’ve tried different approaches to getting things done.

I’ve tried goals. I’ve tried “Goal-Free Living.” I’ve tried just “being” without any thinking or planning.

By and large, I get done what I’m going to get done regardless of my current approach. However, I have settled on a plan that I’m comfortable with, and that gives me some sense of control.

What’s the plan? How am I getting things done?

First off, I should tell you that I’m not talking about the little things. For little things, I keep a list, try to refer to it, and do the stuff I’ve added to the list. If I haven’t done it after a while, I mark it done and hope it doesn’t matter. I’ve generally found that if I’ve left it on the list for a month or so (and it’s not on my Someday/Maybe list), then I’m probably never going to do it.

What about the big things? I’ve concluded that I’m only going to get a few big things done each year. That makes me sad, except when I realize that I’ve had some years when I haven’t done ANY big things. Then I’m not so sad.

So, accepting that I’m only going to do a few big things each year, here’s what I do.

I make a list of three things that I’m going to do this year.

I put the three things on my computer desktop with an electronic sticky note.

Then I write them on a whiteboard next to my desk.

Then I tell the people involved that they are my three things.

Then, almost like magic, the three things get done.

Seriously, it’s like magic—for me, anyway.