Ironically, I’ve had Jeffrey Gitomer’s book “Get Sh*t Done” sitting on my coffee table, glaring at me with disappointment and hypocrisy, for over a year. I intended to write this article last January, but that didn’t happen. Not sure why. If I recall, nothing monumental was going on, life was pretty normal; maybe I was just content in my complacency.
Then we all know what happened. COVID-19 hit, and priorities shifted. Fortunately for me I still had work and the months that followed were some of my busiest. But with having young children at home, attempting to help with home schooling, all the while trying to protect and nurture our physical, mental and emotional health, the book just became an afterthought. It still smirked at me while I binge watched Tiger King, but like other things, I dismissed my own disapproval and blamed it on COVID.
Perhaps it’s the sense that I could have done more in 2020 – seized the opportunity to get some of my own sh*t done, like stripping my laundry or making those intended photos albums – that I was compelled to finally read the book. With optimism of what the coming year will bring, I am energized and ready to be open to Mr. Gitomer’s wisdom.
The overall premise of the book is that Productivity minus Procrastination equals Profit.
The book’s a short read yet is full of sound advice that can help you understand and implement the components of productivity, analyze what makes you procrastinate, and create a framework for getting your own sh*t done so you can love what you do and be your personal best. Here are some of the key elements:
Define Your Intentions
I’m not one for setting new year’s resolutions; I have always been more of a setting-goals-kind-of-gal. However, Jeffrey suggests starting with defining your intentions instead – what is your anticipated outcome? Intentions precede action and will thereby determine the impact of your effort. Goals and intentions are linked though and defining your intentions should happen before setting your goals. Furthermore, setting a timeline to your intentions gives them life, provides a deadline and makes you accountable.
“What do you intend to do? That’s what gets done!”
Set Your Goals the Right Way
Jeffrey reveals there are seven key steps to select, set and achieve your goals: identify it; date it; list the obstacles you have to overcome; list the groups and people who will help you; identify the skills and knowledge needed; make an action plan; and finally, list the benefits of achievement.
Once your goals are identified, be relentless and do something to work towards them every day. Visualize yourself attaining those goals and let that sense of achievement fuel your momentum.
Jeffrey also recommends putting the goals in front of your face, so they’re seen every day – for instance, notes on a bathroom mirror, fridge, or wherever you’re going to see them a few times a day. This constant reminder will help focus your commitment. He also suggests that the secret of achievable goals is to make them personal, not material.
“Achieving a goal is incredibly self satisfying. It gives you a feeling of accomplishment, purpose, and the inspiration to set and achieve the next goal.”
Are You Spending or Investing Your Time?
You’ve heard the saying “time is money”, so Jeffrey questions, are you spending or investing yours? Many say they have no time, there’s not enough hours in the day – that’s BS! We all have the same amount of time, it’s a matter of how it gets used.
There are lots of spare minutes in the day that can easily be wasted or optimized; they all add up and can mean the difference between a productive day or one spent deferring. We’ve all been seduced by the temptress of procrastination. It’s easy to find excuses to put off what needs to be done, and yet we curse ourselves when faced with a time crunch to deliver. Ultimately, if you really enjoy what you’re doing – all leading back to your intentions and goals – you’re likely to get your sh*t done.
“The most interesting thing about procrastination is when you’re doing it, you know it. Procrastination is a conscious thing.”
Prepare for Tomorrow Today
Want to know Jeffrey’s secret to a good night’s sleep? Start your day the night before; write everything down that needs to be done, problems to be solved or emerging ideas. This will provide the mental freedom to clear your mind so fresh opportunities can be hatched.
“Write everything down before bed…Wake up with answers.”
Become a Morning Person
Then, wake up early and be enthused to get your sh*t done. Jeffrey believes that everything you do in the first hour of the day will determine the outcome for its remainder. So, start it off positive, motivated and energized. Write down your ideas; read something inspiring; exercise to get the blood flowing; get well prepared to attack the day and have it be a fully productive one.
“Start every day by doing something for your yourself that inspires you, not just motivates you.”
Ultimately, you are the creator of your success, but hopefully these ideas will help you get out of your own way. Are you ready to make 2021 your most productive, fulfilling, and successful year yet? As Jeffrey says, “The best time to get sh*t done is right now!”
Shannon Foster
Managing Principal
