How to finish the job when you cannot finish a task… VIDEO

In this video, Dr. Melissa Gratias reads an excerpt from her book, Establish Rituals…you deserve 15 minutes of control.

Are you frustrated by unfinished tasks and projects? Listen to Dr. Gratias as she expands on her concept of “Finish the job!”

 

 

Excerpt from Establish Rituals…you deserve 15 minutes of control:

There is one micro ritual that is helpful throughout the day to manage tasks outside of the opening and closing rituals. It is called, “finish the job.” Often, disorganization and feelings of overwhelm are caused by a sense that little has been accomplished or finished. Part of this is due to the fact that a typical task on a knowledge worker’s Today List cannot or will not be completed today. A list that is filled with once-and-done tasks (and the resulting adrenaline rush that comes from checking them all off) is more likely to occur with non-managerial, very entry-level jobs.

 

The task itself may not be completely done, but you can still finish the job (for now) by clearing your mind, computer, and work surface in preparation for the next to-do item.






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Dr. Melissa GratiasMelissa Gratias (pronounced “Gracious”) used to think that productivity was a result of working long hours. And, she worked a lot of hours. Then, she learned that productivity is a skill set, not a personality trait. Now, Melissa is a productivity expert who coaches and trains other businesspeople to be more focused, balanced, and effective. She is a prolific writer and speaker who travels the world helping people change how they work and improve how they live. Contact her at getproductive@melissagratias.com or 912-417-2505. Sign up to receive her productivity tips via email.

 

4 Comments

  1. Joyce A Teal

    Melissa, Great post as always!
    I love the concept of “finish the job” especially when you can’t complete the job in one day. I often set mini-goals for these kinds of projects. This allows me to check something off on my to-do list giving me a sense of completion. Little steps are better than no steps!

    Reply
    • Melissa Gratias, Ph.D.

      Great tactic, Joyce. Humans love closure. We are uncomfortable with anything that feels unfinished. And, so many of our tasks are not once-and-dones. We have to create our own milestones. Keep up the amazing work!

      Reply
  2. Lydia Ramsey

    Melissa, your advice is always straightforward and easy to follow. When I follow your advice, I do feel better. I can’t wait to try this method today.

    Reply

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