A simple 2 step process for getting things done

Published on 22 January 2024

Mountain of work


You’re stressing over some work you’ve got to do.

What I’m going to suggest is really obvious, but I bet that you won’t actually do it.

But if you do, it’ll help, trust me.


So, you’ve got a project.

You know there’s lots to do, and you know that the deadline is getting closer and closer.

You know you’ve got to spend some money, you know you’ve got to do some stuff, you know you’ve got to contact some people.

Lots of things to do.

But the scope of that, the size of the challenge in front of you is currently undefined.

It just feels MASSIVE because you don’t know what it is, and it’s the not knowing that makes it feel big.


So, sit down with a piece of paper and do 2 things.


Step 1:

Write down all of the things that you can possibly think that you need to get done for this project.

That’s the first step, just writing down the scope of everything.

Step 2:

Get your calendar out, look at the timeline that you’ve got between now and when the thing needs to be finished.

Take the tasks that have specific dates that have to be done, if any, and put them in the calendar.

And then work backwards from the end date of the project to put in all the tasks when they need to be done.


That’s it, just a two-step process.

Easy.


Step 3 (bonus):

If you want to take it a bit further, list all the tasks from step 1 and work out how long you think each will take.

Put these into the calendar so you can see a visual timeline - a.k.a. a Gantt chart.


Mountain of work


Now it won’t feel as big and massive and scary, because you know what needs doing - you’ve defined the tasks, dates and if you did the third step the effort as well.

It just is what it is, and now you’ve just got to work through the tasks, rather than worry about them - causing inaction.

People stress about the unknown.

Here you’re turning the unknown into the known.

Now you’ve got known-knowns, not unknown-unknowns or known-unknowns.

It’s all known-knowns.


If you actually go away and follow these steps - reach out and tell me if it helped 🙂

About the author: Jon Munson

As a Digital Delivery and Operations Consultant, I have honed my skills while working with some of the most dynamic and innovative digital agencies in the industry. I've had the opportunity to work with teams that are punching well above their weight, and I understand the unique challenges they need to overcome.

I’ve worked as a developer, project manager, producer, head of operations and delivery lead. Now it’s time for me to help teams like yours grow and win!



3 ways I can help you:

  • Consulting for your business: I'll work with your team to develop or improve processes around how you deliver work, operate your business, and give your customers a great experience.

  • Coaching your team: I'll coach your team to level them up, implement process, or support them through any issues they are facing - no matter what their experience level.

  • 1-2-1 Coaching: From junior project manager, to operations director - I'll work with you to get where you want to be, coaching you through challenges and process every step of the way.



Join my mailing list:

For insights and advice on management, process, tools, tech and strategy to get better at what you do, and ultimately grow your career and/or business.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Thanks for joining - Your subscription has been successful.