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The Practice of Productiveness

How to Do Everything You Want in 7 Steps

Published about 2 years ago • 2 min read

Hello Reader,

David Allen’s quote, “You can do anything but you can’t do everything” is popular in productivity circles…. but it’s misunderstood.

He’s not saying you can’t do everything you want to do, just that you can’t do it all at once. Not to mention that “everything” can mean something to one person and something else to another (and another).

So how do you actually do everything?

Well, if you actually want to do everything, then I’ve put together a 7 step process that you can follow starting today.

The 7 Step Process for Doing Everything You Want
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  1. Define Your “Everything”: Before diving into action, clarify what “everything” means to you. Your goals will differ from others, so take some time to list your top priorities. What are the most important tasks, projects, and aspirations you want to achieve? Break them down into short-term and long-term goals.
  2. Prioritize Your Goals: Once you have your list, prioritize it. Determine which goals are most urgent and which can wait. If you’re using TimeCrafting and theming your weeks and/or months, you can align them with those so that they get your overarching focus during those timeframes. For example, if you want to work on getting your finances in order and have decided that “Finance” is your Monthly Theme for June, you can earmark projects and tasks associated with finance to have your attention during that month. You could also refine this to a particular week if you’re using Weekly Themes. But you should be realistic when using this approach so that you can see your goals through to completion in whatever timeframe you’re theming.
  3. Create a Plan: With your priorities set, create a detailed plan. Break down each goal into smaller, manageable tasks. Set deadlines and allocate specific time slots for each task. Use tools like calendars, to-do lists, and project management apps to keep track of your progress.
  4. Focus on One Thing at a Time: Multitasking can lead to mistakes and burnout. Instead, focus on one task at a time. Give it your full attention and effort until it’s completed or until you’ve reached a good stopping point. This will improve the quality of your work and help you accomplish more in the long run.
  5. Manage Your Energy: Pay attention to your energy levels throughout the day. Schedule your most important and challenging tasks when you’re at your peak. Take regular breaks to rest and recharge. Managing your energy will help you develop a healthy relationship with time.​
  6. Reflect and Adjust: Regularly review your progress. Reflect on what’s working and what’s not. Adjust your plans as needed to stay on track. Don’t be afraid to reprioritize your goals if circumstances change or if you realize some tasks are no longer relevant.
  7. Foster a Healthy Relationship with Time: Understand that time is a finite resource. Use it wisely by focusing on what truly matters. Avoid wasting time on activities that don’t contribute to your goals. Instead, invest your time in meaningful pursuits that align with your priorities and values.

This process will take longer the first few times you do it. Afterwards, it’ll go faster and get easier. But you’re going to have to put decent effort into it to get that flywheel spinning. Once you’ve got it going you’ll be able to to do everything you want… and do it better than ever.

Don’t forget: You can achieve everything you want by acknowledging that you can’t do it all at once. Prioritize, plan, focus, manage your energy, and continually adjust your approach. That’s how you get anything – and everything – done to your liking.

See you later,
Mike

PS: While I’m on the topic of “everything,” don’t miss out on The Everything Conference in Minneapolis from August 1-4. It’s the perfect event for those interested in exploring their multipotentialite nature. Use the code MIKE for $100 off when you register here.

The Practice of Productiveness

Thoughts and practices for working with time—not against it.

I’m Mike Vardy, and I help people build a better relationship with time — not by controlling it, but by working with it. Through my writing, courses, and community, I explore how intention and attention shape a more meaningful life — one rooted in the original idea of productiveness over productivity.

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