13 Strategies We Use to Get Things Done

Today, we’re sharing the 13 strategies we use to get things done, our favorite tools, and the #1 thing you can do to turn your goals into reality.

The Secret to Getting Things Done 

I’ve come to realize it doesn’t matter if you’re working a 9-5 with a side hustle, running a small business, trying to lose weight, training for a half marathon, trying to get your toddler potty trained, or transitioning from one life season to the next – one of the most significant things you can do to reach your goals is to be consistent.

I know that solution sounds too easy.  Honestly, sometimes it can feel mundane but it’s the absolute truth.

No matter what your goals or dreams, there comes a point where you stop looking for shortcuts and decide to put in the hard work no-matter-what. Things like:

• Writing your goals down
• Waking up early
• Staying up late when you have to
• No longer saying yes to the things that aren’t fulfilling
• Learning to adjust course, your attitude, and your expectations when needed.

Is it easy being consistent? Not at all.

In fact, it’s hard to stay motivated. Especially, if you don’t know why you’re doing what you’re doing.

But being consistent has never been more necessary for reaching the goals and dreams you have inside you than it is right now.

As we close out September and creep ever so slightly towards the busiest season of the year, I’m reminded how important it is to have as many sanity saving tools in place as possible. Believe me, I don’t use the words “sanity saving” lightly.  I just know myself well enough to know my limits. And I’m pretty sure deep down you do too!

While I was at the How Women Create event a few weeks ago, one of the most discussed topics was “how to get it all done.”  It’s a frequently debated topic with my accountability partners as well.

My Old Reality

There was time when I was running three booths in three different cities. Then searching for items to fill those booths. I was painting furniture for the booths and for private clients, decorating client’s homes, working a part time job an hour away from my house – each way. Five days a week I was blogging and promoting TCG.  All while collaborating with other companies, networking with fellow creatives, and supporting my accountability partners.

To say I was running on frayed nerves, coffee and passion during that time was an understatement. I also don’t think it would be a stretch to say I wasn’t as effective at doing all those things as I thought I was either.  Honestly, how could I have been?

I finally realized, there was no way I was ever going to be able to keep up that pace, despite my best efforts, and something had to give. The moment that transformed everything was when I realized I was actually sweeping the floors of someone else’s dream and it compelled me to make some significant changes in my life.

It hasn’t always been easy, but the changes have all been worth it.

Here are the 13 strategies we use to help us reach our goals every day…

#1 – Having a consistent morning and nightly routine

This is like giving yourself the gift of a solid foundation every single day. If you don’t have a successful morning and nightly routine yet, keep trying until you find what works best for you. It makes a huge difference.

#2 – Using and keeping a calendar and goal setting system that fits our lifestyle

I use a Day Designer Planner and we also use a shared color-coded Google calendar to keep all TCG business on track.

A few years ago, I started using PowerSheets by the Cultivate What Matters Team and I cannot recommend them highly enough. They have been an absolute game changer!

#3 – Fully understanding our goals, writing down to-do lists and knowing our top 3 priorities every single day, even on the weekends

How many times have you stayed consistently busy all day? Yet at the end of the day, you crawled in bed wondering what you actually accomplished.  Us too, which is why we wake up every day with a game plan already in place.

#4 – Time blocking our schedule.

We give ourselves a specific amount of time to complete a task, say 9a-930a to check and return emails. If you don’t want to walk around with a kitchen timer all day just set an alarm on your phone. The block of focused time has made us more efficient.

# 5 – Batching as many activities/tasks as possible

For fellow bloggers and business owners it might look like editing all your photos at the same time or scheduling all your blog posts or social media in one sitting.

You don’t have to own your own business to be successful at batching tasks though. Your batching process might look like grocery shopping, filling up your gas tank, cleaning out your car, and taking your car through the car wash while you’re in town.

#6 – Utilizing brain dumping sessions one day per week

There is no way we can remember all the minute details we keep in our brains on a daily basis. Sitting down with a blank piece of paper and putting all those thoughts down on paper will help you better organize and prioritize your week.

#7 – Planning, prepping, organizing and scheduling the day/week/month/quarter with focused, uninterrupted time

Without a doubt, the key to this one is “uninterrupted time.”

On Sunday nights we sit with our PowerSheets and calendars to plan for the week ahead. This includes anything from schedule reviews to menu planning to goal setting to brain dumping to writing out to-do lists for the week.

It usually takes around an hour to an hour and a half to complete the entire process each week. But honestly, that one hour saves us so much time every single day.

#8 – Having a positive mindset,

Trading the words “can’t” for “can,” “sorry” for “thank you,” “have to” for “get to,” “but” for “and I will” as well as working on limiting beliefs, saying no to excuses and yes to finding a way.

This is something I have to work on daily! I still have days that I struggle in this area but I’m getting a lot better at squashing negative thoughts. Especially, before they have a chance to take hold and send me down the, “woe is me rabbit hole” ?

#9 – Keeping the house and work spaces picked up and tidy

I’m a true believer that clutter begets clutter. If you’re looking around at your cluttered house and wondering why you can’t “get it together already,” start by picking up.

We’re not talking about deep cleaning.  Clear your surfaces, start a load of laundry, sweep the floors and empty the dishes in the kitchen sink.

Set a timer for 15 minutes and watch how easily the 15-minute clutter catcher technique will work for you!

#10 – Maintaining healthy living habits (meditation/journaling, working out, healthy eating, water intake, good sleep hygiene)

Working out has never been on my list of fun things to do but I know it’s necessary for my physical and mental health. I’m always surprised at how many people say they don’t have time to mediate, work out, create healthy meals, or get enough sleep. Yet they can binge watch tv or spend hours scrolling Instagram.

I’m not judging at all, merely gently reminding you, successful healthy living habits are formed when you make them a priority, plain and simple.

#11- Carving out non-negotiable time for white space and rest

One of the THE best things we’ve done for ourselves this year is to keep Sundays sacred. It’s a non-negotiable.

Scheduling time to rest and create white space by saying no to the things that don’t fill your cup is necessary for avoiding burn out.

It’s OK to say no.

#12 – Practicing gratitude

This is another daily exercise we’ve been very intentional about.  Keep in mind, you don’t have to break out your journal to practice gratitude. It can be as simple as saying thank you as often as you can to those around you.

#13 – Celebrating and writing down big wins and little wins

Sometimes progress feels like it comes so s-l-o-w-l-y you start to wonder if what you’re doing is even working anymore. It can also feel kind of mundane like you’re working your to-do list instead of working towards your goals and dreams.

We totally get it!

As we shared above there is no way we can remember everything. So, make sure to write down what you’re celebrating each day/week/month! You will be surprised at the end of the year at how far you’ve come and how many fun memories you made along the way.

I know this list seems like a lot. You might be thinking I’m asking you to be Super Woman every day.

I promise, I’m not.

My best advice is to only use and implement those items that will consistently work for you. I can’t say we nail all 13 items on this list everyday. But when we do, it’s the best feeling in the world.

My challenge for you as we enter the busiest season of the year is to figure out how you want to consistently show up for yourself, your passions and your life.

Are you willing to put in the hard work? To let go of the excuses and do whatever it takes to consistently make it happen?

Are you willing to embrace the tools and strategies it takes to get from one level to the next even though you might not see the results right away?

I was hoping you would say that. We’re believing big for you too!

Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Many blessings,

CoCo