Get Out of the Do

It's Monday morning and I'm looking at what I accomplished last week. I was SO busy - catching up after big snow storms caused havoc to my work schedule (due to a six days of no school for my son), keeping on top of current client needs, responding to new clients and marketing opportunities, staying on top of email and phone calls, chairing a big volunteer event and taking care of me, the house, my family and meals. Although I did SO much (my to-do list is in shreds) I'm feeling less than satisfied with what I produced.

What went wrong? Why am I not ecstatic that I've crossed so much off of my lists even in the midst of mayhem? Looking back at the results of last week I noticed that the two most IMPORTANT projects that will have a significant impact on my business were not touched. I managed to keep DOING without evaluating what what was the best use of my time for my priorities.

I see this often - highly productive, competent and capable, able to leap to-do lists in a single day - not getting to the relevant, important, meaningful work. It's so easy to get stuck in the 'doing' mode and it feels good. I don't know many who don't enjoy crossing items of their list. And, it can also feel like a treadmill - doing a lot of work and not getting anywhere.

So, how do you get out of the do?

• First, you need to pause. This may seem counterintuitive when you're busy and when you feel like you're accomplishing so much. You need some space to evaluate what you're doing in order to change your direction.
• Next, evaluate. What is important? Do you know your priorities for your week? What will success look and feel like when those priorities are addressed? Be sure to commit these priorities to some concrete format - get them in writing either the old fashioned way or electronically. Be sure you can see what you wrote.
• Choose your actions. Instead of running on auto-pilot and doing what comes at you, choose one or two tasks that when completed will move you closer to your priorities.
• Schedule the time. Now that you're clear on a few important actions, block time off to focus on those. Make it uninterrupted time in an environment conducive to completing what's important.
• Lastly, implement. Yes - you are 'doing' something, but it is an action that you chose deliberately and it will feel meaningful, relevant and give you much more satisfaction then that treadmill you've been on.

Would love to hear your experience with this process, or something similar. How do you know when your 'doing' doesn't measure up to what you want and need? What methods do you use to accomplish your important work and stay on top of the daily grind?