43 Folders

Back to Work

Merlin’s weekly podcast with Dan Benjamin. We talk about creativity, independence, and making things you love.

Join us via RSS, iTunes, or at 5by5.tv.

”What’s 43 Folders?”
43Folders.com is Merlin Mann’s website about finding the time and attention to do your best creative work.

A Little Trick - The Easy Way Out

Now I'm not suggesting that I am the first one to think of this, just suggesting an effective hack; a tool in my utility belt. Like a good procrastinator, at times I find myself confronted with a daunting list of "to-do's".Things add up, and before too long, even the simplest chore ends up on my list, adding to my log jam.

So here's a hack that I like to call "The Easy Way Out":

First- Do the easiest, quickest thing on the list. Whatever it is, if it's easy and quick, it gets checked off first. It doesn't have to be important, just done.

Second- Now with your list, one task less, repeat.

lather, rinse, repeat.

Much like a dash, this takes care of some of the tasks that just make me feel guilty. Easy things that just aren't important enough to get immediate attention, but there they are cluttering up my list. It's no cure, but I find it helps clear away the stuff that makes not getting things done really painful.

About goofyfut

 
EXPLORE 43Folders THE GOOD STUFF

Popular
Today

Popular
Classics

An Oblique Strategy:
Honor thy error as a hidden intention


STAY IN THE LOOP:

Subscribe with Google Reader

Subscribe on Netvibes

Add to Technorati Favorites

Subscribe on Pageflakes

Add RSS feed

The Podcast Feed

Cranking

Merlin used to crank. He’s not cranking any more.

This is an essay about family, priorities, and Shakey’s Pizza, and it’s probably the best thing he’s written. »

Scared Shitless

Merlin’s scared. You’re scared. Everybody is scared.

This is the video of Merlin’s keynote at Webstock 2011. The one where he cried. You should watch it. »