You don’t need more time. You need better execution. Here’s how you get things done without getting stuck in the noise:
1. Speed Up Decisions or Drown in Delays
Indecision is the biggest killer of progress. If a task gets stuck waiting for approvals, you’re already behind. The fix? Streamline decision-making. Identify who owns the call and give them the authority to make it, no back-and-forth. Use the “two-option rule”—limit choices to A or B. The more options you offer, the slower the decision.
Actionable Insight:
Next time someone brings you a problem, demand a solution alongside it. No more passing decisions up the chain.
2.Batch Tasks, Kill Distractions
Stop switching between tasks—it’s killing your productivity. Group similar tasks together and block uninterrupted time for them. Batching is about maintaining focus and gaining momentum. Keep emails, meetings, and deep work in separate, dedicated slots. Multitasking is just task-switching with a fancy name. It slows you down.
Actionable Insight:Block two hours for deep work and guard it like a meeting with your biggest client. Distractions are for amateurs.
3. Define “Done”—Or You’ll Never Finish
A task without a clear endpoint drags on forever. Be crystal clear about what “done” means before you start. Vague goals like “make progress” are useless. Give your team or yourself a specific metric. No ambiguity, no endless tinkering.
Actionable Insight:
Before you greenlight any project, ask: How will I know when this is complete? If the answer is vague, you’re not ready to move forward.
4. Aggressive Deadlines Get Things Moving
Urgency drives execution. Give yourself and your team tight deadlines. Make it uncomfortable. When tasks linger, they lose their importance. The key? Shorten feedback loops—don’t wait weeks to review progress. Constant iteration beats perfectionism.
Actionable Insight:
When someone asks for more time, cut it in half. Pressure forces focus and kills unnecessary steps.
5. No Loose Ends: Close Open Loops Fast
Every unfinished task drains your mental energy. Implement a “no loose ends” rule. Capture all tasks in one system and make closing them a priority. The longer something stays open, the more it clutters your brain. Clarity equals speed.
Actionable Insight:
Every task gets one of two fates—action or elimination. There’s no middle ground.
The Bottom Line:
You don’t need more hours in the day, you need better execution. Speed up your decisions, eliminate distractions, set clear outcomes, and create urgency. That’s how you get things done. No excuses, just results.
