Getting Stuff Done in 2021

There are many elements that contribute to the success of a business, including clear strategies, the right people with the right skills, hard work and a little bit of luck. As we move into 2021, our success as businesses and as individuals will depend on our ability to get the right things done in a timely way.

No matter how senior the person I coach, inevitably the issues of work–life balance and time management come up. There never seems to be enough time to do all that needs to be done.

While there are many time management methods, the one I prefer is Big Rock Theory, a term coined by Stephen Covey. Like all the best theories, Big Rock Theory is easy to explain but the success of the approach depends on how willing you are to commit to it.

The process involves the following steps.

1. Identify your most critical projects, tasks and activities, and plan for these first. These are your ‘big rocks’. They might include an important project, a presentation or a health-related pursuit or activity.
2. Identify your next most important activities. Plan for these second. These activities are still important but can be completed in shorter timeframes, and might include, for example, attending meetings, finalising minutes or administrative tasks. These are referred to as ‘gravel’ or ‘pebbles’.
3. Finally, identify your ‘sand’. These are the thousands of minute activities we complete every day that can take up all our time if we let them. They include sending emails, posting on or reading social media, having random chats and returning phone calls. How often do you start the day with a long to-do list? You start with the easy tasks, like returning a call or two. and suddenly it’s 2 pm and most of the day is gone!

As you return to work and the tasks of managing yourself, your team and your business, take the time on both a weekly and a daily basis to identify and prioritise your big rocks and avoid being covered in sand.

If you need any assistance or would like to discuss how to get more done in 2021 and how to build the team that will help you do this please connect with us here.