The most valuable tasks you can do each day are often the hardest and most complex. But the payoff and rewards for completing these tasks efficiently can be tremendous.

Brian Tracy

Getting started on a project is so easy. However, a lot of people find it difficult to complete what they have started. Here are 10 simple ways of getting any task done.

Step 1: Make a To-Do List with Priorities

One of the very worst uses of time is to do something very well that needs not be done.

Brian Tracy

Having a lot to do sometimes makes us overwhelmed in such a way that we end up doing nothing. Start by writing out a list of all you have to do. Next, sort the list in order of priority, with the most important thing first. Realize that your time is the currency you spend in order to complete any task, hence the need to discard any task that is not worth your time.

Step 2: Describe in detail what needs to be done

You should now have a list of the most important tasks you have to do in the order of their priorities. Before you start working on the list, you need to have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve. For each of the tasks on your to-do list, write out a detailed plan of what needs to be done. Write down what you expect to happen when the task is completed. For example, I may decide to make a list of possible article titles for my blog and then commit to publishing an article each week.

Step 3: Schedule time for each task

Many people often give the excuse of no time when they are asked why they couldn’t complete their task. The problem they have is not the unavailability of time but the mismanagement of time. To overcome this bottleneck, you need to set time aside to work on each task. For example, as a blogger, I may decide to commit an hour every day to writing for my blog.

 Step 4: Commit to finishing the task

Start working on your to-do list after creating time for each task. Avoid the temptation of doing too much at once. Make use of your to-do list to focus on doing one thing at a time. As much as possible, avoid starting a new task until you have completed the last one. Stick to the time you have committed to working on each task.

Step 5: Be Time Conscious

Before you begin working on any task, it is important to set deadlines for each task. If you do not meet deadlines, you can always reset them.

Step 6: Stay away from Perfectionism

Never try to make each task perfect. Nothing can cause more procrastination in completing a task than the desire for perfection.

Step 7: Keep the end goal in mind

You need a yardstick to measure whether or not you have completed a task. This is the essence of keeping the end goal in mind. 

Step 8: Keep a record of your accomplishments

Working on a task or project for an extended period of time can lead to burnout and a decline in motivation. Keeping a log of your progress and accomplishments might lessen the impact of exhaustion and keep you motivated to complete the task.

Step 9: Remember to always ask for help when you need it

Whenever you feel you are stuck while working on a task, it is not a bad idea to ask for help from your friends or associates. If you don’t have the right tools or know-how, trying to solve your own problems can slow you down or force you to give up on the task altogether.

Step 10: Take a break and enjoy yourself

Create a reward system for yourself whenever you complete a task. Never be too hard on yourself. Find time to enjoy and celebrate yourself for completing what you started.