How to Finish Projects

How to Finish Projects
1. Set an uncomfortable deadline for the project
2. Make two task lists: “must have” & “good to have”
3. Work on “must have” tasks first. Use 25-minute timers.
4. Don’t work on new ideas immediately. Prioritize them.
5. Worry about getting it done, not making it perfect.

Principles for Getting Things Done
1. Done is better than perfect
2. Parkinson’s law (work expands to fill time)
3. Pareto Principle (20% effort → 80% results)

Transcript

1. How to Finish Projects
2. A Thought Experiment
4. 3 Principles for Getting Things Done 1. Done is better than perfect 2. Parkinson’s law (work expands to fi ll time) 3. Pareto Principle (20% effort → 80% results)
5. Done is better than perfect P R IN C IP L E # 1
6. “Perfect” is a moving target. You can always make things better.
7. Producing nothing is the worst possible outcome.
8. Don’t worry about cutting corners. If you cut too many, we’ll stop you.
9. Finishing things provides a sense of accomplishment, helps you move forward.
10. Done is better than perfect P R IN C IP L E # 1
11. Parkinson’s Law: Work expands to fill time P R IN C IP L E # 2
12. How would you prepare for a job interview scheduled for next month?
13. How would you prepare for a job interview scheduled for next Friday?
14. How would you prepare for a job interview scheduled for tomorrow?
15. How would you prepare for a job interview scheduled 60 mins from now?
16. Does the quality of the outcome increase proportionately with time?
17. Deadlines are the only way anything ever gets done.
18. Use the Pomodoro technique: create mini-deadlines with 25-minute timers.
19. Finishing tasks provides a sense of accomplishment, helps you move forward.
20. Parkinson’s Law: Work expands to fill time P R IN C IP L E # 2
21. Pareto Principle: 20% effort → 80% results P R IN C IP L E # 3
22. 80% (or more) of output results from 20% (or less) of the effort you put in.
23. 20% (or less) of output results from 80% (or more) of the effort you put in.
24. Find the 80% of your project that you can complete with 20% effort.
25. Maximize output and minimize effort.
26. Pareto Principle: 20% effort → 80% results P R IN C IP L E # 3
27. How to Finish Projects 1. Set an uncomfortable deadline for the project 2. Make two task lists: “must have” & “good to have” 3. Work on “must have” tasks fi rst. Use 25-minute timers. 4. Don’t work on new ideas immediately. Prioritize them. 5. Worry about getting it done, not making it perfect.
28. Common Objections
29. “My project isn’t good enough. I want to make it better.” O B J E C T IO N # 1
30. “Good Enough” is a moving target, you can find flaws in your work. RES PONS E
31. If your project meets the given evlaluation criteria, it’s good enough. RES PONS E
32. First finish it. Then make it better. RES PONS E
33. “I haven’t learned everything properly. I need to spend more time.” O B J E C T IO N # 2
34. Learning “properly” is a moving target. There’s a lot to learn, it’ll take years. RES PONS E
35. If you can finish the given task, then you’ve learned what you need to know. RES PONS E
36. If you don’t finish right now, you fall behind feel demoralized & never learn. RES PONS E
37. “My project isn’t good enough. Literally anyone can do this.” O B J E C T IO N # 2
38. That’s simply not true. Two months ago you couldn’t have done it. RES PONS E
39. There are millions of people who want to do this but can’t do it. RES PONS E
40. If you don’t finish, people will assume that you can’t do it. RES PONS E
41. If you don’t finish, you will assume that you can’t do it. RES PONS E
42. Linear Work vs Iterative Work
43. L INE A R ITE RATIVE
44. You’re less than 3 hours away from finishing your project
45. How to Finish Projects 1. Set an uncomfortable deadline for the project 2. Make two task lists: “must have” & “good to have” 3. Work on “must have” tasks fi rst. Use 25-minute timers. 4. Don’t work on new ideas immediately. Prioritize them. 5. Worry about getting it done, not making it perfect.
46. Thanks!