Bountiful Results

Almost everyday I have a to-do list that has 20 plus tasks on it.  Some are critical and some are things that it would be nice to get to this week. As part of my personal development, I have seen just as many methods of dealing with the list.  This is one of those things that you have to try several of them and decide for yourself which one is best for your unique personality.

I have discovered a principle that has made managing the to-do list bountiful.  I must decide what is the “One Thing” for the day that will produce the most results.   It may not be the first thing that I do, but it often pushes me through the other tasks so I can get to the One Thing.  When that particular task is done, I try to pick a new One Thing as soon as possible.

The 5th component of getting bountiful results is Motivation and Accountability.  I incorporate this into the One Thing by declaring to someone else – “This is my One Thing for today”.  I have now signed my name to this task and hung my credibility on it.  If I go around saying that I am going to do something but fail to follow through, my credibility will be damaged.

My criteria for it becoming a “One Thing” item is:

• Am I the best person to do this at this time?
• Will it impact others if I do not get it done today?
• Will completing this task or project head off future problems or crisis?
• Is there a monetary loss or gain associated to this task?

Answering these questions will narrow down the list to a critical few and based on the strength of our response to each question; we will be able to set a One, Two, and Three.  Remember, after one is done, two should become our new number One.

I have taken this process a step further. I am asking, “What is my One Thing for the week?”   “What is my One Thing for the Month?”

My One Thing today was visiting a long time friend.  What is your One Thing going to be tomorrow?

We are responsible for our own actions.  We are responsible for our own shortfalls.  I enjoy taking credit for my success.  I also feel the need to take credit for my failures.  I know I need other people to participate in some of my activities, but if I am the accountable for the results, I am still the one that must take responsibility for what was done under my watch.

If I set a goal to lose 20 lbs.  I cannot blame my wife’s good cooking for me only losing 5 lbs.  I chose to consume the quantity that I did.  I decided to stop exercising. I did not change my method of weight loss when I realized I was not on pace.

I am the only person that can make me successful.  Others most definitely play a part.

Would you agree that the following statement should be removed from our vocabulary.  “I gave Joe a chance to step up and prove himself.  I lost my promotion because he let me down.”  The first thing I see, there was already some uncertainty in Joe’s ability to do the task.  Two,  I cannot blame Joe for what I allowed.  I lost my own opportunity.  To get bountiful results I must include in the plan a series of progress updates from Joe and ample time prior to the deadline for any corrections or adjustments that need to be made. You cannot blame the fox for getting in the hen house if you left the door open.  He is just being a fox.

I try harder to succeed when I realize that I am accountable for my success and the overall end results.

Try this accountability exercise – Make a list of the things that you have accomplished before you do it. Sign the bottom of it and give it to your boss, spouse or friend.  This is the same as signing a check – you now own the accountability of those items.  You can start out safe, but to get to bountiful, you will want to make the list challenging.