10 ways to get stuff done

By Willem Proos
Published 05 September 2023

Lots of things compete for your attention in life, and it's natural to feel overwhelmed by it all sometimes. Learning how to prioritise will make it much easier to achieve your goals. Here are some simple ways to make things more manageable.

Girl in yellow sweater writing

1. Make a to-do list

Write down everything you need to get done, big or small. Pick a method that works best for you, whether it’s writing in a special diary or on a scrap of paper, or using a task management app like Todoist. A to-do list is a great way to be really clear about what’s on your plate and when it needs to be done.

2. Break tasks down into chunks

Massive tasks on your list, like ‘write my assignment’ or ‘prepare for my exam’, can feel impossible to tackle. Break these big tasks down into smaller, manageable steps. For example, writing your assignment starts with reading the instructions, then doing some research, then creating an outline, and so on. A plan made up of smaller, easier steps is a lot less intimidating and gives you a really clear place to start. 

3. Prioritise

Once your list is done, decide where to devote your energy first. Ask yourself: ‘What’s the most important task for me to complete right now?’ This doesn’t always mean picking the hardest or most stressful task. Focus on what needs to be done today, or on what will have the most impact. A great way to figure out your priorities is to use a priority matrix like the one below.

How to Prioritise matrix grid

Grab a pen and paper and follow the steps below: 

  1. Start by listing about 10 tasks you need to accomplish.

  2. Break down big tasks. For example, if ‘clean the house’ is on your list, break it down into smaller tasks, such as ‘wash dirty dishes’ or ‘vacuum the living room’.

  3. Draw a 2x2 grid, with ‘Effort’ on the horizontal axis and ‘Value’ on the vertical axis. 

  4. For each task, think about how much effort it will take and how valuable it is. Then plot it on the grid. 

Here’s an example:

You’ve now divided your to-do list into four levels of priority:

  1. Important and time-consuming or requiring a lot of effort. These are your top priorities – tackle them first!

  2. Quick wins. These require low effort but offer high reward. Do these after completing the level-1 tasks.

  3. Necessary but annoying. These tasks must be done, but they’re not a high priority.

  4. Time-fillers. These are tasks that can wait. Tackle them only when you have time to spare.

How to Prioritise matrix numbered grid

4. Plan out your time

Planning your week in a calendar app or physical planner can help you see how much time you actually have to give to a task. It also encourages you to make time for rest and relaxation. If something unexpected comes up or your priorities change, be flexible about moving things around. Discover more long-term and daily strategies for managing your time while studying.

5. Minimise distractions 

When it’s time to focus, keep only what you need on your desk and put away anything that will distract you. If you’re tempted to procrastinate by checking your phone, try setting time limits on an app to help you stay on track. Check out our list of wellbeing and productivity apps for more tips. 

6. Ask someone to help you meet your deadlines

Share your goals with a friend or family member who can check in on your progress and encourage you along the way. If you’re accountable to someone, you’ll be more likely to stay on track. If you're only accountable to yourself, it’s a lot easier to put things off.

7. Reward yourself

When you tick something off your list, treat yourself with something fun, like hanging out with friends, watching a movie or eating a favourite food. Celebrating your wins (including the small ones!) helps to keep motivation high. Don’t wait until everything is done to give yourself credit – every task completed is a step in the right direction. 

8. Know when to say ‘no’

Sometimes, there’s pressure to say ‘yes’ to everything – extra work, parties, helping friends with revision … the list goes on. But taking on too much can create a lot of stress and anxiety down the track. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to say ‘no’. It’s not selfish; it means you're taking care of yourself. Whether it’s saying ‘no’ to a hangout or taking a break from your extracurriculars, protecting your time and energy now will help you to stay focused in the long run.

9. Balance getting stuff done with looking after yourself 

Productivity isn’t just about working harder; it’s also about recognising when to rest and take care of yourself. That means:

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, tired or stressed, don’t push through it. Rest is essential to your wellbeing and actually makes you more productive in the long run.

Check out some tips for being awesome at self-care.

10. Reach out if you’re feeling overwhelmed

Stress can be useful up to a point, but if you’re stressing too much it becomes hard to keep on top of things. If you feel like you’re not managing the pressure, talk to a friend, family member or counsellor to figure out some ways to stay on track. You could also join a free, text-based chat with a peer worker through ReachOut PeerChat. Sometimes, speaking to someone who’s been through a similar experience can help you to feel supported, too. 

These 10 productivity strategies will help you to start ticking off tasks with ease. Don't forget how important it is to look after your wellbeing while you set out to achieve your goals. The key to ticking off tasks on your to-do list isn't to do more, but to do what matters most. Looking after your mental health should always be high on that list!

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