Tips for Chipping 

Depending on the nature of the larger project, there are two different ways to “chip away” at them:

For complex, multi-step projects

These might be projects that include a LOT of people, require gathering and synthesizing huge data sets, or include multiple inputs… If that’s what you have, the goal is to quickly decide where to start and then break down the work into the smallest possible tasks.

1.      Set a time for 2 minutes and write down all the discrete steps or actions you’ll need to take to get the project completed. No judgment, sequencing, or categorizing yet; just get the steps down on paper.

2.      Set a timer for 2 more minutes and review the list. Identify the one most critical thing that needs to get done to make progress from where you are right now in this project.

3.      Take that ONE most critical thing and identify the first 1-3 steps YOU could do that would take 2 minutes or less to get started. Some people find it easier to think of these things as, “What I need to do BEFORE I get started.” These are things like: Looking at my calendar, sending an email, deciding WHO to send that email to….. SUPER simple things.

4.      Decide specifically when you will do those 1-3 steps.

For large, amorphous blobs of work:

This is work that often gets saved for weekends and holidays. You tell yourself that you’ll lock the door, get a big cup of coffee and “power through” or “knock it out”. That’s fine if you want to use your precious weekend and holiday time reviewing industry reports or editing copy that should have been published a month ago. If not, find time in the “margins” and transitions of your day to make progress so more of your personal time can stay personal!

The key to making progress on this type of work is to measure it by time rather than by task.

1.     Identify the specific work you want to chip away at and keep it “on the ready” so you can easily access it when you have the time.

2.      Set a timer for 5-10 minutes to work on the task, read, or whatever it is you’ve defined. The time will help you stay forcused because you know you’’re not going to over-invest your time or miss your next activity.