GTD 2006.49: Desiring the Desired Outcome

It's a simple chant: "Do the Next Action - get the Desired Outcome". But what happens when you don't really want the Desired Outcome? Procrastination, avoidance, delay and distraction. All those nasty things that gum up the process. How many times is the root of poor execution an unacknowledged judgment that the game is not worth the prize?

So, as you amass things to do through Getting Things Done, doublecheck your gut feelings about the other side of each item:

1. Do I really want this Desired Outcome?
2. Do I get at least a little excited about achieving this Desired Outcome?
3. Does this Desired Outcome have enough attraction to me to make the effort worthwhile?

If something in your Getting Things Done process can't pass this three-point muster, maybe it's time to revisit why you are doing it before it becomes a problem.

Technorati Tags: GTD

Comments

[Jess McConnell]

Nice little quick read that fits well with this topic. "The On-Time, On-Target Manager" by Ken Blanchard & Steve Gottry. This quick read centers on beating procrastination and is consistent with GTD as well as Covey 1st things first and 8th Habit philosophies.