Three steps to exceptional results

My three steps to exceptional results are simple to state: do less, act now and take care with the work. The difficulty is choosing what matters, giving it your attention and following through. Here is the short reminder I use. Before adding another task, ask which piece of work deserves your full attention and what would count as finishing it well.

1) Do less.

• Stop dividing your attention.

2) Do it right now.

• Once you have identified the essential, go fast.
• Maintain a bias toward action.

3) Do it the right way.

• Act quickly.
• Act with care.
• Get to work right away.
• Keep working on it until it’s right.

Related reading and sources: clearing clutter and returning to your priorities