Eliminate Automate Delegate Do

July 22, 2024

There are some tasks that call to us. There are things we long to do. Unfortunately, those tasks are typically suffocated by other things we wish we didn't have to do, but must, to keep the ship afloat.

Here is a mantra for when you find yourself overwhelmed by the ocean of work sitting in front of you.

Eliminate, automate, delegate, do.

Eliminate

What would happen if you didn't do something? What if you didn't attend a meeting, manage your social media accounts, or try to wake up early every morning?

Everyone wastes time doing things that simply don't need to be done. Ask yourself if there is anything you do that simply doesn't need to be completed. Then don't do that thing.

Automate

If it must be done, is there a way to make the task easier in the future? Can you make a spreadsheet to automate budget calculations? Can you set up an automatic email response?

Automate processes to reduce workload.

Delegate

Is there something that needs to be done, but not necessarily by you? Is there something you do that others are already doing? Can someone else report back to you on a meeting? Can you give part of a project to a team member and trust them to get it done?

Do not push things unnecessarily onto other people in a bout of laziness. If you need help, ask for it. Leverage those around you to get work done.

Do

You should now have a shortened list of tasks that you have to accomplish. Now, do your work.

Block out a chunk of time, shut out distractions, and do your work. Do similar tasks at the same time. Answer emails in one session. Don't answer work messages while you are making a presentation, fixing a chunk of code, or designing a new company logo. For the love of all that is holy, don't watch YouTube while you are working. Focus on the task at hand.

This mantra applies to work, school, household chores, sports, training, building relationships, and just about any situation in which you have something to accomplish.

Eliminate, automate, delegate, do.