Eat the Live Frog (aka Do the Worst Thing First)
If you keep putting things off and missing deadlines, etc, then this method might be for you. This productivity method is named after Mark Twain, who once said: "Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day."
In other words, try scheduling your tasks from the hardest to the easiest and "eat the frog" first; do the really hard thing — and everything else will seem so much easier.
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Rubber Duck Debugging
"Rubber Duck Debugging" is a fun term for talking through your problems with an inanimate object. Basically, you find an inanimate object (use an actual rubber duck if you like), and explain your problem. What the problem is exactly and why you're having it.
It might sound silly, but sometimes the simple act of verbalizing your issues will help you figure out how to tackle them.
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Personal Kanban
Are you more visual? Need to see your to-do-list before you can actually do it? Then this simple system is perfect for you.
All you need to do is divide all your tasks into three categories: To Do, Doing, and Done. Arrange them in a visual way; whether it be sticky notes on a white board, or the sticky notes app on your laptop and make sure you check it regularly and move things around when need be.
In his book, "Personal Kanban: Mapping Work - Navigating Life," Jim Benson explains: "Visualising work reduces the distractions of existential overhead by transforming fuzzy concepts into tangible objects that your brain can easily grasp and prioritize."
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The SMART Method
If you've got big ideas that need to be turned into actionable plans, this is for you. Whether you're trying to write that novel, or trying to construct a proposal and create achievable goals, this could work for you.
First off, SMART stands for: Specific, Measurable, Assignable, Realistic, Timely.
As in, what would you specifically like to accomplish? Which measurable tasks can get you to the finish line? Who is assigned which role? What are the realistic challenges here? And finally, how timely is the deadline?
These are the things you need to ask yourself with this method. It can work for individuals and businesses alike!
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The Action Method
The Action Method was developed in 2006 by Behance as a way of simplifying creative meetings.
Being creative often means you have to think outside the box... but getting things done means you have to put it all back inside the box to make it work. How do you do that, exactly? Well, according to the Action Method, you break down ideas into three categories: Action Items, Backburner Items, and Reference Items.
Action: The steps you'll take to get it all done.
Backburner: Interesting, but maybe not for this project.
Reference: The resources and information you'll need.
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