The good news? Some simple habits can help break that cycle and get you unstuck. Here are some practical tips our team members use to get things (especially the most important things) done.

Pick your ‘one big thing’ each day. →

Start the day by asking: If I only got one thing done today, what would matter most? Do that first. And no matter what happens, you have to finish it.

Learn to say no. →

Protecting your time means not saying yes to everything. A polite ‘I can’t get to that right now’ or ‘let’s revisit this later’ can free up space for the work that matters most. While it may be uncomfortable at first, learning this skill is crucial in prioritizing what matters.

Delegate (and really mean it!) →

Make room for deep work. →

Not all work is equal. Set aside distraction-free blocks of time for the tasks that demand your full brainpower – whether that’s reviewing a report, writing a proposal, or shaping your organization’s big picture strategies. Even 2–3 hours can make a huge difference. Turn off notifications, put your phone out of reach, sign out of your email, and take any other measures that will allow you to keep your focus.

Top tip:
Set a timer to protect your focus. Knowing it will alert you when time’s up frees you to fully concentrate on the task at hand, without the urge to keep checking the clock. It also forces you to commit to that amount of time in advance!

Try the ‘two-minute rule.’ →

If it takes less than two minutes, just do it. Reply to the email. Sign the document. Clear the little things before they pile up.

Just start the document.  →

Often the hardest step is simply getting started. So just creating a document or opening it up takes pressure off. Even if you don’t add much right away, creating a space for your ideas lifts the mental burden and makes it easier to get going once you’re ready.

Make it social. →

Pair up with a colleague or a friend and tackle your priorities side by side. A bit of shared accountability can make a huge difference – and it’s way more fun.

Lean on tools. →

From a trusty spreadsheet to the latest productivity apps to a simple hand-written to-do list, the right tools can take the edge off. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what actually helps you work smarter and more efficiently. At the same time, be careful not to fall into the trap of endlessly searching for the “perfect” productivity tool. In the end, no tool replaces the focus and time you put into the work itself.

Talk it out. →

When you’re stuck, explain the problem out loud – to a teammate, a friend, or even to yourself. Saying it often brings clarity and helps you spot the next step.

Done beats perfect. →

Perfection is a trap that slows you down. Most things just need to be done – good enough to move forward. Keep the momentum, and let go of flawless.

A moment of Pause