10k work

1. Problem

The problem is a lack of focus on high-leverage, high-skill activities, resulting in inefficient use of time and resources. This can manifest as:

  1. List all recurring tasks: Create a comprehensive list of all recurring tasks, as well as tasks that come up occasionally.

  2. Categorize tasks: Assign each task to one of the four quadrants of the $10k matrix, based on skill and leverage. Assign a dollar value ($10 to $10,000) to each task.

  3. Time tracking: Track your time over one or two weeks to see how time is currently being spent. Note the context for tasks, if that is helpful.

  4. Identify 10k work: Identify which tasks have the highest leverage and skill. Identify the tasks you feel are most aligned with your values, long-term vision, and unique skills.

  5. Set 'Do dates': Set specific "Do dates" for high-leverage tasks. Prioritize these tasks in your schedule.

  6. Eliminate tasks: Determine which tasks can be eliminated.

  7. Automate tasks: Determine which tasks can be automated.

  8. Delegate tasks: Determine which tasks can be delegated.

    4. Run the Experiment: Action Steps

  9. Set up a task management system: Use a task management tool or template to list all tasks and assign a value of $10, $100, $1,000 or $10,000, plus a 'Do date' to each task. Consider using the suggested template, if appropriate.

  10. Track time: For a week, track all activities every 30 minutes, noting the time spent on each task.

  11. Schedule $10k time: Block out a specific time each day (or week) for high-leverage, high-skill tasks.

  12. Execute tasks: Work through tasks on the list, focusing on 10k tasks first.

  13. Eliminate, automate, and delegate: As you work, apply the principle of "EAD" to each task; eliminate, automate, or delegate where possible.

    5. Checkpoints

    At the end of each work session (or "experiment"), review the following:

  1. NOW: It's where my attention is.
  2. NEXT: It's next in line in my queue.
  3. LATER: It's a scheduled event
  4. LIKELY (>50%): It's something I need to schedule time for. AKA Someday Maybe tasks.
  5. UNLIKELY (<50%): I might be intersted, but I'm not willing to commit to it.
  6. NO COMMIT: It's not something I am able to do right now.

    Affirmations

    I am heading into my 2nd 10 day sprint with great confidence because I achieved my 10 day goals previously. Reflecting on what worked well, and what could be improved. First, the countdown clock helped. Second, the Pomodoro and pre-allocating 'prime time' (8am-11am) to my most important opportunities. Second, the opportunities page @InSightly helped me see that while I have many clients, I have a more manageable list of opportunities related to those clients. Instead of focusing on specific clients, I am focusing on opportunities which are really solutions. This upcoming week, I want to create a PubWriter page for each solution (aka opportunity) along with a buy button and form for client to provide what we need. This is a vital step towards productizing my services. Tracking projects and work orders in AuthorDock At a glance: http://authordock.com/my/page There may be a creative way to use the RSS Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/mypunchlist But I think a daily release notes page for my team would be helpful. That Feedburner page is my daily 'Release Notes' if you think about it. Imagine if EVERYTHING I did was posted to AuthorDock. It would automatically update that page!!! Strive for this.

    Creating room for improvement

    Note where you fell two steps back: When you measure what matters, what you measure matters more. I am going to see how many RFQs I can get in/out this week... to focus on new RFQs!!

    What I said NO to

    This is a critical success to celebrate... saying no to the activities and people who are not serving me Not Now I absolutely need to line up some new speaking opportunities. January is likely a good month do it... otherwise, I will be scrambling later this year.

    Define your 10 Day Sprint Goals