It’s difficult to “get things done” when you don’t know exactly what you’re supposed to be doing.

It may seem obvious, but clarity is the key to productivity. Make goals clear and defining your tasks in s granular way gives you the leverage you need to finish work. Do these three things to make your random to-do list more specific, thus actionable.

Projects are generalities until you write them down.

Lose weight and get fit.
Launch a podcast.
Clean out the junk drawer.
Defining your projects is a great first step. What are the things that need to be done, but aren’t getting done? The things that nag at your brain like an annoying micro-manager? Make it clear by putting it in ink. Look through your current “to-do” list to see which things are tasks, and which are multi-step projects.

Make your goals specific.

Turn projects into goals by using this sentence formula:

I want to move from “point a” to “point b” by “x time”.

For example:
My goal is to move from couch potato to running a mile every day by December 31.
My goal is to move from having an idea for a podcast to launching a podcast by January 15th.

Use the goal formula to be specific with what you’d like to accomplish and when you want it done. Then start working backward with your task list.

Begin every task with a verb.

Every task on your task list should begin with a verb.
And the verb should be a specific action verb.

Tasks that begin with “finish” or “do” are usually not helpful.
Read 10 pages in my book about sales.
Write 500 words on the Forbes article.
Publish my blog post.
Call mom.

Productivity and clarity are the best of friends and make a great team.

Be clear and I promise that you will be more productive.