Zen to DoneThe Ultimate Simple Productivity System Created by Leo Babauta

BY: BRENT QUICK

Objective

• You will be able to name at least one habit from Zen to Done (ZTD).

• You will be able to write how ZTD applies realistically to your work day through one or two action items.

Defined in the Urban Dictionary as:“A total state of focus that incorporates a total togetherness of body and mind. Zen is a way of

being. It also is a state of mind. Zen involves dropping illusion and seeing things without distortion created by your own thoughts.”

Zen

Zen to Done (ZTD) Philosophy

• Simplifying and focusing on what is important• Workflow instead of moment by moment

“Simple and powerful to develop habits that keep all your tasks and projects organized, that keep your workday simple and structured, that keep your desk and email inbox clean and clear, and that keeps you doing what you need to do, without distractions.”

ZTD 10 Essential Habits

1. Collect 2. Process3. Plan4. Do5. Simple Trusted System6. Organize7. Review8. Simplify9. Routine10. Find your passion

Habit #1 Collect

How do you capture requests or information?

Streamline requests. Get it out of your head and onto paper. Know there will be a place for everything.

Habit #2 Process

Make quick decisions. Do it, trash it, delegate it, file it, or put it on your to-do list or calendar to do later.

How do you process your requests or information?

Habit #3 Plan

Plan your purpose for the day or across the entire week.

1. Big Rocks- each day write 1 or 3. Set other, smaller tasks or little rocks, around the bigger ones.

2. Schedule. Work off your energy levels.

Do you plan your day? How do you plan for the day?

Habit # 4 Do

1. Choose a big rock.2. Get zoned.3. Timed burst.4. Analyze whether interruptions are urgent or

not. Not Urgent- write down request and get

back to task.Urgent- make note of where you are.

5. Notice urge to switch to another task. Breathe. Re-focus.

How do you get your work done? How focused are you?

Habit #5- Simple Trusted System

How do you personally keep track of your projects?

Keep simple lists, check daily. Notebook or simplest list program possible. Keep a project list you review daily or weekly.

Habit # 6 - Organize

Do you have a place for everything?

A place for everything. Incoming stuff, context lists, action folder, or filing system, outbox to delegate, or in trash. Don’t procrastinate- put things away.

Habit # 7 - Review

Do you regularly review how you did that day or week?

Review your system & goals weekly. Progress, action steps, etc.

Habit # 8- Simplify

How valuable is your work day? Does it align with your goals?

Reduce your tasks to essential. Simplify commitments. Be sure tasks and projects line up with important goals.

Habit # 9- Routine

Do you have a regular routine?

Set and keep routines. A morning routine, afternoon routine, weekly routine

Morning: looking at calendar, context lists, setting up Big Rocks or MIITS (Most Important Tasks), processing email, doing your first MIT. Evening: Process email (again), review your day, write in your journal, prepare for the next day.

Habit # 10 – Find your Passion

Are you communicating what your strengths are and what you enjoy?

Seek work you’re passionate for. Communicate what you love about your job and why.

Write 1 or 2 ZTD realistic action items.

DoMake note of where I am when interrupted

PlanEvery morning plan 1 – 3 Big Rocks

ReviewHourly or daily accomplishments

Zen Habits Blog by Leo Babauta

http://zenhabits.net/start/

Example posts:

- Zen to Done (ZTD) - 7 Powerful Steps to Overcome Resistance and Actually Get

Stuff Done- Get Off Your Butt: 16 Ways to Get Motivated When You’re in a

Slump- How Not to Hurry- Simplify, and Savor Life