The Art of Getting Things Done—And Why “Done Done Done” Matters
We’ve all been there: You start a project with enthusiasm, only to watch it fizzle out halfway. Or maybe you finish a task, but it feels incomplete, like you missed a step. In a world overflowing with distractions and competing priorities, truly finishing what you start—not just doing it, but getting it done done done—has become a rare superpower. Let’s explore how to master this skill and why it’s essential for personal and professional growth.
What Does “Done Done Done” Even Mean?
The phrase “done done done” isn’t just a playful repetition—it’s a mindset. The first “done” means completing the task. The second? Ensuring it meets quality standards. The third? Confirming that it’s fully integrated or delivered, with no loose ends. Think of it like baking a cake: Mixing the batter is “done,” baking it is “done done,” and decorating it so it’s ready to serve is “done done done.”
This approach prevents half-baked outcomes. For example, submitting a report (done) isn’t enough if it’s riddled with errors (not done done) or if you forget to email it to stakeholders (not done done done).
Step 1: Define What “Done” Looks Like
Ambiguity is the enemy of completion. Vague goals like “work on the project” or “study harder” lack clarity. Instead, use the SMART framework:
– Specific: “Finish drafting Chapter 3 of my e-book.”
– Measurable: “Complete 10 math problems by 5 PM.”
– Achievable: Break large tasks into smaller steps.
– Relevant: Align tasks with broader goals.
– Time-bound: Set deadlines, even artificial ones.
A study by Dominican University found that people who write down specific goals and share progress with friends are 33% more likely to achieve them.
Step 2: Eliminate “Almost Finished” Syndrome
Many tasks stall at 90% completion. Why? Psychologically, the final 10% often feels tedious or intimidating. To push through:
– Create a “closing ritual”: Dedicate 15 minutes daily to wrapping up loose ends.
– Ask, “What’s the next tiny step?”: Instead of “finish the presentation,” try “add three bullet points to Slide 12.”
– Leverage accountability: Share your progress with a colleague or use apps like StickK to stay on track.
Step 3: Optimize Your Workflow
Efficiency isn’t about speed—it’s about working smarter. Try these tactics:
1. Time Blocking: Assign specific hours to tasks. Author Cal Newport swears by this method to minimize context-switching.
2. The Two-Minute Rule: If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately (thanks, David Allen!).
3. Batch Similar Tasks: Group emails, calls, or creative work to maintain focus.
For larger projects, tools like Trello or Notion can help visualize progress. One teacher I interviewed uses color-coded sticky notes: “Green means ‘done,’ yellow means ‘needs review,’ and red means ‘waiting on someone else.’ It’s simple but keeps me honest.”
Step 4: Avoid the Perfectionism Trap
Perfectionism is often disguised as diligence. But as author Anne Lamott says, “Done is better than perfect.” Here’s how to balance quality with completion:
– Set “good enough” criteria: Define what success looks like upfront.
– Use the 80/20 rule: Focus on the 20% of effort that delivers 80% of results.
– Schedule revisions: Instead of tweaking endlessly, plan a dedicated editing phase later.
A software developer shared, “I used to obsess over code elegance. Now I aim for ‘functional first, refine later.’ My productivity tripled.”
Step 5: Celebrate and Reflect
Completion deserves recognition. After finishing a task:
– Take a victory lap: Enjoy a walk, a treat, or a few minutes of guilt-free scrolling.
– Conduct a “retrospective”: Ask, “What worked? What slowed me down?”
– Update your systems: Adjust your workflow based on lessons learned.
Real-Life “Done Done Done” Wins
– Writing a Book: Author John Green completes drafts by writing “0 words” on days he’s stuck—forcing himself to start, even minimally.
– Learning a Language: A polyglot friend uses “micro-sessions”: 10 minutes of daily practice, ensuring consistency over intensity.
– Fitness Goals: A marathon trainer advises clients to “focus on showing up, not mileage.” Small, consistent efforts lead to finish lines.
The Ripple Effect of Completion
When you master the art of “done done done,” you build trust—in yourself and with others. Colleagues see you as reliable. Students gain confidence. Personal projects turn into milestones. As productivity coach James Clear notes, “Every habit is just a repeat of a small completion.”
So next time you’re tempted to leave tasks at “mostly done,” ask: Is this truly finished, or is there a little more gas in the tank? Because in the end, the difference between “done” and “done done done” isn’t just semantics—it’s the difference between trying and achieving.
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