An Interview with David Womack, Jan Hailey, and Katie Lawrence
David Womack sat down with long-time instructor and national conference speaker Dave Jakielo to break down some simple but powerful strategies for getting more done. We all have the same 24 hours in a day, but some people seem to accomplish far more than others. What’s their secret? If you ever feel like time is slipping through your fingers, these seven steps will help you take control, focus on what really matters, and supercharge your productivity.
One of the biggest productivity killers is a lack of clarity. When your mind is juggling too many tasks at once, it’s tough to focus on what really matters. The first step to getting things done is defining exactly what you want to accomplish. A vague goal is like a blurry roadmap—you’ll waste time going in circles. But when you have a clear destination, every decision and action you take moves you closer to success. Think of it as setting your GPS before a long road trip—you’ll get there faster and with fewer wrong turns.
Ever had a great idea, only to forget it later? That’s why writing things down is essential. Jakielo stresses that if you don’t put it in writing, it’s just a wish. Your brain is not a reliable storage system for all your to-dos and ideas. Whether it’s a sticky note on your desk, a note in your phone, or a goal tracker in your planner, keeping your objectives visible helps you stay accountable. Some of the most successful people swear by writing their goals down daily—it reinforces commitment and keeps you motivated. Some people even put their goals on their bathroom mirror as a daily reminder to stay focused.
Without a deadline, it’s easy to keep pushing tasks off indefinitely. Setting a specific time frame—whether it’s 30 days, 90 days, or even a year—gives you a sense of urgency and direction. Deadlines turn intentions into commitments. Think about it—when you have a report due or a flight to catch, you make it happen, right? Even if you don’t hit the exact deadline, having one in place keeps you moving forward instead of spinning your wheels. If needed, break big goals into smaller deadlines to keep up your momentum.
A good old-fashioned to-do list can work wonders for your productivity. Jakielo suggests keeping your list dynamic, adjusting it as needed. Writing down your tasks not only helps you remember them but also gives you a sense of accomplishment as you check things off. There’s real psychology behind this—crossing items off a list triggers dopamine, the brain’s feel-good chemical, reinforcing positive behavior. Plus, a written list helps you see exactly what needs to be done, making it easier to plan your day strategically rather than reactively.
Not all tasks are created equal. Once you’ve got your list, prioritize it. What needs to be done first? What can wait? Tackling tasks in a random order leads to inefficiency and wasted effort. Whether you number your tasks, use a system like A-B-C prioritization, or group similar tasks together, focusing on the most important ones first keeps you from getting overwhelmed. Some experts recommend identifying your top three priorities each day and tackling those first before moving on to anything else. This ensures that even if the rest of your day goes sideways, you’ve still made progress on what matters most.
Don’t overthink it—just start. Procrastination can be a huge roadblock, but the sooner you take action, the easier it gets. Jakielo points out that distractions like emails and phone calls can quickly eat up your day, so it’s important to be intentional about getting started on key tasks right away. The trick is to beat inertia. If a task seems overwhelming, break it down into smaller steps and just do the first one. Momentum is powerful—once you take that first step, it’s easier to keep going. And remember, imperfect action is always better than perfect inaction.
Big goals aren’t achieved overnight, but small, consistent efforts add up. Whether it’s making one phone call, writing one page, or researching one step of your plan, doing something daily keeps the momentum going. Progress, no matter how small, is still progress. It’s like fitness—you don’t get in shape with one workout, but daily movement leads to big results over time. The same applies to any goal. Keep showing up, keep pushing forward, and before you know it, you’ll have made major strides toward your objective.
By following these seven steps, you’ll gain more control over your time, increase your productivity, and accomplish more in both your personal and professional life. Productivity isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter. Stay tuned for more expert insights in upcoming episodes of PMI Shorts!