When starting a task – a simple one or a complex multi-faceted project – the most important factor is to fully understand the context of the task – and your purpose in starting it.
What are you trying to achieve?
Why is this task/project important in achieving your goals?
If you do fully understand the purpose, you are more likely to have a positive attitude towards the task.
This is particularly important if the task itself has unpleasant or inconvenient aspects to it. For example if the task is to discipline a member of staff, you might find such a task difficult and keep putting it off. If, however, you can see the true underlying purpose (or purposes) of this task – perhaps to help this member off staff improve their contribution, or to show other members of staff that you treat everyone fairly , praising and penalising as appropriate – it becomes easier to undertake. For more complicated , perhaps more serious tasks, understanding the purpose should mean you are much less likely to make a mistake or to mis-communicate to others with regard to the task.
It should also help you set meaningful goals and even intermediate targets.
So, take the time to think through the items on your ToDo list or in your strategic plan – and fully understand why each needs to be successfully completed. If you don’t understand the purpose, why do it?