Begin With the End in Mind

When people decide to make something happen, bring an idea to life, or work toward an important goal they often jump straight to action. Meetings are set up, supplies are purchased, content is created.

But without a clear picture of the end result, effort can be wasted in the wrong places and resources spent on the wrong things. The line between making progress and being busy can blur.

That’s why defining done before taking action is so important.

Done is not a task list. It’s the concrete end result you’re trying to reach. It’s the finish line you’ll recognize when you cross it.

When done is clear:

• Decisions get easier, because you have something to aim for.
• Tradeoffs make more sense, because you know what matters to the outcome.
• Motivation lasts longer, because you’re working toward a real result.

Try this

Write one sentence that describes what done looks like for something important you are working toward.

Then check:

• Is it observable? (It’s a “something” and not an action or task.)
• Is it realistic? (It fits your time, energy, skills, and budget.)
• Does it have a clear finish line? (You can pinpoint when you’re complete.)

If you can answer yes to all three, you’re ready for serious action.

Example

The president of a local club wants to simplify coordinating volunteers for their five annual fundraisers. She defines done like this:

Done is when a volunteer page can be configured for different events that members use for sign-ups.

From PMEZ’s FINISH LINE approach