Achieve Laser FOCUS + PRODUCTIVITY With The System Legendary Fastlaners Use...

[LightHouse]

Well, it is almost time. The v2 will be up here mid next month, and I will also have a short course for sale to pair with it, for those that need more than just the tool. The key being it is short and high impact as to not waste extra time for the sake of adding mins to the video content.

I took the last two days to read through every post in this thread since 2016. That is why some of you are seeing reactions to your posts from a long time ago, ones I had not seen or had not responded to at the time.

That was a great exercise as I was able to get all the questions and challenges various members have had and find the patterns so they could be accounted for.

GSD2 is going to be super fun and I hope to enable even more new and experienced founders to find that focus, get to work, and hit their metrics/goals faster than before.

AI is going to be a super charger over time to these bas methods to, I forsee them getting added in and incorporated to the core program eventually for different use cases.

Stay Focused.

 

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[Silent...]

Do you use multiple boards to organize everything?

I tried putting everything in one board and it looks really messy.
So I created another board for my personal life but then I have the today list with 3 tasks twice. Not sure if this is the right way to do it.

And do you create goals from your Projects?
Like for example:
Project: Publish a Book
Goal1:Write Book
Goal 2: Launch Book

 

[LightHouse]

Do you use multiple boards to organize everything?

I tried putting everything in one board and it looks really messy.
So I created another board for my personal life but then I have the today list with 3 tasks twice. Not sure if this is the right way to do it.

And do you create goals from your Projects?
Like for example:
Project: Publish a Book
Goal1:Write Book
Goal 2: Launch Book

The orginal version uses 1 to streamline your focus, the new build uses multiple, but with automations that help organize the information on input, and then push what's in view to the same style GSD board for focus during the week.

Based on all the feedback here, this should work pretty well. The time challenge and why it's taken so long is, in order for it to meet my mission , it has to be simple and understandable, FAST.

My mission as stated in this thread....

"My vision is for someone to find their way to TFL that is either starting, wants to start, or was moving and fell off. Drop in and start up my new system within 2-3 hours having paid nothing but attention.... and get right on track.“

As for your 2nd question, You have to take the broad goal, and break it out into pieces that are more relative to time.

"Write book" could take 4 hours with chatgpt or it could take 4 years. The first milestone for that project would be "Write the full outline for the book" with the 2nd and 3rd (I am not a writer, so a guess) would be "write intro and first chapter" then followed by other chapter break downs.

 

[DrWumbo]

The orginal version uses 1 to streamline your focus, the new build uses multiple, but with automations that help organize the information on input, and then push what's in view to the same style GSD board for focus during the week.

Based on all the feedback here, this should work pretty well. The time challenge and why it's taken so long is, in order for it to meet my mission , it has to be simple and understandable, FAST.

My mission as stated in this thread....

"My vision is for someone to find their way to TFL that is either starting, wants to start, or was moving and fell off. Drop in and start up my new system within 2-3 hours having paid nothing but attention.... and get right on track.“

As for your 2nd question, You have to take the broad goal, and break it out into pieces that are more relative to time.

"Write book" could take 4 hours with chatgpt or it could take 4 years. The first milestone for that project would be "Write the full outline for the book" with the 2nd and 3rd (I am not a writer, so a guess) would be "write intro and first chapter" then followed by other chapter break downs.

This is awesome. So excited to see the new system! Appreciate your work.

I need to get better at setting smaller goals that lead up to the big goal, just like your book example. I feel like sometimes I don’t “know” what the small steps even are, so it’s hard to come up and plan them.

Any advice?

 

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[LightHouse]

This is awesome. So excited to see the new system! Appreciate your work.

I need to get better at setting smaller goals that lead up to the big goal, just like your book example. I feel like sometimes I don’t “know” what the small steps even are, so it’s hard to come up and plan them.

Any advice?

Can you give me 1-2 examples? (And the timeline)

This way I can explain and also walk through an example to serve as reference for everyone.

This is one of the questions that was extracted so it will be in the future videos as well.

 

[DrWumbo]

Can you give me 1-2 examples? (And the timeline)

This way I can explain and also walk through an example to serve as reference for everyone.

This is one of the questions that was extracted so it will be in the future videos as well.

Example 1:

We are trying to systemize and improve our SEO process. I came up with an overall gameplan, that included a bunch of different steps. I asked our newly hired SEO employee to take a look at it and add in anything I missed. While I completed a good bulk of everything, there were still steps that were missing from my process, simply because I didn't even know of the steps in the first place.

 

[LightHouse]

Example 1:

We are trying to systemize and improve our SEO process. I came up with an overall gameplan, that included a bunch of different steps. I asked our newly hired SEO employee to take a look at it and add in anything I missed. While I completed a good bulk of everything, there were still steps that were missing from my process, simply because I didn't even know of the steps in the first place.

This is a great example that starts with the core issue being at the very top.

Goal: We are trying to systemize and improve our SEO process. (bold the word that should be banned )

So the big part of your issue here is that you main goal isn't clear. This bodes to the idea of SMART goals. There isn't anything measurable or specific about the goal itself, which is why it is hard to define.

Let me take a shot at a different version for example...


Goal:
We will build a system in XXX app to track/monitor/scale our (internal/external) SEO process over the next 90days

Objective:
Create a road map of all sub-process's involved in SEO. (30d)
- Create list of all sub processes
- Review with team to break down interval of each project
- Create SOP for each sub process
- Complete wireframe/roadmap/whatever visual you want of how that system should operate

Objective:
Build a production framework for SEO Clients that allows the team to track progress based on intervals (30days)
[This one would be broken out based on each main process]

Objective:
Test new tracking framework for 2w in production environment, then review and iterate (14daysx2)


As you can imagine, a bit difficult without more details, but hopefully this helps illustrate how much easier goals are to break down when they are created properly in the first place.

@DrWumbo Take this and update with the actual data and post it so we can see what other iteration we can make.

 

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[tinkerbelllogic]

Do you constantly struggle to stay on task throughout the day?

Are you overwhelmed by the amount of things you need to do with your business or the launch process?

Have you tried "productivity" systems but fail to keep up with them or use them over time?

*Note: I am not selling you shit, so don't hit the back button yet; you WILL regret it.*


PREFACE:
Background: You are a producer. You are working on creating something amazing through a business you have or are building. The problem with your typical list based systems is you can not map the copious amounts of things that need to get done. Most current systems are not structured to pick things from different areas of business to prioritize because they are made for specialists, or folks that focus on one area of things so their task list is related.

*Note: I implemented this system shortly after FLSummit 2016 and it has done wonders for my productivity. I shared it with a few other Legendary Fastlaners who adopted the system and have seen similar results. Thus I am sharing it publicly to help create even more legendary fastlaners.


The SOLUTION: The Get Shit Done (GSD) System** Using Trello.com

The list titles are as follows -

Goals / Projects / Top | Inbox | Today (MAX 3) | Wait / In-Progress (TEMP) | Finished [Archive] | Someday/Maybe



Single Point System:

Your GSD "Inbox" List will become the center of your productivity. I want you to enter everything into your inbox. This is a single stream coming into your mental ecosystem. If something takes more than 10 seconds to do, or comes in during your focus time, it goes to the inbox. PERIOD. You are working on removing distraction, so let GSD be your gatekeeper. (this works great paired with a well-trained VA as well.) You can also get apps that give you a quick add on Chrome, Desktops, and You can even integrate it into Google now (Link here). Additiaonl resources can be found here

You will work things out from here. If it is something for another project management board on trello (hit "B" to switch between trello boards) then you will do that during an organization period. You can set up a direct email to your trello inbox as well to forward emails that have tasks or things to do, right into your inbox as well (info here)

You can label them with colors if you want. I personally grade mine from hot to cold for priority. Red is HOT, orange, yellow, Blue is COLD. Fairly simple.

You can also expand the cards if the task needs a bit more info. Don't load this with data you want to reference, more so just notes. Like an email that needs to be sent to several people, make a list of the people inside the card, You can postfox the card title with "(details)" like i do to remind you there is addt'l data.



Visualize Your Projects and Goals:

This is straight forward. Have your goals outlines and actionable. You will not interact with this much, this serves as a constant reminder of the direction your are working towords. Make sure you use the same card pre-fixes to keep everything easy. You can add additional sections for other things like Habits, or events as well if you need.


What you are doing TODAY - The idea of Kanban + The One Thing:

This section is taken from the kanban system. The idea is that you are limiting what you are working on to three things. PERIOD. You can not add anything until something moves from the list. This keeps your mind focused on what is important. Rather than spreading brain power across 10 things, you have an option of 1 of 3.

The Trick: Whatever cards are above the line (has to be at least 1 every day) are things that move you towards your bigger goal. This idea is taken from "The One Thing". It insures that no matter what you are doing day to day, you are working at least on one thing moving you towards your large goal.


Things Waiting - Don't Stop Your Flow:

This is simple, you do not want to waste time waiting on people or things. If something isnt coming back around for a period of time. Re-label it with the reason/action and move it to waiting to not hold yourself up. Typically things you do not know if the turn around time is going to be less than 24 hours or not (emails, account approvals, etc)

Satisfaction of Completion:

This is where you want to be. You will find an easy addiction to moving cards right and this col being 10x your inbox. It is an easy constant visual reminder that you are actually "Getting Shit Done" and moving towards your goals every day.



FINAL NOTES: This is how the system works for me, this will work for you two but make sure you adapt it to anything specific to you as needed.

I promise you if you spend a day putting everything you have to do into this system, and remove it all from your mind. by day two and three you will not look back. This system will work like your task memory in your brain. So add everything and look at it often. I made it an app shortcut on my taskbar to lauch and keep in an app window all the time.

Proof is in the Fastlaner: I'll invite a few friends here to share their experience and any additional notes. @AllenCrawley @JasonR @Eskil @Iwokeup

Get started (5min), copy this board in either Trello or Notion instantly using these links:

Trello: GSD by LightHouse
Notion: GSD by LightHouse

Thank you for sharing this.
I admit, my mind runs a mile a minute and any distractions can completely derail my progress. I use lists for everything, but struggle with sticking to the priorities. This looks like an organizational lifesaver. Much appreciated.

 

[DrWumbo]

This is a great example that starts with the core issue being at the very top.

Goal: We are trying to systemize and improve our SEO process. (bold the word that should be banned )

So the big part of your issue here is that you main goal isn't clear. This bodes to the idea of SMART goals. There isn't anything measurable or specific about the goal itself, which is why it is hard to define.

Let me take a shot at a different version for example...


Goal:
We will build a system in XXX app to track/monitor/scale our (internal/external) SEO process over the next 90days

Objective:
Create a road map of all sub-process's involved in SEO. (30d)
- Create list of all sub processes
- Review with team to break down interval of each project
- Create SOP for each sub process
- Complete wireframe/roadmap/whatever visual you want of how that system should operate

Objective:
Build a production framework for SEO Clients that allows the team to track progress based on intervals (30days)
[This one would be broken out based on each main process]

Objective:
Test new tracking framework for 2w in production environment, then review and iterate (14daysx2)


As you can imagine, a bit difficult without more details, but hopefully this helps illustrate how much easier goals are to break down when they are created properly in the first place.

@DrWumbo Take this and update with the actual data and post it so we can see what other iteration we can make.

Wow... thank you for this!

Laying it out this way definitely changes the approach and direction of getting this task done.

I will update this thread later with some of the progress I have made with your advice

 

[DrWumbo]

@LightHouse

Alright, so here is what I have come up with so far for an Off-Page SEO Outline process.

SEO Off-Page Outline

docs.google.com

Next Steps:

1.) Review with team, address some of the questions I have about the processes, and finalize the outline. (Next week)
2.) Record SOP video of going through each step, pass it off to our consulting team to build out the SOP documents (2 weeks from now)
3.) Consulting team incorporates the SEO process into our Clickup build for us (3-4 weeks from now)

As for the timeline, this entire process needs to be done in 30 days. Our on-page SEO (technical, service pages, blog's) etc. is great, our off-page strategy is where we lack, and we can get some crazy results in bigger markets if we can nail it.

 

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[LightHouse]

@LightHouse

Alright, so here is what I have come up with so far for an Off-Page SEO Outline process.

SEO Off-Page Outline

docs.google.com

Next Steps:

1.) Review with team, address some of the questions I have about the processes, and finalize the outline. (Next week)
2.) Record SOP video of going through each step, pass it off to our consulting team to build out the SOP documents (2 weeks from now)
3.) Consulting team incorporates the SEO process into our Clickup build for us (3-4 weeks from now)

As for the timeline, this entire process needs to be done in 30 days. Our on-page SEO (technical, service pages, blog's) etc. is great, our off-page strategy is where we lack, and we can get some crazy results in bigger markets if we can nail it.

That's good work, those SOP's can be deployed right into clickup as well and the entire process can be laid out and tracked within the app using templates for cards on each client.

This is always a critical piece in growth that most miss. You don't want more work on your shoulders if it's something that process and systems can handle. Once complete, that saved time can go right back to biz dev and you will be more confident that the more clients you get, the biz can handle them.

 

[DrWumbo]

That's good work, those SOP's can be deployed right into clickup as well and the entire process can be laid out and tracked within the app using templates for cards on each client.

This is always a critical piece in growth that most miss. You don't want more work on your shoulders if it's something that process and systems can handle. Once complete, that saved time can go right back to biz dev and you will be more confident that the more clients you get, the biz can handle them.

Amen to that!

We hired this company to help with systemizing everything -> Home - Agency Rocket Fuel, and it has been the best investment we have made.

I'm super excited to see and utilize GSD 2.0 for both my personal life and biz operations.

 

[DrWumbo]

Finishing the off-page SEO strategy and incorporating it into Clickup.

We will have the SOP's done for the entire process in the next 2 weeks.

Also, following the GSD method & chunking/simplifying goals has been huge for me. I'm taking more time to "sharpen the axe" to develop an achievable gameplan, rather than setting a goal and trying to work on it without direction.

 

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[Silent...]

When will you release it ?

 

[fermorales8]

Thank you for this post!

 

[Silent...]

Any Updates?

 

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[LightHouse]

Any Updates?

Interesting I am not getting these replies despite being subscribed to my own thread.

The videos are being shot now. I have had to re-do them several times to be both better and easier to digest. I expect this to be out soon.