A Beginner´s Guide to Getting Things Done
This was mercifully shorter than the Cal Newport book.  That's about all I can say for it.<p>Ivan Sutherland had the secret, and it only took one paragraph to share it:<p>'<i>I used to hate washing dishes.  I would delay as long as possible.  Eyeing the daunting pile of dishes, I would say to myself, “I'll be here forever at this dumb task.”  The enormity of the task deterred me from starting.  I still dislike washing dishes, but I now get the dishes done promptly because I learned a simple procedure for doing the job from my wife's uncle.  The procedure starts out “Wash first dish...”  I have a similar procedure for starting travel vouchers, it goes “Record first expense...”</i>'<p>edit: his rationale was equally short and sweet:<p>'<i>Each of my little procedures embodies two different aids to getting started.  By invoking a familiar procedure I reduce my need for courage.  By breaking the task into smaller tasks through emphasizing that only the first dish need be washed or the first expense need be recorded, I reduce my estimate of risk.  Both mechanisms work.  These sources of courage are sometimes called “discipline,” especially when being taught to the young.  Discipline relies on a practiced use of routine subgoals to avoid defeat by fear.  Its highest form comes when the Lieutenant, charging up a heavily defended hill, says, “Follow me men!”—and they do.</i>'