As a technical person, I have found it productive to spend quality time in 4 distinct activity modes. Self-consciously switching between Creating, Thinking, Researching, and Learning, makes progress at every scale - from playing with tiny puzzles and problems, investigating ad-hoc ideas, working on personal or commercial projects, to developing long-standing interests. The switching of scale also keeps things fresh and flowing. Giving it the name CTRLS (Create, Think, Research, and Learn at all Scales) helps with personal discipline.

Speaking of discipline, “getting stuff done” involves 3 obvious phases: Intention, Action, and Completion. Less obvious are the skills required in each phase. If progress stalls, the reason could be due to a deficient skill.

1. Intention is about determining precisely what you want to achieve. The key skills are discernment, articulation, planning, and confidence.

2. Action is where intention meets momentum. The key skills are decisiveness, pro activity, self-regulation, and focus. Proceed with imperfect information and course correct.

3. Completion is where execution produces results. The key skills are resourcefulness, rigor, social acuity, and fortitude.