How to ...

... Get things done

If you want to get things done, you need to start before you know what you're doing. That's because the biggest obstacle to any achievement is liftoff rather than touchdown. Some people start by drawing up a plan. Unless all you want is a nice plan, don't waste much time on this. Plans are just there to stop you haring off in the wrong direction, but the important thing is to hare off. You'll soon see which way you need to go.

Often, a telephone call is required to get things done, possibly to someone you haven't spoken to before. You imagine that person doesn't take calls, is very frightening and hates you and your ridiculous plan. But unless your idea is to sell them double-glazing, most people are glad to hear from new people, as it adds to the richness of life.

Some people are natural starters; others are natural finishers. Men are good at both, especially in bed, where they can do them simultaneously.

Finishing a job is as tricky as starting it, because there are as many people who don't know when to stop as there are who don't know where to start. The reason many projects are started but few are finished is that projects are never straightforward. They all start well, then run into difficulties. These difficulties are overcome and the end seems in sight. Then come the final insurmountable difficulties. These can also be overcome, but only by changing the shape of the project. This usually ends up a better project. Or a total disaster.

Deciding to get something done is life-defining, since the world is split into people who make things happen, people who wish things would happen and people who wonder what the hell happened. If you want something done, you have to do it yourself, so it might be a lonely old business. In fact, once you start doing things, you meet a new class of people willing to do things, including helping you.

Motivation is vital for getting things done. The most powerful one is ticking things off. That's why it's best to start with a list of things that need to be done. Break the big things into little things, so you can tick things off at regular intervals.

Personal rewards are also good. If you need to do your tax return, promise yourself a couple of chocolate biscuits when you've finished (be aware these may be a taxable benefit).