Get Everything Done

We often talk about the 4 D's: Do, Delete (or Dismiss), Defer, Delegate. (Vague memory that another was suggested.)

Judith Morgenstern has another. Diminish. According to the article which quoted her, she means dividing it into smaller steps. I'd call that Divide.

To me, Diminish means reduce the scope. Be less of a perfectionist. Do just enough. By definition, just enough is still enough.

So now we're up to 6 or more.

Just enough (or good enough) doesn't have to mean half-hearted or barely. It means do enough to reach your goal, but no more. Or even ask if you've accurately described your goal in the first place.

If your goal is a relaxed Christmas with your family, make only 2 pies, not 5, or even, gasp, buy them. If your goal is to have a comfortable home, vacuum weekly, not daily (unless you live near the beach). If your goal is to earn a degree while raising a family, aim for B's rather than A's, and spend the time you save with your kids.
None of those are routine, and you would probably have your heart in each of them.

Living well enough that I can look back and say it my life was well-lived is a very high standard.

More thoughts. Diminish is only one option, just like the other Ds. It's on the list to be considered, not something that you should automatically do.

Looking at Christmas dinner, the family travel plans, their schedules, and their cooking skills, I cannot dismiss it, delegate, or defer. I can, however, reduce the number of pies that I bake.

I like Divide.