Unlocking Potential with Ten Little Rules for Getting IT Done: A Guide to Action and Growth
- Jennifer Lorenz
- Dec 10, 2025
- 4 min read
Getting things done often feels harder than it should. Many people struggle to move from planning to action, caught in cycles of overthinking, perfectionism, or distraction. The book Ten Little Rules for Getting IT Done! by Jenn Lorenz offers a fresh approach to overcoming these challenges. It provides practical, easy-to-follow frameworks that help clarify focus, build momentum, and foster personal and professional growth. This post explores how these ten little rules can unlock your potential and guide you toward meaningful action.
Understanding the Core of Getting IT Done.
The book is a reflection on the author's life experiences and lessons learned which centers on productivity and purpose. Unlike traditional productivity guides that focus on rigid systems or overwhelming to-do lists, this approach emphasizes action, self-discovery, and overcoming perfectionism. The rules are designed to be simple yet powerful, helping readers move forward with clarity and confidence.
Some of the key rules include:
Do Your Homework
This rule encourages preparation and research before diving into tasks. It’s about understanding what you need to do and gathering the right information to avoid wasted effort.
Ignore More Than You Do
This rule highlights the importance of focus. By consciously ignoring distractions and less important tasks, you free up energy for what truly matters.
Do the Work of Winning
Prioritizing tasks that have the greatest impact and, more importantly, completing them helps you make meaningful progress rather than just staying busy.
Each rule is supported by storytelling and journaling prompts. These tools help readers reflect on their habits, identify obstacles, and create personalized strategies for growth.
Moving Beyond Perfectionism
One of the biggest barriers to getting things done is perfectionism. Many people delay action because they want everything to be perfect before starting. The Ten Little Rules for Getting It Done! approach challenges this mindset by encouraging progress over perfection.
For example, the rule "Do Your Homework" doesn’t mean endless research but gathering enough information to start confidently. Similarly, "Ignore More Than You Do" helps you let go of the need to control every detail and focus on what moves you forward.
By shifting focus from flawless execution to consistent action, you build momentum. This momentum creates a positive feedback loop, making it easier to keep going and improve along the way.
Practical Frameworks for Daily Use
The strength of these rules lies in their practicality. They are not abstract ideas but actionable steps you can apply every day. Here’s how you might use some of them:
Start Your Day with a Clear Focus
Use the journaling prompts to identify your top priorities. Write down what you want to accomplish and why it matters.
Set Boundaries to Ignore Distractions
Turn off notifications, limit social media time, or create a dedicated workspace. This supports the rule to ignore more than you do.
Break Tasks into Manageable Steps and Adjust As You Learn More
Instead of overwhelming yourself with big projects, start small. If you don't know where to begin then the first smallest step is doing your homework and then focus on completing the high-value activities. Be comfortable in decision making, knowing you'll adjust as you learn more.
Reflect Regularly
Reflection allows you to review what worked and what didn’t. This reflection helps you adjust your approach and stay motivated. The more often you do this, the more often you'll make adjustments, learning from failures, and achieve success as you tweak your approach.
Real-Life Examples of Success
The author has found these rules helpful in both personal and professional settings. For instance, the author describes that focusing her time and energy on what needs to get done rather than on why a situation is occurring or who is responsible has saved an immeasurable amount of time and enabled her to lead with calm during chaos.
Another example comes from her new journey as a small business owner who struggles with perfectionism. By applying "Ignore More Than You Do," she is focusing on learning new things, growing the business, and supporting clients. Any activities that do not contribute to one of these areas are ignored. This change in behavior has improved business growth and reduced burnout from responding to numerous requests that yielded zero results.
These stories show how small shifts in mindset and habits can lead to significant results.
Building Momentum Through Storytelling and Journaling
The book’s unique use of storytelling and journaling prompts sets it apart. These techniques help you connect with your goals on a deeper level. Writing about your experiences clarifies your thoughts and uncovers hidden obstacles.
For example, a journaling prompt might ask you to describe a recent challenge and how you overcame it. This reflection builds confidence and reveals strategies that work for you. Over time, this practice creates a personal roadmap for success.
How to Get Started Today
You don’t need to wait for the perfect moment to start applying these rules. Begin with one or two that resonate most with you. For example:
Focus on what immediate action is most important.
Break up your work into daily goals.
Expand your understanding of the task by researching.
Small steps build confidence and create momentum. As you practice, add more rules to your routine.
Why This Book Matters Now
In a world full of distractions and endless options, clarity and action are more valuable than ever. Ten Little Rules for Getting IT Done! offers a grounded, practical way to cut through noise and focus on what truly matters. It supports growth not by adding complexity but by simplifying your approach and encouraging consistent action.
Whether you want to improve your career, start a new project, or develop better habits, these rules provide a clear path forward.
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