Ignore the "administrative" tasks (answering emails, organizing folders) until the linchpin is addressed.
When stuck, don't ask "What else can I do?" ask "What can I stop doing?" 2. The Three-Step Framework Joe Carl Actually Kind Of Simple
Use a plain text file, a physical notebook, or a simple timer. Once a week, look at your "To-Do" list
Once a week, look at your "To-Do" list and delete anything that hasn't been touched in 7 days. If it was truly simple and important, it would be done. 4. Summary Checklist Is the goal stated clearly? Am I using the simplest tool available? Am I avoiding "busy work" masquerading as progress? Have I removed at least one unnecessary step today? Summary Checklist Is the goal stated clearly
If a solution is 80% effective and takes 10% of the effort of a "perfect" solution, take the 80% version every time. No Multi-Tasking: Simple means one thing at a time.
What is the one thing that, if finished, makes everything else easier or unnecessary?