The Many Styles of Getting Things Done

I’ll admit it: I’m an Achiever. According to CliftonStrengths, it’s my #1 theme, and whether I intend to or not, it shows up in everything I do. I’m the person who wakes up with a mental checklist already running. I love progress, I love momentum, and yes, I’ve been known to write something down just to cross it off. That’s me.

This week, I had the chance to speak with a stellar group of students visiting Washington, D.C. through the Randy Roberts Foundation. These students are preparing to do great things in their lives, and we talked about one of the most powerful skills they can build early: self-awareness.

When you understand how you work: what fuels you, what slows you down, and what quirks make you tick, you can use that knowledge to be more efficient, more effective, and more yourself.

That conversation got me thinking about all the different ways people “achieve.” Because while Achiever might be my default, it’s far from the only way people get things done. Which one are you?

The Box-Checker (Classic Achiever)

Achievers are the team’s engine. We set the pace, generate momentum, and remind everyone what forward motion feels like. We’re not content to coast as there’s always another milestone to hit, another goal to reach, another box to check.

Superpower: They keep projects (and people) moving when things might otherwise stall.

Watch-out: If they never pause to celebrate, they risk burning themselves (and everyone around them) out.

The Task-Avoider will organize the files, respond to emails, even clean the breakroom fridge, all the while avoiding that one dreaded task on their list (Like filing expense reports. Receipts, ugh). It’s not always laziness; it can be Deliberative (waiting for the right moment) or Strategic (weighing options first).

Superpower: They blast through the rest of the list with surprising speed.

Watch-out: That one “ugh” task doesn’t disappear—it usually just grows teeth.

The Save-the-Best-for-Last-er: Think Oreo method: eat the cookie first, savor the filling last. They delay the fun stuff to keep motivation alive. Could be Positivity (wanting to savor joy) or Connectedness (seeing meaning in the sequence).

Superpower: Built-in carrot-at-the-end motivation.

Watch-out: If the day blows up, they might never reach their “filling.”

The Time-of-Day Strategist knows exactly when their brain works best and schedules tough stuff for that window. Could be Discipline (thriving on routines) or Analytical (tracking what actually works).

Superpower: Maximum impact by aligning energy and effort.

Watch-out: Life doesn’t always honor your prime hours.

So, What’s Your Style?

Whether you’re a classic Achiever, a Strategic task-avoider, or a master of Time Management, the way you “achieve” says something important about how you’re wired. Understanding your style—and the styles of your teammates—helps you build systems that work with your energy instead of against it. Because achievement isn’t about doing things the right way. It’s about finding the rhythm that keeps you moving forward without losing your sanity (or your Oreo filling).