Why You Should Always Follow the “Get Things Done RTFM” Rule

Some people dive headfirst into projects, hoping instinct will guide them. Others succeed because they take a more thoughtful approach.
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to skip instructions, but reading the manual first helps you get things done efficiently.
That’s why my dad’s golden rule—Get Things Done RTFM—still guides how I approach tasks both big and small.

The Life-Changing RTFM Rule My Dad Taught Me

My dad wasn’t the handyman type, but he taught me the smartest way to manage any task: Read The F*ing Manual**.
This mindset became second nature for anything from home maintenance to organizing the pantry or handling tech devices.
Though he didn’t teach me carpentry, he gave me the most important tool—patience and process, starting with the manual.

We once built a HAM radio together, and even then, he emphasized reading every instruction before soldering a single wire.
His point was simple: Don’t guess your way through projects. Knowledge helps you work faster, smarter, and with fewer mistakes.

Practical Ways to Get Things Done RTFM-Style

Using the Get Things Done RTFM mindset applies to almost everything—from flat-pack furniture to deep-cleaning your dishwasher.
Before I assembled a new storage bench last month, I flipped through the manual first to understand every screw and panel.
That small act saved me an hour of rework, which would’ve happened if I had skipped the instructions.

The same principle works for cleaning and home organization. Most tools and cleaning products include very specific usage directions.
By reading them first, I ensure I use just the right amount of cleaner and avoid wasting time scrubbing ineffectively.
This approach also works for tasks with no physical manual, like organizing clutter or managing neurodivergent routines at home.

Create Your Own Manual for a Better Workflow

Some challenges come without clear instructions. In those cases, apply the Get Things Done RTFM principle by creating your own guide.
Before I tackled our chaotic garage, I wrote a step-by-step plan just like an instruction sheet to guide my actions.
I also researched organizing methods and adapted what worked best, treating each step like a chapter in a self-made manual.

Living in a household with neurodivergent individuals brings added complexity to home tasks, but RTFM helped simplify our routines.
Understanding our behavior patterns became the foundation of our own mental “manual” that supports smoother daily living.
Instead of winging it, we planned systems that helped us find what we need and clean with less frustration.

Why RTFM Helps You Get Things Done Right

The heart of the Get Things Done RTFM principle is about respecting knowledge and making better decisions based on clear instructions.
Skipping the manual usually means you waste time, misplace parts, or miss important steps that compromise the final result.
Following steps from the beginning builds confidence and reduces stress, whether you’re fixing a faucet or decluttering a storage room.

Even when a physical manual isn’t present, a thoughtful plan is the next best thing to get the outcome you want.
My dad’s rule taught me to take initiative, stay informed, and solve problems with intention instead of rushing through confusion.

Final Thoughts

The next time you face a project, big or small, pause before you begin. Think smart. Always Get Things Done RTFM style.
With a little planning, some reading, and a process-oriented mindset, you’ll finish faster and with far less frustration.

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