MANAGING MY TO-DO-LIST: It happens to the best of us:
*We start the week by creating of list of things we need to do.
*Our goal is to “get through the list”, but the longer we focus on the list, the more items we remember to add to the list.
*We end up spending more time creating and managing our list then actually addressing the items that need to be done.
*The LIST controls us!
Janet Choi shares that “41% of t0-d0-items are never completed” (I Done This Blog)
By the end of the week, we’re checking things off, deleting things, and determining that some of these things should have been on the list in the first place!
But, the following week, we’re back at it, building our to-do-list again!
So, here are some simple tips to making your To-Do-List work:
#1) Determine if working off of a list helps your or if it distracts you.
Some people are list people. Some aren’t. If you’re obsessing about your list, or if you are trying to manage multiple lists, then it’s becoming a distraction. You need to figure out a better way to track actionable items.
#2) Keep the list SIMPLE
Don’t detail every aspect of what needs to be done, but keep the list simple. You might want to ask yourself the question, “What’s Important Now?” and only address things that are for NOW.
#3) Assign TIME to every item on the list
Don’t put anything on your list unless you have set a time in your schedule to address it. This is simple “block scheduling”. This is the only way you’ll be able to accomplish the things on your list. Over time, you’ll get better at estimating the amount of time needed to complete the task.
#4) Read through your list 3-times
As you look quickly at your list, you’ll be able to determine if all of the things on the list are under your control, if they are your responsibility, and if they’re a priority. Check the list quickly, and keep weeding off the things that creep in there that don’t need to be there.
There are hundreds of different apps and tools to help you manage your list. Don’t spend too much time and money figuring out the best “method”. Instead, figure out how to be the most effective you can be.
I simply use the Reminders app on my phone, pad and computer. It all syncs together, it’s free (Apple) and it works well. I always have my most current list, and if feels good to get things completed. Don’t get lost in the technology.
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