This entry is written especially for my fellow list makers out there. We are a special breed. We thrive on making lists on fresh leafs of paper, preferably lined, and either neatly numbered, or, if we are especially accomplishment oriented (as I am), with boxes in front of each item that we can checkmark when a faits is accompli. Some of us (not me, of course) will even write things down we have just completed for the pure pleasure of crossing it off our list (or ticking the box, if you will).
When used wisely, list making can organize your thoughts, allowing you to tackle a project, plan a day, or a put together a shopping list. However, if used recklessly, a list can cause feelings of anxiety and inadequacy. My own list-making skills have been developed and fine-tuned over the years. Allow me to share some of my learnings with you.
- Keep it short: You should only have a maximum of 3-5 items to accomplish per day. If necessary, use a small notepad or piece of paper to keep you from writing a list as long as a maxi dress. If you need help whittling it down to 3-5, ask yourself, If I could only accomplish three things today, what should they be?
- Focus on the goal, not the task: This tip will help you keep your list short. If you just list what your goals are for that day, and not the hundreds of minute tasks associated with them, you will be more likely to actually complete all the items on your list rather than just get partway there.See example below:
Tasks:
- Talk to finance about February inventory number
- Analyze sales opportunity for March
- Review Q1 receipt flow
Goal:
- Complete Q1 2009 Budget
- Focus on one item at a time: The days of multi-tasking being hailed as a desired skill are dwindling. Focus on one goal at a time and you will not only complete it and check it off your list, you will complete it well and feel a true sense of accomplishment. This requires some discipline but is well worth it.
- Be realistic: Consider the time you have to accomplish the items on your list. If you are in meeting for half of the day or have a family barbeque at noon, perhaps you can only accomplish one goal for that day.
- Spend less time making lists! List makers have a tendency to write things down instead of actually doing them right away (I admit it, I am guilty). Tackle #1 on your list RIGHT NOW and you will have shortened your list up front!
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I too love a good list. I like to get a nice journal, like a Moleskin, and list items that need to get done.
Also, I only lists tasks I know I can accomplish and need my absolute attention. For example: laundry vs. climb Mount Everest.
I'm one of the list makers you talk about but of a different breed. I like to put my longer term tasks on my outlook and then sync them to my BB. I keep my short term tasks in my MoleskinE (not Moleskin...). I have to admit that I really enjoy watching the tasks get stricken from my task list, electronically, (and I often enter already completed tasks just to see this effect) like you do. I like the outlook thing because you always have your tasks visable instead of having to look back through your pages and re-write them. also, you always have your phone with you so you can easily enter new tasks. i guess if i was a woman i would carry a purse and could keep my moleskine with me at all times but i'm not that type...!? so the BB is my thing.
Hi Mish,
I also love Moleskine journals. Somehow anything you write in them feel special even if it is a grocery list! I especially like the folder in the back - it's convenient for tucking away business cards or other little inspirations along the way.