|
Mar 29
2010
|
Develop the To Do List Habit and Get More Done
Posted by: Ellen Thompson on Mar 29, 2010 05:30 Tagged in: Checklists
|
|
We are all looking for ways to squeeze more into each day. I can’t think of an easier or more helpful tip than getting into the habit of using to do lists. Here's how to do it.
Each day, write a brand new list of what you need to accomplish on that particular day. You can be low tech and simply write the list out by hand, type it into Word, use your CRM's task manager, or use a simple online tool like done.io, which is what I use. I have other systems to manage my tasks, but they often include long-term projects and ideas. While one might argue that making a list is inefficient and duplicates systems you already have in place, I find that it's worth the extra 60 seconds, as it helps me to focus and prioritize.
Next, go through the list and do everything you can get done in 2 minutes or less. This will help you feel like you are getting things done quickly, gives you a psychological lift, and creates the momentum you’ll need when tackling longer tasks. This technique comes straight from Getting Things Done by David Allen, which I highly recommend.
If you are like me, items on your to do list are completed between scheduled activities. When you have a break, try to assess how much time you have to work on your to dos, and try to choose a task that will take that amount of time.
Sometimes, you'll have unpleasant tasks to complete. For instance, I am interviewing job candidates right now, and one of the things on my to do list is to contact people and let them know that we aren't offering them a job. As Brian Tracy says in Eat That Frog, 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating, sometimes it’s helpful to tackle the ugliest looking problems first—so I find it helpful to start with the less desirable tasks on my list.
Using a to do list won’t make your work disappear, but it will help you get things done faster by dramatically reducing switching costs between tasks. Not to mention, you'll find yourself spending time on the activities that count—which will help you get the most done in the long run.
