Are you a list person? I am, by nature, but I got to a point where my lists were in themselves overwhelming me. Too many lists, too long and in too many different places.
I had a work notebook where I kept my work related tasks in a list. I had my personal list notebook in my bag. I had a grocery list on a random piece of paper. I had a list for each of the 3 companies I work with. Basically, list overload, sound familiar?
Why, if we are listing our tasks are we feeling defeated and inefficient? After all, the experts recommend lists.
I realised the list in and of itself was not the only key to this puzzle. It's what makes up the list.
If the list is too long or too detailed it will cease to be a motivator. The satisfaction derived from crossing off a task will become redundant as the list grows almost exponentially.
1 - Have one notebook (or whatever you use) as a home for all your lists
2 - Be sure it is portable if you need it to be for your lifestyle
3 - Keep it by your bed with a pen so when you think of something at 3 am you can jot it down and go back to sleep
4 - Keep an ongoing master list but for your daily lists be realistic and pace yourself (still all in one place). If you think in your head you should get 20 things done today then choose the most urgent ones and prioritize them.
Then reduce the list by half.
If you get more done by all means continue but don't set yourself up for defeat before you begin. Think of the feeling of gratification you will experience as you cross off each item. Do not under estimate the accomplishment at the end of the day when you have completed (or almost) the list for that day.
I had a work notebook where I kept my work related tasks in a list. I had my personal list notebook in my bag. I had a grocery list on a random piece of paper. I had a list for each of the 3 companies I work with. Basically, list overload, sound familiar?
Why, if we are listing our tasks are we feeling defeated and inefficient? After all, the experts recommend lists.
I realised the list in and of itself was not the only key to this puzzle. It's what makes up the list.
If the list is too long or too detailed it will cease to be a motivator. The satisfaction derived from crossing off a task will become redundant as the list grows almost exponentially.
1 - Have one notebook (or whatever you use) as a home for all your lists
2 - Be sure it is portable if you need it to be for your lifestyle
3 - Keep it by your bed with a pen so when you think of something at 3 am you can jot it down and go back to sleep
4 - Keep an ongoing master list but for your daily lists be realistic and pace yourself (still all in one place). If you think in your head you should get 20 things done today then choose the most urgent ones and prioritize them.
Then reduce the list by half.
If you get more done by all means continue but don't set yourself up for defeat before you begin. Think of the feeling of gratification you will experience as you cross off each item. Do not under estimate the accomplishment at the end of the day when you have completed (or almost) the list for that day.
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