“The Human Animal Differs from the lesser primates in his passion for lists.”
Successful people are effective managers of that very precious resource—their own time. The time-honored to-do list is an essential tool for seasoned professionals, students, anyone who truly understands that there are only 24 hours in the day and they have to be managed wisely. Having a written to-do list is important, but it’s more important to do what is on it. You can measure success by writing a list of 3-5 things that you will get done, and then do them that day. Keep the list short but be like the comic character Larry the Cable Guy and "Git 'er done!"
Interestingly, people who say they procrastinate often think of it as a personality flaw. They learn to love their To-Do list, because it drives home the point that you can only accomplish so much on a given day, and you have to decide what is most important. Use a to-do list to unclutter your mind. An effective to-do list doesn’t clutter your mind with too many things to do, but rather clears it by letting you get things done and off your mind. In other words, their real value emerges when you complete tasks on the list, and therefore short lists that can be completed are the most useful. Lists of 3-5 items that can be done in a day or other specified time frame may work best for you.
Talking to your coach. You either do your to-do list, or you fail to do it. Throughout the day, check in with you coach and say why you have—or have not—done the things on your To-Do list. Give yourself a big thumbs up if you “got ‘er done.” Making the journal entry will stimulate your thinking about why you get your list done sometimes, but not other times. Your coach will ask questions, not expecting an answer, but rather to make you aware of cues and reinforcers that drive the habit.
Here’s how to take it back to basics and craft a to-do list that actually helps you get things done.
Read MoreMost people are using their To Do list as a measure for self-worth…and this is a huge mistake.
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