We often talk about getting more done and increasing productivity, but what about managing your “To Do” list from the very beginning? Before things get added and take on the importance of being “on the list”?
Here a
re 5 seemingly simple, yet surprisingly effective ways to manage your “To Do” list:
- Rename your “To Do” list with something more proactive and goal-oriented. How about “Action List” or “Success List”?
- The Pre-Check: Before adding an item to your “Action” or “Success” list, ask yourself, “Does this item contribute towards my larger goals or is it required for another reason?” If not, it doesn’t go on.
- How long will it take? Give each item added to your list a maximum amount of time to complete with the understanding that you’ll give it your focused attention for that time (no multitasking!). Be realistic and don’t pad. This way if you have 10 minutes, you can look at your Success List and choose a 10-minute item.
- Be realistic. Don’t schedule every second of every day. Give yourself plenty of time for breaks and you’ll discover more actually gets done.
- Create Step-by-Step Checklists for everything you do that’s consistent (posting blog posts, social networking, etc.) and delegate whenever possible. For example, in my business, I do all the writing and my team handles all the repurposing.
And the biggest thing you can do to get more done? Balance keeping focused with staying open to opportunities.