You will rarely find me without my notebook or a Post-it pad. I am continually building lists – shopping lists, packing lists, event planning lists, honey-do lists, work lists, career goals, etc. Like many of you I am lost without my lists. My notebook’s first page says, “Reward if found”. I have no interest in losing my lists.
There are obvious reasons we all use lists:
Efficiency/Productivity – Lists help us be more productive and efficient. Going to Costco without a list? That would be a bad idea for so many different reasons.
Planning – I start everyday with my lists. What do I need to do and when do I need to get them done by. I determine how long each task is going to take, assign priorities, and attack the day. Fail to plan, plan to fail.
Peace of Mind – Once I have it written down, I don’t have to stress out about forgetting to do something. I usually have a Post-it pad on my night stand in case I think of something in the middle of the night. I write it down and fall right back to sleep.
Sense of Accomplishment – It is silly and there is probably a neurological or psychological explanation, but it feels really good crossing things off a list.
With lists so much a part of our lives, have you ever thought about how to improve your use of lists? Reviewing and studying your lists can be very insightful and helpful. It is like reviewing your checkbook. You can learn a lot about a person by reviewing how they spend their money. You can learn a lot about yourself by reviewing your lists and how you are spending your time.
Priorities – Do your to-do lists match your values and priorities? Are they helping you reach your goals and dreams? Start adding the non-urgent, but meaningful tasks to your to-do lists. Make them a priority.
Ask for Help – With my job, I interview lots of people. Being a “team player” and “willing to help others” is not a strength. It is expected. A strength is knowing how and when to ask for help. Develop that skill and watch your value soar.
Eliminate items from your lists – One of the most productive things you can do is simply take things off your list. Don’t do them. Don’t commit to them. Stop saying, “Yes.” Shrink your lists so you can spend more time on yourself, your family and what is truly important to you.
The next time you make a list, I hope you to take a little time to reflect.
