by using a checklist in a new and different way.
If your to-do list could speak, what would it say to you?
Many of us have complicated relationships with our daily checklist of tasks — we ignore it, resent it, or we can’t find it!
You don’t have to use a checklist every single day for the rest of your life. But it’s good — essential, really — for everyone to have a favorite productivity system that they’re playing with and fine-tuning.
The reason that I’m such a big believer in the process of improving personal productivity is because I love free time and playtime! For that reason, when I work, I have to make the utmost of my time.
Haven’t Been Successful Using a Checklist? Try Again!
you can create your own checklist to get more done each day
Everyone knows what it feels like to start a list and then set it aside and not use it. But that doesn’t mean that there wasn’t significant value in creating the list in the first place. And it definitely doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make a fresh attempt!
Trust the Process: the Value of a To-Do List
I’m a big believer that task lists have great value, even if you “fall off the wagon.” The very act of creating the list in the first place — even if you lose the list 2 hours later! — is clarifying.
Making lists help you spill out the contents of your cluttered brain so that you see what you have to do objectively. This quiets the mind. Even if it turns out to be an outrageously long list (it’s not uncommon for CEOs to have to-do lists with 150 items on it!), hey, at least you know what needs to be done. That’s a good first step.
“…I’m a big believer that task lists have
great value, even if you ‘fall off the wagon”
Making the Most of Each Checklist
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“…making lists help you spill out
the contents of your cluttered brain
so that you see what you have to do objectively”
The short video above, is from the early days of instantDane.tv (back when it was still called “BionicButler”); I keep the video because I still think it’s helpful, and I still believe in its central idea. I share essential tips to help you get the most out of your lists, so that you can become even more organized and accomplished!
What a great point that the very act of making the list produces results regardless of follow though. When I find myself wandering around feeling a little anxious because I am not sure I know what to do next– it is always list time- it brings back the peace!
That’s interesting to hear your suggestion to make your checklist(s) your best friend. There are times when a list that is sitting there waiting on your desk feels like the enemy because procrastination has set in. Thinking about the list as a loyal friend and sidekick (instead of as an adversary), can enable me to get more things done and feel accomplished… it has such a better energy and perspective to it!
I love lists cause it’s so rewarding to tick things off.
Heyo! Found you in the #commenthour twitter “channel” and thought I’d stop by and check things out. Pretty nifty site ya got here
I am all for the task list.
I used to make them when I was working with a friend of mine on her website (I did all her grunt work so I kinda had to) and it kinda worked for me. I could always look and remember what I had to do next and get it done. Now I do that when I’m doing my own stuff (I don’t work with her anymore I’m off on my own accord) and I look at it and remember all the stuff I have to do but don’t feel like doing. So now it’s more of a reminder of how lazy I’ve gotten with the whole “web work” thing, ya know?
But yea, maybe someday I’ll make a list I actually use and get done
PS: After watching your vids I have to say you’re a pretty hawt dood
*thumbs up*
Hey Dane, in relation to your article I just wanted to add that I’ve recently found an extremely awesome Android list making app called List Master Pro. There is a free version and a paid version. I am sure there are similar apps for the iPhone and other smartphone models.
I used to do the paper list thing and would find myself so frustrated at times because I would have lists in all sorts of different places and could never keep them together.
With List Master Pro I have found that keeping my lists in that app — and always together with me on my phone — keeps the frustration level down tremendously.
I have always loved the “write it, forget it, come back to it later, remember it, and take care of it” concept of list making. I love that I can write things down that I need to do and forget about it until I am ready to take it on and get it done.
With this app, you can do unlimited lists — with sub-lists — and back up your lists to your memory card, export your lists, and even email your lists to yourself if you happen to want to make a printed version of a list or copy it to a text file or document. You can even check off items as you complete them.
I use it for everything, shopping lists, to do lists, I have weather lists for rainy, foggy, sunny days, etc, lists pertaining to my business, financial need to do lists…. EVERYTHING I do now is neatly documented or checked off in a list on my phone now.
Since I found that app I have totally done away with writing my lists down on paper and I guess the point of all this is converting over from the notebook to a digital form of list-making, that can help you become more organized and get more things done without the BIG HEADACHES that list making can bring when you do it on paper.
Good points in your video by the way. As I told you before on twitter I am a very compulsive list maker and have been for a number of years so I can relate to what you said
David! Great to hear from you!
Yes, for many people — switching to digital for to-do lists is a smart way to go! It really depends on a person’s brain-style and the unique way they process information.
For me, I’m a tactile guy who works mostly from 1 location, so I use good old-fashioned clipboards for many of my lists, and digital checklists for collaboration (with my colleagues, for purposes of project management) and one-time only tasks.
{ twitter = @danenow }
Wow, a classic productivity video from “the Vault” … hah! And yet, it still holds up today: rock solid. If one morning you wake up and don’t feel like referring to your list that day, well then… don’t! No guilt. No shame. You’re the boss of you!
By liberating yourself in this way, by giving yourself permission to blow-off your own list whenever you feel like it, you will actually be more likely to refer to your list, more often. Your lists are not your enemies, they are your friend and partner!
I agree, getting the stuff rattling around in my brain and down on paper is very liberating, kinda like Pip “sorting out his affairs” in Great Expectations.