In my work as a time management coach, close to 90% of my clients are unhappy with their to-do list system. There are often many flaws in their approach, but the most common mistake I see is treating a to-do list as an endless inventory of everything in one's mind, without a practical plan for how to get things done.
To combat the "junk box" effect of a Master to-do list, I recommend creating what I call an "intelligent" to-do list.........
Every day,
you face a myriad of choices about your daily to-dos. There are things you have
to do, things you want to do, and things other people ask you to do. Tasks for work,
family, self, and friends. Tasks that require mental concentration, physical
strength, charm, creativity, or diplomacy. When looking at a long list of
to-dos, it can be tempting to dive right in, starting at the top and knocking
them out as they come at you. But don’t. Take a moment to sort through them to
ensure you approach your day efficiently.
Remember
the closet metaphor from last week’s blog on “What Makes Time So Difficult to
Manage?” In an organized closet, you stretch space by grouping similar items.
The same is true of your to-dos. Grouping similar....
