There are plenty of us that like to claim we're organised, some of us that really are a 'Monica Geller (Friends) level of organised' and the rest of us that are happy to admit we couldn't be further from...!
However, if you're the kind of person that relies on 'to do lists' as the number one source of your organisational genius, you might actually find that you could be much more efficient.
There are lots of ways that people recommend you can streamline your list of tasks, not just with to do lists, but there are some "power lists" that you can create as well.
Lists made for 'mood repair' are commonly created by most of us, designed to make us 'feel better' about the task ahead and what we have already achieved.
A typical mood-boosting list includes:
- One ordered with the easiest-to-complete tasks at the top
- Tasks already completed
The expert's to-do list
Charles Duhigg, author and The New York Times journalist announced the top three tips in his latest book, Smarter Faster Better, for a 'to do list' as follows [Source: HubSpot]:
1. Have an overriding goal
If you have a goal that you can 'stretch' to it makes all of the lesser tasks more achievable. Even if you don't complete that far-reaching goal, ticking off the smaller tasks are a big step along the way!
2. Never lose sight
This applies in two ways:
- Keep your overriding goal at the top of your page to make sure that you always are aiming towards it.
- Don't make a to do list and then leave it in the kitchen while you're in the home office completing tasks. The whole point of a to do list is to ensure you know what tasks need doing and to tick them off along the way!
3. Make it less intimidating
Although we recommend having a single overriding goal (that's a biggie, such as redecorating the living room or producing an improved customer service matrix), everything else should be "achievable".
Use SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely) to make sure that you can complete the goals in a realistic time frame and evaluate when you're going to mark it as a success.
For instance, checking and responding to your email inbox is an easy win and easily-definable, but what about producing a 37 page ebook?
To discuss the content of this blog or how we can support your business, get in touch with our team today, via hello@thriveability.co.uk / 0845 838 7517.
