Many people write lists to keep themselves organized. It's a pretty common habit, and a good one. Lists can help us organize our duties, are easy to maintain, and the feeling one gets after crossing off a completed item is superb.
In this arena though, many forms exist. Not all lists are created equal, and that made me wonder. What makes a great To Do list anyway?
Well, here are some answers:
Sort Items
Your instinct may be to write down everything that needs completing. This is a good first step, but do not let it become your final list. That could leave you with a frustrating mishmash.
A good list should contain items that share a time frame. You don't want "pick up dry cleaning"alongside "finish novel," unless that novel is within paragraphs of being done. Break up your lists, and sort them by short or long term. That way, you don't hold onto a scrap of paper with 12 items completed months ago, and one item that will require months more.
Keep it Short
A good list shouldn't be too long for the time frame given. Ideally, we want to complete everything on the list, and this relates to the number of items and length of time given. A day's list should be shorter than document of long term goals.
Be realistic. Know that you can only do so much in a day (or whatever time period), and that you will probably not even do that much. Write an aggressive list, but keep it within reason. The other items can simply go on tomorrow's.
Completable Tasks
The way that you write each bullet is important as well. Each one should depend upon your actions, and not those of others. Rather than "Get project approval", you'll want "Submit project proposal" or "Send project email".
You must have control over the completion of the task. Otherwise, your list will depend upon the punctuality of others. Don't trust them. You want to cross items off your list, not wait around for another to respond.
Make It Accessible
Finally, a list should be available to you, whatever the format. There are many resources, both online and off, that can help you with list creation and tracking. Another blog has been kind enough to list 25 To Do list resources. If it seems reasonable, try one.
They may help, or you may prefer good ol' pen and paper. Whatever your preference, having an available list increases its usefulness and your odds of using it. Keep it immediate, within hand and within mind.
These guidelines will inform your productivity goals. The next time you make a list, think about it. Are you simply inventorying your tasks, or are you maximizing their effectiveness as well? Refer to this post, try it out, and perhaps you'll see a change in your efficiency.
In this arena though, many forms exist. Not all lists are created equal, and that made me wonder. What makes a great To Do list anyway?
Well, here are some answers:
Sort Items
Your instinct may be to write down everything that needs completing. This is a good first step, but do not let it become your final list. That could leave you with a frustrating mishmash.
A good list should contain items that share a time frame. You don't want "pick up dry cleaning"alongside "finish novel," unless that novel is within paragraphs of being done. Break up your lists, and sort them by short or long term. That way, you don't hold onto a scrap of paper with 12 items completed months ago, and one item that will require months more.
Keep it Short
A good list shouldn't be too long for the time frame given. Ideally, we want to complete everything on the list, and this relates to the number of items and length of time given. A day's list should be shorter than document of long term goals.
Be realistic. Know that you can only do so much in a day (or whatever time period), and that you will probably not even do that much. Write an aggressive list, but keep it within reason. The other items can simply go on tomorrow's.
Completable Tasks
The way that you write each bullet is important as well. Each one should depend upon your actions, and not those of others. Rather than "Get project approval", you'll want "Submit project proposal" or "Send project email".
You must have control over the completion of the task. Otherwise, your list will depend upon the punctuality of others. Don't trust them. You want to cross items off your list, not wait around for another to respond.
Make It Accessible
Finally, a list should be available to you, whatever the format. There are many resources, both online and off, that can help you with list creation and tracking. Another blog has been kind enough to list 25 To Do list resources. If it seems reasonable, try one.
They may help, or you may prefer good ol' pen and paper. Whatever your preference, having an available list increases its usefulness and your odds of using it. Keep it immediate, within hand and within mind.
These guidelines will inform your productivity goals. The next time you make a list, think about it. Are you simply inventorying your tasks, or are you maximizing their effectiveness as well? Refer to this post, try it out, and perhaps you'll see a change in your efficiency.
