Clear your to-do-list. Sounds a bit like your mother telling you to clean your room. Both tasks are daunting and many times just downright boring. It’s no secret that sometimes you don’t feel like doing either one. Instead you fritter away your time coming up with other things you would rather do, and end up putting off those items you said you would do.
Alternative to the to-do-list
There is an alternative to the to-do-list and it is a much simpler system than what you might think. This system will help you accomplish more and eliminate items that have been lingering week after week on your to-do-list. What are we talking about? Simple, it’s called a calendar.
From to-do-list to action plan
The key to getting things done requires moving items from your to-do-list and placing them on your calendar. By doing this you take your list and turn it into a simplified action plan. Using a calendar helps you say what you are going to do and when you are going to do it. For example, if you wrote clean out the car on your list of things to do, but did not indicate when you will do it, there is a higher chance that you will put that task off. If, on the other hand, you write clean out the car on your calendar for next Wednesday at 5:30 after work; it is highly probable you will drive to the car wash on Wednesday and get the job done.
It works for more complex tasks as well
Of course, if you have more complex tasks on your list, using a calendar will work for them too. Complex tasks can be broken down into a set of steps that ultimately lead to achievement. Once all the steps have been identified, they can be added to your calendar. As you finish each step you move closer to completing the overall goal. It might take more work this way, but any goal when broken down into smaller pieces is always much easier to accomplish.
Using a calendar is beneficial to your success
Being “plan-ful” by using a calendar keeps you more accountable to yourself. Declaring what you are going to do and when you are going to do it, helps you stick with the task until it’s done. With each task you complete you have a sense of accomplishment and gives you energy to move onto the next task. “I did it,” is an empowering statement and is extremely beneficial to your success. Each time you say it your confidence receives a boost and you gear up for another challenge.
Using this system may be a simple concept, but it works. Take one or two of the easier things on your list and see if it doesn’t increase your success by adding tasks to your calendar.
The Project Crew at My Project Club