In this busy world of ours, some time honoured habits are just the ticket to make sure things get done and make life easier. For example – whilst scouring around for a fresh take on what’s what, we noticed various articles pop up about making a list; nothing flashy, woo woo, or over the top – just good logical advice about the value of making a list.
This week at a company meeting, we found ourselves chatting about slightly different lists as in – life’s experiences list; a.k.a The Bucket List.
Two had jumped out of aeroplanes, one had learned to play clarinet, one had recently purchased a puppy, one was enrolled to do additional papers part time, one was writing a book and one was competing in Ironman the 2nd time and one had decided it was finally time to re-join the library.
Apart from there being a glorious mixture of goals the common theme that was evident with this bunch was the fact that this was successful lists in action. Each individual was planning, making lists and above all, checking items off the list as they achieved it. The sense of satisfaction and achievement they shared was both enviable and contagious.
So, as we head towards the end of March, the clock is ticking and there’s no time like the present to get sorted, take control, break it down, hop in the driver’s seat, get action focussed and avoid that bogged down feeling.
Want to reach out for one of the surest ways to focus? Then follow these suggestions for making that list;
1) Refer to your plan (in the working context we use 90 day planning at Frog)
2) List what needs to be done next
3) Start each item with a verb so you have a list of real physical actions you will take
4) Cross off at least half the items on your list. Decide what’s to go and what’s to stay based on importance, not urgency.
5) Get started!
HINT: If getting started is the hard part check out the following website for a technique that I was introduced to last year: http://www.pomodorotechnique.com/
The technique is based on working in chunks of 25 minute time slots – so all you need is a timer or better still – download a free pomodoro application to your phone.
