7 mistakes in the preparation of the list of cases that reduce your productivity
Productivity / / December 23, 2019
1. Make a list of the morning
It seems quite natural to first thing in the morning to write plans for the day. However, this time it is too late. So says Eileen Roth (Eileen Roth), author of the book "Organizing for Dummies." "If you make a list of tasks in the morning, and at 8:00 you have an appointment across town, you will hardly have time to it," - she said.
Make a list of necessary at the end of the day. This will allow you to leave work behind the case and safely relax. "You go home from work and do not think about the list of upcoming tasks, because you have already made it and know that you will need to perform tomorrow. Your mind can finally relax, "- says Eileen.
2. Include in the list of too many tasks
If doing things on your list can take weeks or months, then you are always a recipe for failure. So you will feel overwhelmed.
According to Kira Bobinet (Kyra Bobinet), author of the book "A well-organized life: 10 lessons of cognitive psychology and design thinking to a conscious, healthy and meaningful life ", the ideal number for the list are three tasks. "Our brain interprets information grouped in three components, - she says. - So to start is entered in the list of the three most important things. "
Most people do not realize how little is really productive hours in one day.
"Our mental strength - much more limited resources than the time. Per day accounts for only 3-6 hours when we work hard, "- says Christina Willner (Christina Willner), the creator of the task list Amazing Marvin - to increase the productivity application.
In addition, many do not realize how much time it can take to perform some cases. It is therefore too long to-do lists are ineffective. Wilner advises to record next to each task an approximate time of its execution. Keep track of the time to make more accurate calculations in the future.
3. Include in the list or dream very big goals
Ambitious goals, such as writing a book or the conquest of Everest, should not be included in the list of tasks. Instead, bring it in a separate a wish list.
A list of daily affairs should contain a clear plan.
If you need to finish a big project, it is necessary to divide it into several small and achievable tasks and then burn them to the list. Since the Council has acted Paula Rizzo (Paula Rizzo), author of the book "list thinking: how to use the lists to be more productive, successful and less worry."
Looking at the long list of all your goals, you will feel overwhelmed. In addition, you will be dissatisfied with the fact that you can not perform all of the recorded plans. After all, some of them require a lot of time and effort.
4. Equally evaluate each task
by productivity coach Nancy Gaines (Nancy Gaines) argues that the list should be a list of priorities. 'Bringing back only those things that will promote your career or business forward, - says Gaines. - If it is not a priority, then it should not be on the list. It will only distract you. "
In compiling the list, she advised to follow the system of "3-3-3": delete from the list of the three least important tasks, delegate three tasks that are not worth your time, and do the three highest priority tasks.
5. Putting fuzzy goals
If the task in the list are vague, but in future will have to think how to fulfill them, and even remember what they mean. So compiling a list should be given due attention.
"Take your planning a little more time and make the list as specific as possible" - advises the author of "Secrets of personal productivity," Thomas Moore (Maura Thomas). For example, instead of writing a "statement of expenditure", write the item "enter the data into a spreadsheet."
Avoid undefined words such as "plan", "carry" or "design". "If you're short on time, then looked at the list of the word" develop ", you'll want to skip this step - said Mora. - reserving similar words to the list of major projects. "
6. Use the same list, until you complete all the tasks
"The problem is that every day brings something new. Therefore, what did you do today, you do not necessarily have to perform tomorrow. And your plans for tomorrow may change before you finish this, "- says Eileen Roth. So every day you need to make a new list.
7. Do not bind the list to your calendar
If the list and the calendar are not tied to each other and they are given different tasks, you will hardly be able to fulfill them all. "In that case you will not have time to complete the cases on the list. Do you have to sacrifice sleep, weekends, holidays or time that you would like to spend with my family, "- warns Katie Matstsokko (Katie Mazzocco), author of the book "Revolutionary productivity: how to maximize time, influence and income in the management of small business. "
Try to always allocate time in your calendar for the execution of tasks from the list.