5 alternatives to the classic list of tasks
Productivity / / December 23, 2019
List of tasks (to-do-list) - a necessary element of effective work. In theory. In practice lists often do not lead to productivity. Why? There are a variety of reasons.
Sometimes we sit back and have been slow to perform simple tasks, sometimes prokrastiniruem and procrastinate the decision difficult. To-do-list is to motivate, but he often, by contrast, leads us disheartened. Especially if at the end of the day you can see that most of the planned not done.
When all this is superimposed on each other, it seems that the compilation of the list is longer than the implementation of the tasks meaningful to them. In the article about lists use system of Benjamin Franklin we talked about some of the secrets of writing to-do-lists (bringing the case to the end, prioritize, adapt the list of cases under changing circumstances, and so on. d.). This Layfhaker material introduces you to five new original ways of doing lists.
1–3–5
What is the normal to-do-list? True, it is a numbered list of tasks for the day (or month / year, if we are talking about long-term planning). Forget about it.
Try to build your list of tasks on the basis of 1-3-5.
How it works?
Record one main task, three medium-volume and importance of the case and five small, that in case of lack of time will be postponed to tomorrow. Do this in the evening to the morning clearly understand that you have on the agenda.
If your field of activity is so dynamic that you can not predict (not) the emergence of new urgent matters, you can leave a few threes or fives vacant. This will allow you to make a list of tasks as flexible as possible.
Be prepared for the fact that constructing a list of cases on the principle of 1-3-5, do not always manage to strike out all paragraphs. For example, circumstances may change, and the main task in the current day will be impossible. But you can make a set of three medium priority tasks or five - small.
The main advantage of this approach - no need to set priorities. You priori make the list what you think is important for the next day.
Bullet Journal
What is the main paper planning problem? Deleting one task from the list, you forget about it, and you never know when the details of its implementation (phone numbers, dates, notes, etc.) may be needed again. Electronic schedulers partially solved this problem - most allow you to make links to previous tasks, group them, and so on.. But what about those who prefer a touchscreen pleasant rustling of paper? Web Designer Ryder Carroll I came up with a system that regulates the paper plan. Her name - Bullet Journal.
How it works?
On fast records system devised by Carroll, Layfhaker already told In a previous publication. We recall the basic principles.
The first step number the pages of the diary. On the first page, do the contents - it will help to find the necessary information. Then make a calendar month: the number and days of the week, but on the contrary - the tasks and events that just do not change. On another page, do the token-list for these 30 days. It is important to use a note (check boxes, circles, etc.) to visually easier to read information. Thus, you can make a list of cases and on the day and the week. The main thing - do not forget to make the page numbers in the table of contents.
Anti-to-do
The list of tasks should be a motivator, uplifting, "I have so much to do, and how pleasant it is expunged another fad!". But in fact, many, opening at the end of the day your to-do-list, fall into despair: "I am a couch potato! 6 out of 10 problems! ". Unsatisfied problem pulling the soul, like a stone on the bottom.
But there is a way - in parallel with the to-do-list to conduct anti tape-to-do.
How it works?
according to co-founder of Netscape's Andreessen Marc (Marc Andreessen), anti-to-do - this is the process when you are recording is not what should be done and what has been done, their achievements.
Every time you do something useful during the day, burn it to his list of anti-to-do on the other side of the card. Each time, recording their achievement, you will receive a dose of endorphins, like the one mouse that puts pressure on the button in the cell and receives a piece of food. And at the end of the day before to prepare a new card for tomorrow, take a look at the current card on your list of anti-to-do and be happy about how many things you actually did that day. After that rip and discard the card. Another day is lived not in vain.
Thus you will be able to further motivate yourself to perform this list of cases.
By the way, similar to the application works iDoneThis. It also helps to understand what you are spending your time and what good done for the day, week, month.
Productivity Zen system
GTD - a great way to increase personal effectiveness. However, the technique by David Allen is not for everyone. Therefore, another well-known productivity guru Leo Babauta has decided to simplify the system and came up with Zen to Done (ZTD).
How it works?
ZTD - it's simplicity and focus on action and doing here and now. Babauta has identified five major problems of GTD and suggested ways of solving them. With respect to to-do-lists, this means the following:
1. Is a mere thematic lists. For example, in a card called "Work" must be written tasks related to your professional activity.
2. Keep your list. Always carry a notebook or gadget, which can burn suddenly arisen ideas or tasks.
3. Be relevant. Added to the list of problems the only truly important tasks.
Stopping list
The term «stop doing list" at first glance completely contradicts the to-do-planning. But only at first.
How it works?
The stop doing list, you also write down your business, but not what you need and be done, and those who want to get rid of. For example, you want to quit smoking, stop to sit in social networks and to unlearn eating sweets at night. This will be the points you stop doing sheet. In fact, this is one way to combat hronofagami.
Chris Guilbaud (Chris Guillebeau) in his book "The Art of non-conformity" (The Art of Non-Conformity) Writes:
The best way to stop wasting time on nonsense - is to make a stop-list. Stop-list - a list of what you no longer want to do. It's even better than a list of tasks, as it allows to understand that pulls you down.
Chris himself is stop-lists each year during the holiday season. This allows him to assess how much progress he has achieved over the past 12 months.
To stop doing list worked, it is important to remember the timing. Calculate how much time you have eaten the one habit that you want to get rid of. Then set yourself a time limit on it (no more than 20 minutes a day on YouTube) and gradually lower it.
Summary
So, if the classic to-do-planning does not suit you, try one of the alternatives suggested above. And best combine them, makes not long lists and short with one main and several minor tasks; keep a convenient and understandable record; motivate yourself a list of their achievements and take the time to compile a list of habits, from which you should get rid of.
If you have your own approach to drawing up lists of tasks, share them in the comments.