I’m a recovering to-do list addict.
I love them!! I love checking things off my list; I love re-writing my list when it gets messy; I love – love – LOVE to-do lists. In fact, I get so much satisfaction out of making the list that there’s no real urgency to actually do the list.
Know what I mean?…
You see, a to-do list is a great form of procrastination disguised as productivity and strong work ethic.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I have a to-do list. It’s a gigantic post-it on my wall.
But, everything on my to-do list meets a certain criteria.
If something is list worthy, it must require at least 20 minutes of my time – no ifs, ands, or buts about it. If it doesn’t, I make the decision to accomplish the task right then and there, or I move it to the 3rd Friday of every month where I designate my time to knocking out as many bullshit tasks as possible.
Because who needs a list full of bullshit adminstrivia?
In the time it takes to write “call hair salon to schedule an appointment,” I could actually call the salon and make an appointment.
By being specific about my list, I’m being discerning about my time. If it’s on my to-do list, it’s meaningful and will make a big difference in my day and business goals. If it’s not, it will get done on a day reserved for quick and easy tasks.
And guess what? I am SO productive, as a result.
Why?
Because that long to-do list does nothing but cause overwhelm.
When facing your monstrous list every day, how do you know where to start?
You don’t.
Which results in you NOT starting.
Which results in the list growing.
Which results in more overwhelm.
Which results in getting even less done.
So, this week, I challenge you to make changes to your to-do list. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how this helps you get it done now, not later.
Thanks for this Dallas! I am reaching lots of success in both my acting and coaching businesses and am taking June to revamp, nurture and kick off a website specifically for my vocal coaching/performance consulting work. I am finding these TO-Do list tips super helpful. As you’re right, whenever I write down “make hair appt.” it seems like it takes more time than making the appt. would be. I am going to set that one day a month to get those bs tasks accomplished. That said, I am going to soak in as much of this site as possible in the month ahead. I also think Acuity will be a good tool for me, as once late July hits, I am solidly performing for 3 months straight and will not have time to send the personalized confirmation e-mails I now send for each and every coaching, sometimes twice.
You always have a great golden nugget for me to take-away. Thanks truly!
So glad!! And yes, Acuity is AWE-SOME. As you’ve heard me say time and time again 🙂
I also seriously love having a “B.S” day. I feel SO good when I get through that day, ha!
Love this blog and I owe my incredible productivity to your teachings about time-blocking. I have a small section on my daily time-blocking sheet for “small wins to score” which may include make hair appointment but that’s because I don’t want to stop and do it while I’m in the middle of my power hour or working on a project that needs my immediate attention. I block out 15-30 minutes the next day (depending on how many little things like that I have on the list) and then get them done.
Thanks for always giving great advice Dallas!
Oh this makes me so happy! Thanks for sharing, Christie. xoxo
This post is just what I needed! I love the one day a month idea for little tasks. You always have the best ideas – thank you!
You’re so welcome 🙂
BTW – I just resisted the urge to add “read Dallas’ weekly blog post” on my gigantic to-do list, just so I could check it off! Hi, my name is Amy and I’m a listaholic. ?
hahaha this made me laugh out loud!
So the only list that should be growing is our client list?
Thank you Dallas