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I don’t know about you, but I’m a lists kind of guy. I thrive on lists; live and breathe lists. Without a list for operating my life, I’m totally lost. I can’t get anything done, because too much is on my plate. Maybe you’re the same way, and understand the value of a good to do list. Or, perhaps you don’t really see the point. You rather just “get things done” and move on. Whatever your opinion, here are some thoughts on how maintaining a well organized list can help . . . yes, even you.

Beginnings

Remember when you were in college? All of the sudden, responsibility rained down on you with this paper to write and that test that needed preparation. Borne out of a need to keep track of everything, you started making simple to do lists. This is where I got my beginnings in productivity management. Juggling several classes, I had to find a way to ensure I got everything done on time while keeping myself sane. Simple to do lists helped, but I was lacking something. I really didn’t have everything down, and I would often find myself out of rhythm with my assignments.

Most people develop their own way of doing things with time. They find something that works for them. But are those naturally developed habits really best practices?

How Do Lists Help?

I’ve been learning a lot from David Allen’s book, Getting Things Done. You can pick up your copy on eBillme by following the link. In the book, David discusses the importance of being able to collect your tasks as they come into your mind, and how to process them once you have everything written down. This got me thinking about how I handle the loads of emails I receive, the mail that is flooding mailbox, and various opportunities that come my way. In working through David’s plan, I found through experience the following reasons to keep a well organized to do list and system:

1. Lists help you get everything out of your head. When you have a lot of thoughts, ideas, and to do items to juggle, you need a place where you can review them. Perhaps more importantly, lists allow you to concentrate on the task at hand, and not be distracted by the various thoughts that might pop into your mind.
2. Lists push you to come up with new “next” actions. When you’re working with various objectives, new tasks will often arise as you brainstorm what you need to do. This is completely normal. As you think of new things, be sure to collect them in your list.
3. Lists ensure that you are able to correctly prioritize your time. Whatever it is that you need to get done, you must find the priorities and get those done first. You should prioritize based on the following criteria in this order: (1) context, (2) time available, (3) energy available, and (4) priority. Too many people try and look at the priority without considering the other three variables, which hinders their productivity.

But Do I Really Need Lists?

I’ve met many people who tend to get a lot of things done without lists. However, they are often frantic, paranoid people who feel like the world is collapsing around them. I encourage you to give it a shot. Try out a new system for getting things done, and I’m sure you won’t regret it. You’ll stay calmer, be healthier, and have unstoppable productivity. Find all kinds of books on eBillme to help you get started on your productivity path.

What are some ways you stay productive in work and life? Meet us in the comments!

Want help with getting your money organized? Read our blog 3 Smart Money Management Tips

13 January 2011 ~ Comments Off