Effective lists help you be more productive.
Effective lists help you stay organized and productive, no matter what else is happening in your day.
If you want to be productive, your efforts are greatly enhanced by having effective lists.
And effective lists need to be easy to use, too.
Create effective lists:
For starters, it’s important to not let your lists become so detailed that they are overwhelming.
At the same time, you don’t want to make them so broad that your specific goals get lost.
One of the most useful tools that I have come across for managing lists is the “two column method.” This allows you to both lay out a plan for the day and reflect on it once a day is over. I’ve had lots of clients use this method and adapt it to their needs quite successfully.
The term “two column” refers to the act of planning and then reflecting. It’s not meant to literally limit the number of columns that you use. In fact, I would suggest using more than two columns.
Try this:
- In the first column list the general categories of tasks that you intend to tackle in the coming day.
- Then, in the next column, get more specific.
- Reserve a column on the far right for reflections on how the day actually went.
For example, you might write “exercise” in your left-hand column, and then, in the middle column, write something like “walk in the woods.” You could add more columns if you want to be more detailed about your plan and/or its various components, for example, setting a time for that walk.
One more idea…
The last thing I would suggest is that, the night before, you at least begin your columns for the next day. This is something you could incorporate into your reflection process. It’s a helpful way to give yourself a head start on your tomorrow.
So, how do you recharge your productivity?
How will you make effective lists a part of your day? What will be your first step today?
Here’s more help:
The Five-Column Time Estimation Template gives you a flexible and practical format for working with time estimates and sharpening your time-planning skills.
- See where you under or over-estimate your time.
- Notice patterns and start addressing them.
The Three-Column Scheduling Template gives you a simple and practical format for zeroing in on the snags in your schedule so you can address them and find more time.
- Recognize patterns like procrastination, over-booking, not being able to say no, etc..
- Concretize your time choices and their impact on your day.
Visit our Time Resources Page and sign up for one or both of these templates and the bonuses that come with them.
Feel empowered and energized as you take better care of yourself and stop letting time inflation rob you of precious time.
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