The List Decontructed

A list has superpowers.  Yes. It does.  When worked correctly it can bring calm to your day, control to your life, and seemingly put more time on the clock.  I know it doesn’t seem like this one little thing can do all that but it can.

To many, “list” means “to do” and that combination of words is no joy-ride. But if used well it really can be like a best friend — or …a super hero of order — in your life that won’t let you down.  It helps you be more productive, manage your time, and puts your mind at ease.

Decide the outcome and the action step, put reminders of those somewhere your brain trusts you’ll see them at the right time, and listen to your brain breathe easier.”  — David Allen

Here are a few tips for building your list:

1. Keep it in one place.

And this also means keeping one list.  Sticky notes in 9 different places in your house do not constitute a list.  Keep what is on your mind in one spot.  That way you know where to look to find what it is you need to remember or do.

2. Empty your brain.

Get all the things that need to be done off your brain and on a list. It’s hard to see what is most important or plan how you are going to do something if it is stuck in your brain, competing with a million other things.  Your brain will work much better on a task or a project or even at just relaxing if there isn’t so much darn stuff nagging it.

Get it all out. Perhaps there is a project you want to get done this fall.  Write it down. Maybe you want to remember to mail a card to your best friend.  Your list will remind you. Perhaps you want to get in the habit of going to the gym, making your bed or keeping the sink clean every night.  Put it on your list. It’s a great way to help you do what you want and need to remember to do. I’m telling you, superhero.

3. Be specific.

Break down what you need to do into easy-to-understand pieces.  When you see something broad on your list like “get organized” your brain has a hard time conceiving of where to start or how exactly to do such a daunting task.  However, when you are specific with what you need to do — organize the hall closet — and when you will do it — Saturday afternoon — you’ll be more likely to get that task done.

What goes on a list?

Your list should consist of whatever you deem important, worrisome, or even easy-to-do.  It can be project-oriented or a single task. Your list can be as long or as short as you’d like. And it can be electronic or on a physical piece of paper.  Whatever feels comfortable to you.

The point is to get what is on your mind out so you can see it.  When you can see it you can more easily work it into your schedule and your life.

Here are a few tips on working your list:

1. Look at it!

You should look at your list daily to familiarize yourself with what needs to be done.  Highlight what is priority so the more important stuff doesn’t get too hidden.

2. Schedule it!

Use your list to plan your day or your week’s to-dos.  Amid the unmovable tasks, schedule those other tasks that you have plucked from your list — pay the bills, go to the gym, pick up cat litter, call the dentist.  Put them on your calendar.  When you see a task in front of you, scheduled, you are more likely to do it.

3. Cross it off when it’s done!

This sounds obvious and silly but the fact is that regardless of the task, when you can cross something off you get a great feeling of accomplishment.  I often suggest people put easy-to-do, obvious tasks on their list for just this reason.  It gives you a pat on the back.  And let’s face it, a little instant gratification feels good.

4. Don’t fret if everything on your list doesn’t get done.

Your list is not meant to stress you out more.  It’s your guide and is meant to assist your brain in remembering the plethora of things you need to get done.  Something that stays on your list for a long time will either bother you so much that you will finally do it. Or you’ll realize it wasn’t as important to do in the first place.

Remember, your list is your tool, your assistant, that helps you with the constant work of staying organized.  Taking things off your mind makes it clearer.  Putting things on your calendar makes them easier to do.  Doing this consistently allows you to feel more in control of your life.

Yes, a list can do all that.  If that doesn’t sound like a superhero, I don’t know what does.

Do you keep a list?  What kinds of things do you put on your list?

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