Why Have 2 To-Do Lists?
Do you use a to-do-list in your
business? Of course you do, we all love them don't
we? Worry not, I have no intention of explaining how
to prepare such a list, you already do that on a
regular basis.
Most people prepare a list at the start of the
day or week and then steadily cross items off. If we
cross a large number of items from our list we
mentally pat ourselves on the back before we go home
at night.
Have you ever caught yourself adding items to
your list just so that you can cross them off? I
must admit I have been guilty in the past. A task
comes up that is not on your ‘to-do’ list, you
immediately complete it then add the task to your
list and cross it out. Maybe you feel a little
better at the end of the day but it is time to stop
and take stock of what you are doing.
If you really want to get some value out of a
to-do-list try this idea.
I have started to use two lists. One list has all
the routine things that have to be done every day
and every week. These are the items that clog up
most lists in most companies. These are the things
we end up filling our days with if we are not
careful, unfortunately these tasks do not usually
move the business forward.
My second list is a little more valuable. This
list will probably be shorter but it contains the
things that I can do that will move my business
forward.
The routine things that have to be done everyday
are not going to move you forward, they will just
keep you where you are. There are other tasks that
need to be done, are not being done but if they are
done will move your business, or career forward.
Each day I take one item from my second list -
the list that the will move my business forward -
and I complete it before I turn my attention to any
routine tasks. This way I know that each and
everyday I am completing at least one task that will
help my business to develop rather than stay where
it is.
I then allocate a fixed amount of time to get as
many routine items as possible completed. When that
time is used up, go back to tasks that will move the
business forward.
If you follow this system you may well cross
fewer items from your to-do-list but at least they
will be more important items.
|
Are You Struggling To
Grow Your Business?
Sign up to
Lunch With Stuart and you'll receive powerful marketing ideas
to help you to grow your business directly to your inbox
every two weeks.
You'll also
receive a further free report to help you on your
journey.
To join me
for lunch just sign up below. |
|
