Many of us are going to wake this week and once again try to make or
adhere to some form of “to do” list. My advise is to save yourself the
time – and don’t.
This is heresy for the “getting it done” crowd and I can fully
appreciate that. However, there is a far greater number of people who’ll
sit down with good intentions – start making a list – only to have
feelings of overwhelm as this list morphs in length with something
rivaling Rte. 66.
You start out thinking “OK, just five or so.” Then as you start
writing your mind begins rambling and prompting you as in: “How about
this one? Oh, and what about that one? And – oh crap I really need to
get that one done.” Followed with so many more you begin having anxiety
flashes caused by what now seems like an endless list you’ll never get
done.
So the greatest of all reasoning to cure this dilemma comes forward:
“This is useless. I’ll never get these done. I’m just kidding myself.”
And you put down the pen, the phone, the pad, or close the program which
believe it or not gives you an immediate “Whew! That was a waste a
time. At least I can cross that off the list.”
Here’s a normal progression of what “To do lists” look like just after a few hours never-mind days later.
- To do turns into: Try to do
- Try to do turns into: If I Have Time to do
- If I Have Time turns into: I Would Like to do
- Like to do turns into: I Might do
- I Might do turns into: It Would be Nice to do
- Nice to do turns into: Maybe Someday I’ll do
- Someday I’ll do turns into: I’ll Probably Never do
- Probably Never turns into: Just plain never.
We’ve all been there. So why does this happen? The reason for the
vast majority of people is they treat “to do” lists as if it were a
reminder list. That is where the crux of the problem exists for a great
many. To do lists are exactly that – to do. However, with no real
consequence for not finishing or doing; why would one think they’ll do
them?
To give a real example of a to do list one needs only to look at
what’s called in the trades a “punch list.” These are lists made by
contractors et al. for the sole purpose of making sure specific items or
tasks are completed. Not just because they are required as to sign off
on a project. It’s also for the purpose of insuring against charges of
breach of contract, or other monetary damages. Not getting done that
last item on the list could end up not only costing serious money. It
can mean the difference in some cases of profits evaporating into
complete losses.
These “punch lists” are the real example of a “to do” list. Lists
with real consequences. If your list doesn’t hold the same perils of
penalty as this; then all you’re doing is writing reminders for yourself
while acting like they’re something more.
Many will begin feeling all the guilt or blame one wants to throw at
oneself for not being able to get things done. It’s a vicious circle –
self-imposed – and causes more frustration than if one did absolutely
nothing. (Yes. I did just say that.)
If you truly want to make a “to do” list that has actual impact you
first need to get it in your gut the difference between “to do” – and a
reminder. Most make lists calling them “to do,” when in fact there
merely only a reminder list.
If they are not the same, then feelings of guilt or frustration
should not carry the same weight either. Seeing, and understanding the
difference between the two can make all the difference in the world if
applied correctly.
A proper “to do” list should probably be anything but – a list. If
you really want to make a change and start moving forward you should
have only 1 – possibly 2 things written down that must get done before
you sleep. Something that you commit to with all the sanctity of a vow,
legal contract, or promise to your mother. Something you’ll do no matter
what. No excuses if for an act of God will you be relentless as to
complete it. Period.
Whatever task or “to do” must be something that carries some weight
in your personal hierarchy of tasks to complete. (I shouldn’t need to
say or explain this but, we’re experts on looking for loopholes) Don’t
pick a task that’s so easy the bar to jump is actually recessed into the
floor. i.e., checking your Facebook® status – again.
It doesn’t need to be the hardest either. (though that isn’t
necessarily bad) Just something that carries some weight that will
actually improve your day knowing you did it. Which allows you to move
onto other tasks tomorrow. This gets you into the habit of taking charge
over your schedule with true, meaningful, accountable action.
Everything else treat them for what they likely they are – reminders.
(You can make this list as long or short as you like while adding or
deleting on the fly when ever the need hits in a dynamic fashion.)
Some might scoff at such a proposal. Far too many will look and
think, “C’mon, just one? How does doing just one thing make any real
difference or change?” It’s a fair question.
The problem is we don’t feel we’ll make the improvements or changes
necessary without some great bold plan that feels overwhelming when we
reference it. Thinking goes: If it isn’t big, it’s not worth it.
However, more often than not immobilization is what normally follows
because, now that inner voice shouts; “Are you crazy! You’ll never get
that done. Maybe you should re-think this?” And you fall right back into
your old routine.
If you want to see the power of incremental change there’s probably
no better example than what’s expressed in Alan Weiss’s “One Percent
Solution®.” If you improve by only 1 percent per day – in 70 days you’re
twice as good.
Don’t take my word for it. Do the math. I suggest thinking about the
ramifications of such an improvement and what it could mean to your life
or career as your first “to do” for the upcoming days.
© 2012 Mark St.Cyr www.MarkStCyr.com
