Is your checklist overwhelming you?

Are you a “checklist” or “to-do” list individual? Do you find yourself overwhelmed or falling behind on the important items on the list?

I am a user of lists. I have lists for my business, the items around the house, and even more for the vehicles. I have two apps on my phone for most of those items, use Excel for one car, and still write a list as I want to remember things. Does this type of list-building sound familiar? I know it probably does for many individuals since “how do I deal with my long list of tasks, or checklists” is a common area in coaching.

Looking at so many items that require attention can cause us to focus on “just getting the easy items done” so we feel productive, or it may cause paralysis because we get to a point we do not know where to start.

One method I have found that works for most individuals is the Ivy Lee method of productivity. Using this will reduce the extensive list(s) visually in front of you each day and help you focus on the essential items for yourself. So here is what you do:

1.     When you are done for the day, the last thing you will do is go over your list and determine the six most essential items you need to get done tomorrow.

2.     Now take those six and write them in order of priority.

3.     Then, at the start of the next day, you follow the list by working on the items in your order of importance. As you finish one task, then you start the next.

Following this will help you focus on what needs to be completed for the day. Of course, there will be days when events around you prevent you from achieving all six. While other days, after completing all six, you find yourself pulling other tasks into the day to get ahead.

If you were wondering what apps I use (because I’m the type that would be asking the question), I use Reminders (installed with my Apple OS) and checklist+.

Written by Steven Schultze