6 simple steps to turning your to do list into a DONE LIST.
Read below and learn how to
Turn your to-do list into an
ACTION PLAN
This week’s coaching conversations had many commonalities and the biggest one was how to set up a to-do list and then actually get it done!
So here are my top 6 tips on getting a to-do list done including how to prioritise that list.
Here goes:
No. 1: WRITE IT DOWN
Do you keep your list in your head or write it down?
David Allen from GTD says
“Your head is for having thoughts and not for holding onto them. “
Take the time to write your list down. Get it out of your head. Why? This gives you the headspace to focus on other things.
Like building your business, getting your job done, being more creative and finding time for you.
No 2: CAPTURE THE NIGHT BEFORE
I recommend writing the list down the NIGHT BEFORE or before you leave the office. The reason behind this is twofold- you will be more prepared when you start your day and this also prevents the 3 am wake-up all – you all know it don’t you? When you wake up in the middle of the night thinking “I forgot to do .. “ “I must remember to .. ? “
No 3: HAVE ONE MASTER LIST
BRAIN DUMP everything you can think of for all areas of your life on the one list. That’s right, use one master list. No need for different lists for different areas of your life.
Note: No prioritising at this stage. If you are focusing on what the main priorities are you will find that you may forget the smaller things. Even though they are smaller tasks or take less time it does not make them any less important.
No 4: COLOUR CODE
Colour coding is an organised person’s best friend! This way your master list is now categorised, clearer and easier to read.
Plus, you can also see where you are prioritising your time.
Colour code by areas of your life;
eg: BUSINESS 1, BUSINESS 2, FAMILY, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY PERSONAL (YOUR TIME) I recommend you always have your colour in your diary. Mine is pink)
NO 5: NOW IT IS TIME TO PRIORITISE YOUR LIST:
Frogs first! for those who know about eating the frog! If you don’t read my blog here :
I have a simple and very effective way of prioritising your list called the 4 D’s. Check out my blog here
NO: 6 THEN MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL …SCHEDULE YOUR TASKS
SCHEDULE TIME IN YOUR CALENDAR TO DO THE TASKS
Allocating the tasks into your calendar turns the to-do list into your action plan.
Your diary is not just a timekeeper for appointments – it is your action plan. Allocating time for your tasks will ensure that they get done.
IF IT GETS SCHEDULED IT GETS DONE! Because whenever becomes NEVER!
There you go – you will have all your to-do lists turned into TA DA lists!
Want to learn more about how to make the most of your 24-hours
Lock in a discovery call with me here.