Sep 27, 2011 11:24 AM
If you want to maximize your productivity you should be using a prioritized, context separated "To-Do" list nearly every day. It has many names: to-do list, action list, prioritized daily action list, honey-do list, Tasks (in Outlook), etc.
When used correctly, it can help you stay focused, achieve much more in less time, and save tons of time having to back-track when shopping and/or running errands.
Having and using a "To-Do" list and calendar properly and consistently does wonders for building and maintaining your reputation of having impeccable integrity, which is vital for success in the world. Failing to do so contributes to the "flakiness factor," which unfortunately seems to be much too common in the world today.
I'm not saying I'm perfect or never have an oversight. We're all fallible humans. But oversights are relatively few and far between because I manage my commitments using a "To-Do" list and a calendar (Outlook Tasks and Calendar).
There are many tools for managing your Tasks list. Pen or pencil and paper work just fine, provided you have a good strategy.
In addition to your "To-Do" list, I'm going to suggest you also utilize a "To-NOT-Do" list, which can be just as important to pump up your productivity.
Here are some of the things on my "To-NOT-Do" list:
1. Do NOT say "yes" to every request. "No" is a legitimate answer. Wouldn't you rather hear a "no" than a "maybe"? I would. If you don't have the courage to say "no" right away, ask, "Can I give you an answer tomorrow or in a couple of days?" There is a good chance the requester will find another solution in the mean time, getting you off the hook.
2. Do NOT leave your phone on during specifically designated scheduled blocks of time for doing highly productive work. Unplug from all electronic communications so you can focus interruption-free.
3. Do NOT answer the phone when you don't recognize the number. That's what voice mail is for.
4. Do NOT listen to an unsolicited sales pitch. Simply say "no thank you" and hang up. You may want to ask them to put you on their "do not call list" before you hang up (legally they must comply if you ask). This usually stops them from calling back, although it may take up to 30 days.
5. Do NOT watch or listen to the main stream news channels (unless it is required for your job, career or business). Most of it is negative and it's a distraction from what you're trying to move towards (your goals). Trust me, if the world comes to an end, you'll hear about it! Try it for six months and judge by results. If you need to stay up on a particular topic, use Google Alerts (http://www.google.com/alerts). It a free service that constantly combs the internet for a keyword or phrase you specify and emails you with links to news articles, blogs, videos, etc. whenever it shows up anywhere on the internet.
6. Do NOT let your inbox get out of control. It should be processed down to "0" at least once a week, during your weekly review. This includes your physical and e-mail inboxes.
7. Do NOT try to please everyone. No matter what you do, 10% will love you and 10% will hate you. Forget about the 10% who hate you and just be real, authentic, and true to yourself. This will naturally attract those who resonate with you. Remember this quote, "Your opinion of me is none of my business."
8. Do NOT be impatient with people. I can be impatient with things, but human relationships are what really matters when all is said and done. Love is a verb, and patience and empathy is how I show my love for people.
9. Do NOT stop growing physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. Enlightenment is a process and I'm committed to growing for the rest of my life.
Now it's your turn. What's on your "To-NOT-Do" list?
David Humes is a professional speaker, author, productivity and happiness expert. He's the coauthor of 'Stepping Stones to Success' with Deepak Chopra, Jack Canfield, and Denis Waitley. David is a certified clinical hypnotherapist, a certified NLP practitioner, and an internationally certified 3rd degree black belt in Wado-Ryu karate. For more information, visit http://DavidHumes.com Copyright © 2011 by David Humes. All rights reserved in all media throughout the universe.
