Okay, calm down - I can hear some of you cringing from all the way over here! So many people hate lists, feel they're kind of anal. Then there are those who are addicted to lists, making lists of lists. But lists are only good if you USE them - making lists that get lost on a cluttered desk are useless (you know who you are..... ;) ).
I've talked before about prioritizing, and a list (ONE list) can help you do just that. They can remind you of ongoing tasks and urgent ones and will help organize your time. I know several people who sit down to get organized, write out a list of tasks they want to accomplish, then get distracted by something else. As with so much I've talked about in this blog, it's about self-discipline. No, I don't mean extreme control; I mean sticking to your guns and doing what you promised yourself (or others) you would do.
For me, I find it easiest to write the most important and/or the item with the soonest deadline at the top, and go down in urgency. Sometimes I'll brainstorm and write down all sorts of things I choose to get done, then go back over it and number the priorities. Right now my lists consists of writing this blog, updating my Facebook page, contacting a couple of new clients, doing some marketing, writing a workshop I intend to hold soon, and read some articles I've downloaded. Having a list by my computer helps keep me focused on items that really do need to be done, while also including ongoing projects (like uploading articles to a website, or data entry into a social media uploader) so I don't forget about them.
I know someone who grabs the nearest piece of paper to write herself a note or a phone number, then ends up with reams of paper scattered all over. She gets frustrated with herself, when a simple solution would be to only use a pad of paper so that everything remains together. Avoid the temptation to be distracted by things outside your window, or seeing what's happening on Facebook, or a great new idea. Stick to the "to-do's" for an allotted period of time each working day, using only ONE list, and ONE pad of paper. You'll find your time much more manageable.
And of course, if your list is entirely too long, I know a great organizer who could help you de-clutter it......Holly@LightseedsOffice.com!
I've talked before about prioritizing, and a list (ONE list) can help you do just that. They can remind you of ongoing tasks and urgent ones and will help organize your time. I know several people who sit down to get organized, write out a list of tasks they want to accomplish, then get distracted by something else. As with so much I've talked about in this blog, it's about self-discipline. No, I don't mean extreme control; I mean sticking to your guns and doing what you promised yourself (or others) you would do.
For me, I find it easiest to write the most important and/or the item with the soonest deadline at the top, and go down in urgency. Sometimes I'll brainstorm and write down all sorts of things I choose to get done, then go back over it and number the priorities. Right now my lists consists of writing this blog, updating my Facebook page, contacting a couple of new clients, doing some marketing, writing a workshop I intend to hold soon, and read some articles I've downloaded. Having a list by my computer helps keep me focused on items that really do need to be done, while also including ongoing projects (like uploading articles to a website, or data entry into a social media uploader) so I don't forget about them.
I know someone who grabs the nearest piece of paper to write herself a note or a phone number, then ends up with reams of paper scattered all over. She gets frustrated with herself, when a simple solution would be to only use a pad of paper so that everything remains together. Avoid the temptation to be distracted by things outside your window, or seeing what's happening on Facebook, or a great new idea. Stick to the "to-do's" for an allotted period of time each working day, using only ONE list, and ONE pad of paper. You'll find your time much more manageable.
And of course, if your list is entirely too long, I know a great organizer who could help you de-clutter it......Holly@LightseedsOffice.com!
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