Hi there.
I struggle with to do lists. But I’m usually fairly productive. So what gives? How do I approach them? And what’s your approach? Let me know in a comment.
For me a long list of to do items just makes my brain hurt and stifles productivity and creativity.
So I use a different approach. Here it is:
Not calling it a ‘to do’ list.
I call them either ‘On it’ or ‘Today’. It helps me reframe them in my mind and remove their associated fear and discomfort. It also means the negative side of them is more digestible and gives me a greater sense of ownership and control. It’s a bit quirky to rename them, but adding a bit of fun to the process releases their hold on me.
Having more than one list.
This sounds pretty counterintuitive, but hear me out on this. I use multiple, smaller lists which are themed into either a day or a project. And I don’t stick to just one platform. I mix it up between Google Keep, Docs, my calendar and sometimes even paper and pen.
Like my first tactic above, this helps me to not get bogged down in the gloom and doom of one long list. It encourages an ‘active’ approach to my productivity. I bounce between lists and tasks, constantly reprioritising and checking off completed tasks. It’s less linear and more ‘me’, more like real life really.
Enjoy the feeling of completing tasks.
This is crucial. Even if it’s not immediately after I complete a task, I will try and pat myself on the back (not literally). I’m my own worst critic but am on a journey to being more empathetic and gentle with myself.
Perhaps a lot of my approach is down to my personality. And this approach may not be suited to you. Also I wonder if my six years of intense newsroom journalism experience has shaped this way of working.
Either way I’d love to hear how you go about to do lists.
On a not totally unrelated matter, my day job (which I’m really blessed to do each day) is really busy at the moment. So updates here may not be as frequent in the coming months. Let’s see how we go.
Thanks again for supporting me and take care for now.
Andrew
Hi Andrew, thanks for this, I also find multiple to do lists is the way forward (glad I am not the only one) and celebrate ticking off little things and big things! Sometimes I write little things on that I know I will get done in order to give myself that little win :)