“One of the secrets of getting more done is to make a To-Do-List every day, keep it visible, and use it as a guide to action as you go through the day.” – Jean de La Fontaine

 I have always been a big supporter of the simple to-do-list.  I make a list of everything.  It keeps me organized focused and rewarded.  Rewarded?  Yes, I love to check things off my list.  I will even add tasks that I completed that were not on the list, to the list so I can mark them off.  It is like a contest against myself for how many checks I can get.

 THE TO-DO LIST

I came across a blog called Goals & Aspiration by Jeanne May that had a list of 5 benefits to having a to-do-list.  They are simple (that is the point of the list, to keep things simple) but I feel helpful.

1. You do not need to rely on your memory.  Getting Things Done expert David Allen talks of getting the clutter out of your head.  The more you keep in your memory the easier it is to get things confused.  Success-Minded People will write things down and then rely on the list to help them, not their memory.
2. Lists enable you to prioritize.  By doing a list you can put things in order by importance.  This way important thing will not fall through the cracks.
3. You can start your day the night before.  By doing a list of tasks in the evening for the next day you can start your day running and getting things done.  Success-Minded People know that one hour of planning can save them five in needless distractions.
4. Make an action plan.  A list will allow you to have an action plan of what needs to be done when.  It is like creating a road map to getting things done.
5. A list can help you focus.  By having a good to-do-list the Success-Minded Person can keep focused on the task at hand.  Do not allow others things to distract you from your work.  Use a good list as a guide, if it is not on the list, it can wait and go on the next list.

SIMPLIFY YOUR WORK

 Success-Minded People know that a good to-do-list will not solve all their problems and simplify their work load totally, but it will make a big difference.  It is a simple thing with a big impact.  I have always found that a job is easier when you use the right tool.  The to-do-list is the perfect tool for the Success-Minded Person who wishes to get things done.  Add it to your tool belt.

© 2011 John Patrick Hickey