by Mark S. Brown
Don’t you wish you had more hours in a day? The demands on our time can be overwhelming. We can end up being frustrated when we fail to accomplish a task, or forget an appointment. My daily list works to keep me on track and productive.
My daily list is actually three parts. Each section has its own purpose.
1. Correspondence – This is a list of people, groups, or companies that I need to write or call today. I create this based on my work requirements, and a quick review of correspondence I have received in the last few days. My goal is to respond to people within 24 hours if they contact me. This is a great way for me not to forget an email.
2. Appointments – Appointments are on my calendar. I also add them to my list for the day. It may seem like repetition, but it requires me to review my calendar, and mentally prepare for appointments that I have. I also check them off as they are completed, just like a task.
3. Today’s Tasks – I transfer these from my master list, project list, and files. Included are tasks that I am required to complete today along with anything that I desire to complete today. This list is not a wish list! It only contains what I know I can finish. It is not helpful to list 20 items and only finish 5 of them. You will be more effective to include only a few tasks, and then when you have extra time, use your master list to complete additional tasks.
I create this daily list at the end of the day for the next day, if possible. If I am prevented from doing that by other activities, then I create it the first thing the next morning.
This list keeps me focused on my priorities, and it keeps me from forgetting important activities. Drop me a line, and let me know if you use something similar, or more effective. mbrown@newroadsleadership.com