Tuesday 2 June 2009

Tackling your To Do List

“Don't get freaked out by the items on your to-do list; think of the tasks in terms of what they'll mean to you once they're done.”
- Merlin Mann (43folders)

When we look on the items on our to-do list we often think of all the work that’s involved, all the time we need to spend until it’s all done and all the fun stuff we could be doing instead. Even though all this is justified, why not try and change your attitude. Think about the pay-offs instead. All the “What’s in it for me?”.

What could be the pay-offs for finishing the items on your list. Here are some possible positive effects:

  • peace of mind
  • praise from your manager, family members, yourself etc.
  • a reward
  • a finished project
  • a raise
  • a well prepared … (fill in the blanks)
  • a good grade
  • a degree
  • a repaired and working item
  • a tidy kitchen
  • a clean bathroom
  • etc.

Stephen Covey’s 2nd Habit of Highly Organised People states: Start with the end in mind. If you keep your eye on the outcome of your task, you always have something to look forward to and motivation and incentive to keep going until it’s done.

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