Do it Now!
Sherry Borsheim

How effective is your "To Do" list? Can you get it all done when you need to or do you find there is not enough time to complete everything on all your lists and in your calendar? What about those things you want to get to someday and someday never happens.

Things that may have excited you months ago may not excite you today or stuff has simply taken over certain areas of your space and life. Set a goal to take care of those items on your to-do list or tackle those piles of paper in your office. Whatever is on your list, there's no better time than now to get these things done. The longer you wait to get things done, the more time it will take and the more difficult it will be later on.

Review your to-do list and see if there is anything you can delegate or eliminate. Next, ask yourself what tasks are important to you. Important tasks should be focused around your personal and/or business goals. If there are any tasks that you have been procrastinating on, ask yourself if this is a "have to" or "choose to" task. Many times we tell ourselves we "have to do this" or "I should do this" and then we wonder why it doesn't get done. In the future, I encourage you to replace "have to" with "want to" or "choose to". It's become much more meaningful when we choose to something.

Take Action Now!

First step:
Create a list of "HAVE TO DO" tasks. These are the tasks that have been carried over or sitting on your to-do list longer than you cared to see it. These are the task oriented items like organizing your computer files, cleaning out your email Inbox, tackling your filing pile, or cleaning out a closet or drawer at home. They are things that are draining your energy but need to get done.

Second step:
Beside each "Have To Do" task, write the amount of time you think each task will take to complete.

Third step:
Looking at your day planner, see how much time you can devote to completing the most important "Have To Do" tasks. Block out time in your calendar on the days you are going to complete these tasks.

Fourth step:
Create a list of "Want to do" projects. These are project oriented tasks that are more motivating and move you forward in your business and personal life. They are in-line with your goals. Project oriented tasks could be creating a new workshop, writing thank-you cards to co-workers or clients, signing up for that course you've always wanted to take, some much needed down time, or reading a book. You decide what your projects are going to be.

Fifth step:
Beside each "Want To Do" project, write the amount of time you think each project will take to complete.

Sixth step:
Looking at your day planner see how much time you can devote to completing the most important "Want to Do" projects. Block out time in your calendar on the days you are going to complete these projects. You should designate more time to "Want To Do" projects.

TIP - Remember that each task expands to the time allotted to it, so make sure you've set a time limit for yourself (eg. I will clean out my Inbox for 1 hour. I will spend 30 minutes filing papers in my office). If it helps, set a timer and you'll be amazed how focused you will be and how much you will accomplish.

Seventh step:
Block out time on your calendar to just relax and reward yourself for all the hard work you've done.

From now on I encourage you to change your To-Do list to "Want To Do" list. Only put tasks on this list that you want or choose to do because they are in-line with your daily priorities and personal and professional goals. You will feel a huge sense of accomplishment and watch your energy soar!


About the Author

Sherry Borsheim, owner of Simply Productive, has been helping people to work smarter, not harder for years. She specializes in resolving paper, time and information management issues. To learn more about eliminating the paper pile-up and in vastly improving your productively, contact Simply Productive at 604-233-7076.