“There is much to get done; therefore, we must go slowly.” I can’t remember who said it first, but boy was he (or she) right!
When the to-do list is a mile and a quarter long (And, really, whose isn’t?) the only chance we have of really getting things done is to slow waaaay down.
Less is more. Remember?
Today, instead of rushing to work to get crackin’ on that to-do list, I chose to hit the coffee shop. After getting my drink, I pulled out a blank sheet of paper and started writing. I wasn’t just wrapping my head around what I had to do; rather, I was getting clear on how I was going to do it. More intention, less agenda. Fifteen minutes later, I was ready to face my workday.
With a clear intention, we stand a much better chance of getting to the items on our own to-do lists—even when other people are adding their own items to it.
Want to re-do your to-do list? Here's my approach for getting things done:
- Start with a blank sheet of paper and take a few minutes to unload whatever thoughts are jumbling around in your head.
- Remind yourself of your intention. (What are you working toward? What gets you energized?)
- Create a short to-do list for the day. (3 to 5 items is realistic.)
- Review each item and ask yourself, “If this was the only thing I got done today, how would I feel?” Make sure that something on your to-do list is fueling your intention.
- Take a moment to think about how you’d like to feel (Calm? Productive? Connected?) and imagine yourself doing each of the items on your to-do list in this manner
- Go out there and live your day.
If things don’t go as planned, that’s okay. Tomorrow you get to try all over again.
“Love of bustle is not industry.” --Seneca
_________________________________________________________________________ © 2010 Good Karma Housekeeping. Because less on your to-do list can make you more productive. Whodda thunk? (Photo by Shereen M via Creative Commons.)
