We all know the value of having a To-Do list, but how do you feel when you do not get a lot of the things done on your To-Do list for on reason or another? If you are like me, you may feel a little discouraged at times. I came up with a simple strategy that I use to make my To-Do list productive even when I do not complete most of my tasks.
A To-Do list is supposed to make you more productive and organized, but I am the first to admit that some days I might get into a slump and not get nearly as much accomplished as I intended to. One simple addition to my To-Do list program that has increased my productivity is to review my tasks from the previous day.
When you review your tasks ask the following questions:
1. If I did not complete a task, why did I not complete it and what can I do so that it does not happen again? This helps you to point out any obstacles that you might have. These obstacles could be temporary or reoccurring. By asking this question you may find that you may have scheduled too many tasks and that you might need to either outsource some of those tasks or reduce your workload.
2. What did I accomplish? It is important to look at the good as well as the bad. You need encouragement along the way to your goals. Asking this question lets you see the daily progress that you are making towards your goals. It also reinforces your belief and sharpens your focus.
3. What did I learn? You may find better ways to do some things. You may even find out something about yourself. All good leaders are continuous learners. Reflecting over recent events is a good way to always be in learning mode.
There may have been an unsuccessful interaction that day where your weakness was highlighted. This is an opportunity for you to get better, and do better whenever you are faced with that same situation. Eventually you will be better.
Another idea is to record your daily To-Do list tasks in a journal, and on the following page answer the questions to your review each day. One day you will be able to look back in your journal and see how far you have come. Not only that, but it documents your progress on your road to success so that it will be easy to teach someone else in the future how to get from point A to point B.
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