I’ve always been a list person. I like to know exactly what has to be done and work methodically through each task. I especially enjoy crossing things off the list.
More than ever now, as a mother with 5 children, a home to run, homeschooling to manage and a life to live, I find the humble list is the most powerful tool I have for staying on track in my business.
Once a week, I have our babysitter come to hang out with the kids for 3-4 hours. During this time, I smash out as many big projects as I can so that I don’t have to work as much during the rest of the week.
Before she comes, I make sure I have a clear list of jobs that need to be completed. I even go to the extent of putting a time on each task, based on how long I think it should take.
Before I started to organise my work session like this, I’d just sit down in the office to work and then draw a massive blank. So I’d rearrange the documents on my desktop, or get sucked into Facebook or sift through and clear out my inbox;pretty much just “busy work” that didn’t actually achieve anything substantial for my business (or my headspace!).
So it’s become a real priority for me to get my tasks sorted well ahead of the work session. Right after the babysitter has gone home, I’ll start a new list of tasks for the following week and just add to it as I think of things.
I set my iPhone timer for each task and cross things off as I go. This prevents me from mucking around as I like to beat the timer, plus it gives me a sense of accomplishment to see what I’ve already achieved.
Now it’s over to you
- Write a list of the tasks you need to accomplish within a set timeframe.
- Set a realistic time for each task.
- Set your timer and GO!
Bonus points for closing social media and your inbox!
What is the list your productivity power tool too? Or something else?
