As a business owner we all have a ‘to do’ list. Things we need to get done to keep the business going and growing.
However, managing to get your ‘to do’ list done is not always easy.
Here are 10 solid tips to help you succeed:
One
Make the ‘To Do List’ the Night before
At the top of your daily action steps you need to have one item for sure. The creation of your list of to do list for the following day. This new ‘to do’ list is the action you need to complete before your work day ends. No avoiding this one.
Result: The next time you start work you already have focus.
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Two
Make the ‘To Do List’ Digital
This speeds up the process if you need to add or delete an item.
Result: Less time wasted as you update the list.
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Three
Keep the ‘To Do List’ Findable
After you make your to do list in a digital format drop it in your email account and send it to yourself.
Result: Once in your email it is ‘findable’ just in case you forget where you put the ‘original’ copy.
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Four
Plan when you will do the items on your ‘To Do List’
Some of us are more energetic when it comes to administrative work. Others among us get all excited about creative or problem solving work. Learn when is your best time of day to complete certain tasks.
How to tip: As you create your list the night before make a note above each item when you are going to it.
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Five
Leave enough time for each task
We not only need to know when we can do task with the highest efficiency we also need to know how much time they take. As you train yourself to be more efficient at your work time yourself on regular activities so you know how much you need to plan in the future.
Result: You do not find yourself obeying ‘Parkinson’s Law.’
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Six
Leave Space
You are not a machine so leave some space between each task on your ‘To Do List’ so you do not burn out. When it arrives leave your work space and go get some fresh air filled with oxygen. Also read ten reasons why water is important
Result: Oxygen helps your cognition function better.
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Seven
Avoid over planning
Did you every see a ‘To Do List’ on a computer screen where you have to scroll down for a few minutes? Do not over plan, if you do this you will not get your tasks finished which leads to no sense of success.
Result: If you avoid over planning at the end of the day you get things done and feel a sense of accomplishment.
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Eight
Important Stuff First aka Stephen R Covey First Things First
Adding to number seven make sure the important tasks are completed first. This will help you get your daily goals done. This is essential to make sure you don’t waste your valuable time.
Tip: Once you have written your ‘To Do List’ read it over and leave out the actions that do not lead to your real goals.
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Nine
Turn off the Digital Interrupters
When you are working on your ‘To Do List’ items turn off the ringer on your phone. Turn off the buzz reminder of an incoming email or text.
Result: You can be 100 percent focused on the task at hand.
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Ten
Delegate
As you create your list make a separate list of items you can delegate to others. These are people who are more effective and efficient in completing these tasks than you are.
Important: Assess the delegation to make sure it was effective and repeat or choose a different person to delegate to.
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Bonus number Eleven
Celebrate
Make sure you reflect on your day at the end of the day and congratulate yourself mentally for your effectiveness. Be grateful. Do this daily.
Go on make and difference and get you list done.
Continued success to you,
David
David Hennessey is the founder of ESREA France. If you are not a member learn why you need to be here.