It Took Me Almost 40 Yrs To Learn This: The Power Of Lists

I've been recently reading quite a few blogs and articles of interest. The ones that capture my immediate attention most are from the self proclaimed millionaires who don't want to brag but also want you to know they are indeed making millions and give you the steps they took to get there.

Hey I believe them!

The reason I believe them is because there are some very similar themes on their journey. Even if I'm being naive, there is no doubt that implementing this action would be helpful and productive for all. It is the power of to-do lists...although not just any to-do list.

I am a very forgetful person..like VERY. Of course this probably applies to some things more than others (don't cross me). I can also be quite scatter-brained at times (jumping from one task to the next in the matter of seconds). Imagine having these traits and never really applying a to do list in your life. Crazy right?

Now I know some people (especially the mothers) are rolling their eyes at me because they've probably had no choice but to implement a to-do list to their lives just to keep up with activities, but I'll still share the method I've found to be extremely helpful.

1) Create a few "buckets" or categories for yourself.

I have three main ones but you will obviously have more or less depending on your situation. My categories are grouped into: 1) My businesses (all grouped together at the moment, but this will change) 2) My 9-5 and 3) My Personal.

I have one requirement of anyone doing this: A personal category is mandatory.

2) Take a notepad and place your categories across the top of the page as headers.

I use an actual notepad vs an electronic one and I'll explain why later on.

3) Jot down about 3-4 tasks under each category that you want to complete that day.

The reason I suggest only 3 or 4 tasks is to make the list manageable and less overwhelming.

For a bit more structure, you can decide to prepare your tasks the night before or the morning of.

4) Highlight one task under each category that seems most daunting. (Do this one first)

If anyone has ever read the book Eat That Frog, this is the premise and boy is it helpful. I typically write "ETF" next to the most difficult task but you can do anything else to highlight it.

5) Execute the plan.

During your day, refer to your list and tackle the tasks at hand under each category, beginning with the most difficult one. Just get it done - once you do, the other tasks will be a breeze.

6) Repeat.

As you cross off one item on your list, you can add another one. When you have no more room on your paper, start another page with your categories and go from step 3. If you have tasks you haven't completed, RE-WRITE them for reinforcement. (Remember, only 3-4 tasks a day per category).

A WARNING: another task or two (or ten) will pop into your head as the day goes on but unless it needs to be completed immediately, make a note of it elsewhere. This is where I go to my electronic list (ONE LONG LIST) and add it there to be transferred eventually. If the task is more immediate, it won't hurt to add it to your notepad list to be done that day.

THREE interesting revelations from using this method:

1) Writing my list on paper seems to help reinforce the tasks at hand.

2) The feeling of crossing a task off on paper, once completed is unlike any other (this may just be me).

3) This method provides insight into what category tends to get left behind. For me, this ended up being the personal bucket.

4) It allows me to readjust where I need to focus more energy - When I realized my personal bucket was being left behind, I made a conscious effort to get those personal tasks done and it has worked.

As mentioned before, this is what has been working for me. I haven't tried to do this electronically because it works so well on paper but I imagine for some, the electronic way could work as well.

All in all, there are always benefits to efficiency and organization. P.S. I crossed off a big personal task today and I'm so happy about it.