Effective List Making

By Karen Susman

List makers, put down your chalk and slates, pads and pencils, laptops and Blackberries! The Rocky Mountain News filled two pages in the Lifestyle section with an article on lists and list makers. The findings were that 84% of us make lists and 84% of the 84% use pen and paper instead of technology to make lists of errands, shopping, goals, and projects. For 40% of the list makers, list making made them more organized. The other 60% were too busy completing their lists to respond.

Joy Berrenberg, associate professor of psychology at the University of Denver, warned that getting attached to your lists and the completion of your lists can keep you from doing things just for fun, things that add joy to your life.

So, for Professor Berrenberg and all the list makers in the land, why not wedge fun items into your list? Just imagine. You sneak off to the movies in the middle of the day. Instead of guilt, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment when you can check that off your list. While you're at it, put down some things on your list you'll be sure to complete such as turning off the alarm and brushing your teeth. Then you can start the day with a feeling of triumph. Look at you. Barely out of bed and already two items checked off your list.

For many people, having long lists of things to do gives them a sense of value and self-worth. "I must be important," they say to themselves. "Just look at all I have to do." It's the "I have lists therefore I am" philosophy.

It's not enough to have lists, you have to prioritize and organize the lists. Here are some tips that can make your lists more effective.

Prioritize a list of to-do's in two quick ways:

1. Keep your list to ten items. Pick the two items that if you were to complete would bring you the biggest return. Do those items first.
2. Prioritize to-do's by pretending you only have half the time you actually have. Choose or simplify the activities (or delegate tasks) as if you only had half the time.

Lists of errands can be clumped together by location, time, day, or type of task. While it's admirable to drive all over town to save a buck or two, it's not efficient. Gas, time, and the value of your time are often too much to pay for chasing bargains.

Do as much as you can online to save time and money. Bailey The Wonder Dog takes three medications. Two of these I order online late in the evening. It's smart to use my low energy time for a low energy activity. When the third prescription ran out, Bailey had to wait ten days for me to drive to the veterinarian office during my prime time to pick up his meds. Sorry Bailey.

Post-Its are swell, but can get scattered or stuck everywhere. Either slap them in one place or keep a master list of those thoughts that pop up and need to be captured. By the way, there is Post-Its software for keeping digital Post-Its.

List making can reduce stress. Don't burden yourself trying to remember everything. One of my favorite lists is one I keep by my bedside. If something comes to me in the middle of the night like if I don't pay the mortgage tomorrow, the bank will be moving me out. Instead of staying up all night worrying and beating up on myself, I write a quick note and go back to sleep. Releasing a nagging thought works better than counting sheep.

Finally, it can be helpful to review your old lists. Consider which items are never completed. Delegate or delete these items. Notice patterns. What do you do first? When do you get the most done? When do you run out of steam?

Schedule around this information and your lists will serve you well.

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Karen Susman is a Speaker, Trainer, Coach, and Author of 102 Top Dog Networking Secrets. Karen works with organizations that want to maximize performance. Programs include Humour at Work; Balance In Life; Networking Skills; Presentation Skills; and Building Community Involvement. Order new guidebooks on humour, networking, time management, and community involvement by calling 1-888-678-8818 or e-mail Karen@KarenSusman.com.. www.KarenSusman.com.

Published in Networking Today, May 2007