Consider this: It's not just what you write, but how you write it that matters when you sit down to prioritize your "to do" list.
If you're willing to experiment, take out a fresh piece of paper and write down a minimum of 50 things that are on your mind. Yes, it may take a couple of hours today to get to 50 (and you may not get all 50 at once!), but, I promise it will be worth it.
As you write, consider all the areas of focus you'll engage in over the next 30 days.
- Think about your self...And your work
- Think about your life...And your family
- Think about your community...And your travels
Now, having studied Education and Psychology at the Master's level, I consider myself "just knowledgeable enough" to run through the scientific method when it comes to productivity and performance theories.
Working one-on-one with executives at the highest levels of organizations, one of the things that I'm continually impressed by is their ability to "focus-switch" rapidly and completely throughout the day. From a meeting, to a phone call, to a work session, to their own research...They have to have the ability to focus, think, process and move on.
Your "inventory" of 50 (or, tell me you got more! If you write one hundred items, this will REALLY be interesting) is a representation of what has how much of your focus. Chances are, you have a blend of the three kinds of work. (For an overview of the three kinds of work, watch the short 91 second video below!)
If you really want to prioritize what you have to DO today, review EACH of the items, and on a separate piece of paper (or in your Task Management system) write down a single line item with a verb out in front; and, make sure it's an "action" verb (not a managing or thinking verb).
Examples of "action" verbs: Call, Review, Draft, Talk to, Print
(Examples of managing verbs: Plan, Complete, Submit...And, thinking: Brainstorm, Meet with, Clarify, Consider...)
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