6 lists that will make you more productive

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Your brain is not a warehouse, but a tool for thinking. “If you’re working with a lot of tasks, lists can help you reach your goal,” says Paula Rizzo, author of List Thinking. How to use lists to be more productive, successful and less stressed. Here are six lists she thinks will make you more productive.

1. A specific list of tasks for today

We don't really think about the to-do list for the day, but according to Rizzo, it should be specific. In it, you should only enter cases for which you have time and resources. Large projects should be broken down into specific tasks.

The first step to making these lists is planning. Before you leave work, write a to-do list for tomorrow. Define the main tasks, make a plan for correspondence and phone calls. When you arrive at work in the morning, you will have a ready-made roadmap in front of you.

Paula advises breaking down tasks into different levels of productivity. For example, the most important tasks are best done when productivity is at their best, such as in the morning. And simpler tasks, such as working with e-mail or calling customers, are best left for the afternoon.

If at the end of the day some tasks remain unfulfilled, ask yourself if you had enough time and resources to complete them. Or is it better to delegate them to someone else? “Don't beat yourself up for failure,” advises Rizzo. If you can handle the remaining tasks, just reschedule them until tomorrow. If you don't have the time or resources for them, delegate them.

2. List of delegated tasks

Successful people are always. “Just because you can do it doesn't mean you have to do it,” notes Rizzo. Spending time doing dirty work is not always effective.

Paula Rizzo advises you to look at your to-do list and ask yourself, "Am I the only person who can do this?" All tasks that you have delegated should be kept in a special list.

3. List of long-term goals

A list of long-term goals will help you achieve more. “Even if you are sure that this dream is not destined to come true, still write it down,” says Paula Rizzo. Research shows that there is a 33% higher chance of completing fixed tasks. Make a list like this for yourself and the company you work for.

4. List of pros and cons

When you have an important decision to make, make a list of the pros and cons. This list should be carefully thought out. However, being outnumbered for over against does not mean that you have to make a positive decision. When in doubt, leave the list and come back to it tomorrow: a fresh look will help you make the right choice.

A big plus of such a list is the opportunity to share it and find out the opinions of others. You can send it to your friends or colleagues. As the saying goes, one head is good and two is better, so don't be afraid to ask the opinions of people you trust.

5. Project list

If you are working with someone on a team, it is worth making a separate project list that details the roles and responsibilities of each team member. According to Rizzo, this helps to avoid petty disputes over areas of responsibility and eliminates the need to explain each of his responsibilities.

6. List of topics for conversation

If you have a meeting or a phone call coming up soon, you should create a list in advance, which will reflect the topics of the upcoming conversation. “These lists make the negotiations more effective because the topics for discussion are always at hand,” says Paula.

Good for making lists. Lists in it can be combined into folders, which is very convenient.