Say No to your To Do List
- Sara Goldin
- Mar 28, 2019
- 2 min read
Let's face it, we are all told at some point, "To get something down, write it down, make a to do list, and get it done." So we start writing all of the things we need to get done. Soon that list has 20 items on it. Now your simple to do list, is an overwhelming monster!
So how do you keep on task, organized, and get things done without a To Do List? You need an Action List. Here are 5 ways to create an awesome Action List and ditch the mundane To Do List!
1. What the heck is an Action List?
An Action List, is your guide to your goals. What 3 to 5 items to you need to focus on today to reach your goals. These should be the "big" stuff, for example, making 5 sales calls, post an Instagram Ad campaign, or hire that Virtual Assistant to help clean up that inbox! Your business or personal goals will be your guide. Not sure what you goals are? Sit down, and start brainstorming, find those goals!
2. Why you need an Action List every day!
GOALS! Here we are again talking about those goals. Taking Action every day, are baby steps in reaching your goals. When you get up in the morning, or arrive at work. Grab a piece of paper, sticky note, notebook. And write down those items that are most important today to get your to your goals. Start your day by setting your intentions for the day. Sure there are plenty of things through out the day that will distract you and pull you away, but you can always glance at your list and refocus your attention.
3. What to leave off the List
Don't turn your Action List in to your To Do List. Leave the everyday and/or little stuff off the list. These are the things that distract us everyday from focusing on our goals. Sure the Laundry is important, but honestly leave it off your list! Yes, you need to remember to pick up dog food on the way home, but it does not belong in one of the few coveted spots on your action List.
4. Tackling the Monster
You will always have 1 or 2 items on your action list, that is a monster. That big item, or tough thing to do. Do put it on the list, Don't skip around it or cross it off. This is your win, we will talk about that next, get this sucker done! This is the thing you dread, maybe it's calling a tough customer, or finishing up a tough project. Put it on your list, and get it done. Nothing feels better than slaying that monster!
5. Focusing on the Win!
Crossing those action items off the list, those are your wins. That Monster, slayed! Physically cross them off the list, write DONE on that note. Be proud of getting it handled. Wins, even on the small action items are worth celebrating. Every step is an important on in reaching your goals!
So get to it! Pull out that notepad, and write your self an Action plan for today. Then slay that Monster!
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