Anybody who deviates from important chores to chase after negligible desires actually accomplishes nothing at the end of a day. For that reason alone, it is essential that not even a single minute of precious time be wasted. Here are a few definite methods that will ensure that tasks on the list are completed from the top down.
The Check List
Remember the innocuous check list that mothers used to pen down school textbooks or groceries and cross them off as they were purchased? Such check-listing holds up very well for both trivial as well as essential to-dos. Imagine what goes through the mind as a check list is created. Items are listed in accordance to the degree of convenience that easily allows a person to complete his task; the closer the destination is from the home or office, the higher up the list it will be. As the person moves steadily away from the starting point, more items on the list are achieved.
Prioritise the Things to Do
Another method is to rank the list of to-dos according to priority. This usually applies to lists of items to be purchased. It could be a grocery list; or it could even be a party list of invitation cards, food, decorations and accessories to purchase before an event. Buy those that are truly necessary, and one will find that items of lesser importance are eventually phased out altogether. This way of prioritising saves money and time.
The Cons of Postponement
Even if one believes that a particular task can be postponed till later; once a task is delayed for however short a time, it can always be postponed again. That is the mindset of a person who tends to push things till “later.” Who is to say that the task will be efficiently accomplished after 5 or 10 minutes of snooze time? Postponement accomplishes a feeling of laziness and a looser grasp of its importance; not to mention that forced feeling of “getting it over with”.
Make an effort to write down to-dos or things to purchase in black and white. Any torn scrap of paper will do! It becomes much harder to ignore a list when writing it has put the brain on mental alert for “unfinished business”. It will also be good to stick those lists or post-its onto the most inconvenient places possible, such as the top flaps of work shoes, on the medicine cabinet, the keyhole, and et cetera. Accomplishing a task without dilly dallying reinforces belief in one’s proactivity, and boosts self confidence.
Janice Kou - I have a Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communications, majoring in Public Relations. My qualifications in the field of mass communications ...
