TCFBO #059: Hacking Your To Do List

Read Time: 2 minutes

Struggling to get through your daily “To Do List”?

Here are six super simple hacks to turn your daily “To Do List” into your “Action List”…

1) Visualise the task as already completed

When you write down a task, imagine the task is already done. 

If you can’t imagine it finished, then you probably doubt it will get done in the timeframe you’ve given it.

If you doubt the task will be completed, then you’re probably right.

Your doubt is a clue that you need to chunk the task down until you can truly imagine the task being finished within the allocated timeframe.

2) Chunk tasks down

Break down your tasks into small enough chunks so you are certain you will achieve them within the timescale allocated.

You can discover more about the importance of certainty and taking tiny steps here.

3) Start every task with a verb

Every task requires action, so get clear on what that action is.

Prepare….

Write…

Edit…

Order…

Phone…

Review…

Document…

Whatever it is, write the verb as the first word of the task so your mind has a clear action as soon as you look it.

4) Be specific

If you have to contact Bob regardless of how you do it, write it down as:

“Contact Bob”

If you have to send Bob an email, write it down as:

“Email Bob”

If you have to reply to an email Bob sent you, write it down as:

“Reply to Bob’s email”

Then get more specific by adding notes about what it’s about.

For example:

“Email Bob re: meeting agenda, time, location, duration and attendees”

That way, when you come to do the task you’ll already have a framework to guide you.

5) Prioritise a maximum of three important tasks as “Must Do’s”

Give yourself no more than three tasks that you absolutely must get done today.

These are your “Must Do’s”.

Your aim is to ensure these tasks are from “Box 2” in “The Eisenhower Matrix” so you are progressing your most important projects.

Write the three tasks at the top of your daily “Action List”, then draw a line beneath them.

Below the line add other tasks you’re intending to complete today.

The tasks below the line can be from any of the Eisenhower Matrix boxes, including more tasks from Box 2.

The key thing is that as long as you get the tasks above the line completed you can consider that a successful and productive day.

Then every task you complete below the line is Brucey Bonus!

6) Use the Parking Zone

We all get distracted from time to time.

So capture new tasks and ideas in the Parking Zone without going off on a tangent and losing focus on the task in hand.

That’s it.

Six quick hacks to help you breeze through your actions every day.

Let us know how you get on and we’ll see you next week.

Paul & Philly 

Whenever you’re ready, there are three ways we can help you:

1. Grab a copy of Paul’s book “Backwards Planning - A Simple Method to Move You and Your Business Forward” and discover how to reverse engineer a life and business you truly love.

2. Book a facilitated “Life Vision Session” today and start creating a life and business that are fully aligned with your heart’s desires. We’ll arrange a pre-session call with you to say “Hi”, explain how the Life Vision Session works and answer any questions you may have.

3. Apply to join “The Clear Focus Business Academy” and ensure your business is the most effective it can be at providing the money and lifestyle you desire. Simply drop us an email or contact us here to tell us you’re interested and we’ll send you more info.