THE NEW AND IMPROVED TO-DO LIST
There are many different forms of the to-do list; in our head, on an app, or old school pen to paper. I have found that while the methods may change, two universal truths about to-do lists remain.
The first is how amazing it feels to cross things off the list. We savor the feeling of accomplishment when we finish what we started; when we did what we said we would do. This buzzy rush of achievement can come from something as big as completing our thesis or from something as small as getting that long overdue oil change. Some people love this feeling so much that they add previously completed things to the to do list just to get the rush off seeing it crossed off. Sounds bananas? I assure you this is a real thing, because I have myself done it before (yesterday.)
The second to-do list truth is that there are certain things that seem to stay on the list longer than others. We carry over undone tasks week after week, month after month and sometimes year after year (yikes). It is amazing what lengths we will go to, to avoid doing those things. You know those days when you finally have the time to tackle that lingering thing on your list, but you somehow find other things that need doing? A friend of mine last week told me how she found herself knee deep in an impromptu pantry reorg, to avoid keeping the promise she made to herself to update her resume. Sound familiar to some of you?
Review your current to-do list and identify those tasks that have been taking up space there week after week. Next implement one or more of the following simple tweaks, to set your course to finally get them done.
Set a specific deadline: Lots of things get finished because we are on someone else's timeline such as taxes, voting, birthdays, application dates, client directives, etc. Without a clear target, our to-do list can start to look more like a “wish” list. So when your to-do does not come with a deadline, give it one that is specific and reasonable.
Break it up: We avoid big or overwhelming projects when we don’t know where to start. Big movements start with small moves, so tweak your tasks by breaking out smaller and achievable steps. The resume example could look like this: replace “update resume” with separate steps such as, “Research resume templates by the 15th. Rewrite profile summary by the 20th. Complete resume rough draft by 25th. Share with a friend for review by the 30th.”
Delegate: Perhaps a to-do isn’t getting done because it isn’t meant for you, and belongs on someone else's list. Someone who has more time, is eager to take on more responsibility, wants to grow and learn, or may have even asked you straight up, “How can I help lighten your load?” If this is the case, revise the to-do to to read something like “Transition to Sarah by Thursday, and ask her to complete by Monday.”
Find an accountability partner: Webster’s defines accountability as the “willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one’s actions.” Sometimes we need help with that, so we can turn to someone with whom we share our goals with the expectation that they will also ask how we are pacing. Accountability partners might even work on the same goal with you (think workout buddy). Why does this work? It is actually quite straightforward. For many, the mere thought of having to admit to someone that we didn’t follow through, is reason enough to just get it done. If you can’t find a specific partner, just toss it out to your family at the dinner table, on social media group, or your team/colleagues at the end of a meeting. This last scenario is exactly how I finally got my holiday thank you cards in the mail this week.
I hope these tips have you looking at your responsibilities with new excitement and vigor. From this renewed energy, you will be sure to see an increased conversion rate of to-dos to ta-das.
Matty just crossed “write blog” and “post blog” off her to-do list and feels pretty good! Coaches make wonderful accountability partners, so if you want to learn more about how to work with Matty ping her here.
