I make long, long, long lists of things that I need to do. I do this all the time, everywhere. In class, on the bus, walking down the hall. On my notes, on my hand, on my jeans (I'm trying to break that habit). I make very neat little lists that are well-organized by task and due date, have little check boxes next to each item, with each item lined up neatly.
The problem with this system is that THINGS NEVER SEEM TO GET DONE.
Take this week, for instance. Monday's list was seven items long, with a few things for Tuesday. Only three of the items on Monday's list got checked off, so they got moved to Tuesday's list, which has now grown to nine items. I've only managed to cross off four things from that list, maybe one more tonight, so the rest will get pushed to Wednesday, already seven items long and looking to add another five. Of course, as I finish things, I remember other things that need to be done, so that even though Tuesday started out with only nine items, it has already grown to fourteen.
This system is not working. I am a master listmaker, but if it doesn't help tasks to actually be completed, then all my years of training and practice has been for nothing. Any tips? How do you guys get done what needs to be done?
I make long, long, long lists of things that I need to do. I do this all the time, everywhere. In class, on the bus, walking down the hall. On my notes, on my hand, on my jeans (I'm trying to break that habit). I make very neat little lists that are well-organized by task and due date, have little check boxes next to each item, with each item lined up neatly.
The problem with this system is that THINGS NEVER SEEM TO GET DONE.
Take this week, for instance. Monday's list was seven items long, with a few things for Tuesday. Only three of the items on Monday's list got checked off, so they got moved to Tuesday's list, which has now grown to nine items. I've only managed to cross off four things from that list, maybe one more tonight, so the rest will get pushed to Wednesday, already seven items long and looking to add another five. Of course, as I finish things, I remember other things that need to be done, so that even though Tuesday started out with only nine items, it has already grown to fourteen.
This system is not working. I am a master listmaker, but if it doesn't help tasks to actually be completed, then all my years of training and practice has been for nothing. Any tips? How do you guys get done what needs to be done?