The to do list. Starts at 100 things to do today.
You filter that list against your "to don't list" and reduce it by a few
Filter that list against urgent, important, effort and impact to get it down by a few more.
And then you're left with the "final" list for today. You look at the list and you prioritize then get to work.
Fast forward 6-8-10-12 hours (or more) later and you look at your list again. You've knocked a few things off it but with inevitable delays, dependencies on other people and a few new tasks added today, you're bushed and still not done.
And this happens every day and too often we beat ourselves up for not "finishing the list"
Remember: There is a bottomless supply of things to do. You can't do them all, but more importantly:
You don't need to do them all.
Do as much as you can in a way that keeps you mentally and physically healthy.
Reflect on where, how and when you do your best work, and where you find challenges and adjust.
Where something is on your list for several successive days, discuss with a coach, mentor or manager and see what changes you need to make.
You don't have to have a blank list at the end of each day. Read that last line again.
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