I have a a few techniques that I would like to share with you today that help me make an effective task. I make my task list for the next day before I go to bed. This is helpful because the house is quiet and I can actually have some time to myself to think clearly. It is almost like journaling, but I call it tasking. Doing this activity prior to falling asleep helps to clear my mind and I have found that I actually sleep better when I make my task list before bed.
For each item on my task list I assign a number, either 1, 2, 3 or 4.
- The tasks with the number 1 are those that need to be done today.
- The tasks with the number 2 are items that I would be nice if they were done today but not critical.
- Items that are number 3 are tasks that need to be done during the week.
- Tasks with the number 4 are those I want to get done by the end of the month.
If there are any tasks listed as number 2 and are not checked off by the end of the day then they are bumped up to a number 1 task for the next day.
My Monday task list looks like this:
1. Workout
1. Clean Living room, Dining Room & Bathroom.
1. Clean Litter Box
1. Laundry: Bedrooms
1. Back to School Shopping
1. Write blog post about networking.
1. Follow up with Rachel
2. Listen to Teleseminar
2. Call Mom about Summer Vacation plans
2. Read 10 Pages of personal development book
3. Send in Scholastic Book order for Lily
3. Order Birthday gift for Lily
4. Research Nook Color
Your task list should be created on something that you can take with you and be able to look at several times during the day such as your cell phone. The reason for looking at your list several times a day is so that your tasks and goals are on top of your mind all day. Keeping up with your list on a daily basis takes a lot of dedication. When you are aware of your task list throughout the day you will achieve your goals faster because they are on top of your mind all day long.
Most phones have some kind of notepad program where you can list your tasks. I have the type of phone which has the ability to install applications. One of the applications is called Executive Assistant. With the application Executive Assistant I have the ability to sync my Google task list with my phone. There are so many other features of Executive Assistant, you can check them out here - http://www.appventive.com/executive-assistant. Sometimes you can find the Executive Assistant application in the Amazon Marketplace for free. I am also fond of another application called Springpad – http://springpadit.com/home/
Having the list on your phone is a great idea because when you are waiting in line at the grocery store or sitting your car waiting for your kids to get out of school you can review your list. You use your cell phone several times a day which provides you an opportunity to check your list throughout the day. If you put your list on a piece of paper it will more than likely just get tucked into a deep dark hole in your purse or coat pocket never to be found again.
This blog post is part of a 7-Day Blogging Challenge hosted by Brandy Mychals. You can participate in the challenge too by going to http://brandymychals.com/mb/7-day-blogging-challenge/
© 2011 Sunrise Virtual Services, Dawn Cullo
About Dawn Cullo
