Productivity: Do What You Really Want

Some days my time slips away from me as I let my wandering mind lead me from one activity to the next.  Sitting idly in front of the computer or lazing in front of the TV, an urge comes and I follow it to the kitchen for a snack.  Later in the evening when pondering how I spent my day, it is easy to realize, I could’ve probably done a lot cooler stuff with my day.  After a few trials, I’ve worked out a method to combat this.

Traditionally todo lists are for tasks that need to get done.  Advice commonly given is to cross things off that aren’t necessary, prioritize by urgency, and complete the most important first.    Lately though, I’ve taken this basic concept, and used it to catalog my desires instead.

The process is simple.  I write down everything in my head that I would like to be doing at the moment.  I use the restriction of being where I am and utilizing only the resources I have available.  This keeps tasks related to drinking coronas on the beach off the list.

After just a few minutes of collection, I typically have a list of a dozen or more ideas.  Most of them are better than the first idea I came up with.  Once I have my options in front of me, I can take a more objective look at how I’ll utilize my time.  Aside from just asking me what the most exciting option is, I have a few other questions that I ask myself to determine the next task.

• What would I like to say that I did today?
• Is there something on this list that gets me closer to a bigger goal that I have?
• What is going to cause me to feel the best?

This technique can also be used to help meet specific goals, like saving money.

• What are there options that cost nothing?
• Will the activity result in spending unnecessary cash?
• Are there options that involve things I already have that I’m not utilizing?

Keep in mind, nothing should go on this list that is work or responsibility.  The purpose of this list is simply to help utilize my spare time for what I really want.