to do list / schmoo list
April 18, 2008 by Cash
Being rather new to the self improvement / personal productivity realm, I’m quickly recognizing some of my limitations. A good example is with regards to Greg’s recent piece on keeping a to-do list of needs & wants.
This is an excellent technique for defining differences between these two equally important elements of life.
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My problem is one of surplus.
My ADHD / scatterbrained mindset has me constantly thinking of so many things that require my attention, that trying to whittle them down to two categories is tough.
Having it on the computer was another stumbling block for me, since I seem to have my productivity epiphanies at odd times (walking from the bus stop, in the middle of meetings, etc).
I recently came up with an easier way to keep track of things that might appeal to anyone else out there who’s easily distracted.
The system is simple.
Get a small notebook (like the one pictured, thanks Greg) and pen that you can keep on your person at all times.
At the top of each page, write down a high level category. For me, these are all verbs:
- TO WRITE
- TO BUY
- TO SELL
- TO CONTACT
- TO FOLLOW UP
- TO CREATE
Most of the categories are self explanatory. “To buy” includes everything from groceries to new shoes to my mac mini. “To sell” includes everything that needs to go on Craigslist / eBay.
The difference between “To Contact” and “To Follow Up” is that following up on something doesn’t necessarily involve getting in touch with someone.
“To Write” is the catch all for UM post ideas, stories I plan to write, eBook concepts, whatever.
“To Create” is basically anything NON-writing that involves getting the creative juices flowing. Mix CDs, compiling DVDs of trip videos, etc.
Always having the list close at hand is convenient for two reasons.
- I can jot down my ideas whenever, and wherever they come to me.
- I can reference things like “To Buy” whenever I end up in a store. This has already saved me a headache in Walgreens when I’m sure I would have forgotten a supplement I was running low on.
For longer term projects, I can of course transfer them to the computer when doing so makes sense.
I recently started using jott.com for my todo list. Its pretty simple in that you sign up using your cell phone number and then when you need to remember something I just have to call and jott myself. I get an email sent and the next time I check email I put it on the todo list or into my calander.
Brian; just checked out the Jott site. Looks interesting, thanks for the tip..