Thursday, December 14, 2006

What would I like to have...

Too many meetings and calls today and I left for a YPO meeting at 4. Then stopped by for a visit with my brother and parents. So by the time I got home at 11 or so, I had managed to accumulate almost 100 emails (and thats only since 4). Trying hard to get that volume down. On the positive though, I am fast at working through them. And I repeat often "its nice to be so popular".

I am practicing a technique I called, what would you like to have done or accomplished.

The way this works is first thing in the morning (and often the night before also) I make a short list of the things that I would like to accomplish by the time the day is through. Simply the action of making this list keeps my mind focused on these important tasks and I tend to find that I get more of those task completed when i do this.

Simple.

5 Comments:

At 12:16 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I read your blog avidly and as a business owner I’m always interested in managing my time more effectively. Many times you mention “making a list” or a "To Do" list etc.
I would be very interested in how you manage those lists/tasks as I assume you use technology and not scraps of paper. Especially keeping track of what’s delegated and follow ups.
regards
Ed

 
At 3:13 PM, Blogger Jim Estill said...

I do my to do list in Outlook Tasks. I then print it and put it on an old fashioned clipboard. I write notes on it as I work and when it is messy, I reprint it after updating my tasks.

Each time I reprint it, I notice what is not moving forward.

Any no - I do not believe in scraps of paper.

 
At 4:16 PM, Blogger steven edward streight said...

I used to use scraps of paper, but now I use small spiral notebooks.

I hate using the computer and online tools for everything. So, I still use pen and paper.

 
At 10:11 PM, Blogger Your Fan Marc said...

Dear Jim,

I hope you won’t mind if I plug your book under this post. I have found it to be a great influence in improving my use of time... and consequently the enjoyment of my life.

I should also say it turned me onto mantras... and boy do they make me feel good! I could rave about “the power of while” and many other concepts you have positioned in my mind... blogging being another!

Jim keep up the great work... you are awesome!

 
At 10:42 PM, Blogger Jim Estill said...

Thanks Mark.

Steven, I also use a spiral book for notes when walking around. I choose to consolidate that on my tasks. The key with to do lists is to make them yours. Do what works for you.

 

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