To Do Lists

I swear by "to do" lists. They can be kept daily, weekly or monthly depending on what works best for you. However, there are some guidelines that should be followed in order to make them successful.

1) DON"T OVER DO IT List items that are reasonable to accomplish in the day, week or month that you wish to finish them. Set your goals.

2) WRITE IT DOWN, REFER TO IT AND CHECK IT OFF Create your list on paper or in your pda/cell phone and glance at it through out the time period. One it is finished...check it off or delete it from your list.

3) PRIORITIZE AND CARRY OVER Some items may be MUST COMPLETE and others are things that you would like to get done. I like to use the number system. I number high priority items with the #1, medium priority a #2 and low as #3. Carry over should only be reserved for priority #3. We live in a busy and hectic world so don't punish yourself for not getting to the #3 items. Just carry them over to the next day, week or month's list and raise their priority level to a #2 or #1.

4) DON'T PROCRASTINATE Some tasks are things we just don't want to do. Schedule an appointment with yourself that cannot be cancelled. Have a friend or family member come help and motivate you. Take the task and make it into smaller, more manageable tasks and list these items individually. Remind yourself how you will feel when the task is done.

5) REWARD YOURSELF Look over your completed list and feel a great sense of accomplishment. Enjoy a relaxing bubble bath. Spend time with your family or a dear friend.

There are some great sites out there to help you. Below are a few...

http://www.printablechecklists.com
http://checklists.com
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/TC100760061033.aspx?CategoryID=CT101172571033