Instead of just a "To Do List" maybe you need a "Slim List"...
Channel: George Kao
Date: 2017-03-08

A to-do list is visually overwhelming.

It can stop us in our tracks -- our brains are easily blocked by visual complexity. At the least, our decision-making capabilities are being slowed down when we look at a long list of yet-to-be done activities. 

Instead, a "slim list" only has 3 items on it ... the rest of the paper or document is totally blank, so there is visual simplicity and therefore, greater focus.

How to create a "Slim List" --
 
1. Start by opening a blank document or (or use a piece of paper.)  Title this "Slim List"

2. On your normal to-do list (should not be on the same paper as hour Slim List), write down everything else that is bugging you to get done today or soon. (Writing things down signals to your brain to stop bugging you...)

3. From your to-do list, ask yourself, "If I only got 3 things done today, what must they be?"  Transfer those 3 things onto your Slim List.

4. Throughout the day, keep your Slim List nearby.  Get those things done first, in whatever order is fine.  When your slim list is totally complete, repeat the previous step to add 3 more to your Slim List.
 
Try it out. You might find your days being much more focused, and perhaps calmer.

What if you find that you keep writing the same item(s) onto your slim list, i.e. it just doesn't get done, day after day? Then it's time to do one of these...

(1) break down the thing you keep writing, into more doable steps, because it's probably intimidating you... just chunk it down and make it easy for you to take the next step.

(2) decide to eliminate it (we all need less to do!)... remember everything is actually optional!

(3) decide to delegate it!

Related: Warren Buffet's prioritization strategy: http://j.mp/1K03qLV

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