This quote reminds me to make a plan daily. This is going to be even more important next year as I work less and play more. There are a lot of things that I want to do but time can easily get away if the day has no structure. My dad was always making lists to get things done. So I will be channeling him as I dig deep to enjoy my semi-retirement.
Tag: Lists
Rebuild
Rebuilding is a natural occurance in life. It involves improving or making changes to something/someone that already exists or building something/someone again that has been damaged or destroyed. To ensure that the rebuild is the best it can be, both scenarios involve planning. Before creation, the person, building or thing needs stripping down in order to help reinforce the changes. The following list may help if you are considering a rebuild in your life.
- What works of the old plan?
- Can any of it be incorporated in to the new plan?
- Write a dream list of things you would like added to your rebuild.
- Prioritise your dream list and incorporate as many as practically possible.
- Draw up a new plan then leave it for at least a week. During this time get feedback form others.
- Come back to it, review and make any necessary changes.
- Start rebuilding — one step at a time.
Mental Lists
Remember when you wrote down the first thought you had this morning? Great. Now write a post about it.
Every morning as I rush to turn the annoying noise of my alarm off—my brain turns on its autopilot. It instantly begins reviewing what happened yesterday and deciding on what needs to be done differently next time. Changes noted, my brain begins to make a mental list of today’s tasks. It is usually about this time my focused brain kicks in—broadening out the detail based on the overall days plan. Questions I ask myself:
- What time do I need to leave the house by? I have a 1 1/2 hour commute each way to work, so if I have a deadline I have to make sure I leave on time.
- Am I going anywhere after work that requires me to pack an extra bag in the car as I won’t be coming home.
- Have I got time to write, post and visit on my blog before leaving for work? Most days I make it happen.
Practical plans met, I go on to make my mental list for the day. What are my top to goals for today that if I do nothing else must get done? At least one usually pops straight to mind. I then consider the remaining things I am hoping to complete today and decide their order of priority. I am looking for my top 5 things to do each day. These will be my focus.
- Two must be done—bigger or more important tasks first
- Three hope to be done—simpler tasks
By limiting my tasks I focus on each day and not attempting to everything, I find I get more done. Sometimes I will write down my mental list to give it more clarity and focus. My earlier post Hand Brain Connection will give you more information on this. Today I am off to a good start as I have completed one of my three simpler tasks—writing this blog post and visiting several sites in my blogging community—all before leaving for work.
Yes. Thanks to my mental lists it will be a great day. Hope you enjoy yours.