1. Keep two types of Lists
You know that keeping a list helps keep you organised, allows you to group disparate items together to save time and helps you not to forget. There’s nothing like a to-do list to save you time and to enjoy the delicious satisfaction of crossing things off.
However if you have access to a computer, many programs have a feature called Tasks which you set to remind you once or on a recurring nature at a future date.
I believe the strategic use of Tasks can make you exceedingly more effective. How?
a. De-clutter your mind - allow the computer to be your memory. Set reminders for special events, birthdays, school holidays, renewals, bills to pay, warrants of fitness.
b. Business tenacity – when a potential client says no, it doesn’t mean never. Yet most people move on, spending time searching for new prospects. Instead, use Tasks to build persistency, reminding you to keep following up. This one little idea can turn one from being successful in business to extraordinary.
c. Relationship builders - Create recurring tasks to remind you to telephone loved ones, important people/clients.
2. Multitask effectively
Multitasking on activities that require concentration can be counterproductive; however there are activity combinations that save time. For example if you are one of the doting parents normally cheering your child on from the sport sidelines, have you thought of combining it with another activity? You can call me antisocial, but you’ll find me getting steps clocked onto my pedometer as I walk the perimeter of the field while simultaneously catching up on work reading or jotting out speech ideas. Think of what different activities you can put together in the same way.
Debbie Mayo-Smith aka Ms Effective is one of Australasia’s most sought after motivational speakers and trainers. Debbie gives speeches, seminars and trains on technology and personal productivity.