One of the tried and true organization and time-management tools is the trusty old "to do" list. I was trained to diligently put one together at the end of the day for the following day, and whatever tasks I failed to complete, to carry it forward. This system has worked well in helping me prioritize and focus. But I have also heard many of my colleagues complain about having too much on their list, and feeling very discouraged and overwhelmed by the sheer number of items on their "To Do" list. To help ease the overwhelm, I want to introduce the concept of the "Stop Doing" list.
I first read about the "Stop Doing" list in "Good to Great" by Jim Collins. He stated that one of the commonalities of the companies who were able to propel themselves from being just good to being great is that they all looked at what they were currently doing that they needed to Stop Doing. I am implementing this idea in a slightly different way, but I think a "Stop Doing" list can actually help your productivity and effectiveness.
So how do you decide what goes on your "Stop Doing" list? Here's what I suggest you do.
For the next week or two, each time you work on your "to do" list (and if you are not using one currently, I strongly recommend you start), or blocking off time for specific tasks in you planner, ask yourself this question: "does this task add value or generate positive results for me and my organization?" If the answer is no, it should go right on top of your "Stop Doing" list.
If the answer is "yes", ask yourself a second question: "am I the best person to do this task?" The first question tells you whether you can eliminate a task. This question tells you whether you can delegate a task. I know for solo-business people, you automatically think that you have no one to delegate any tasks to. But actually, that might not necessarily be true. Today, there is a whole network of virtual assistants who can handle a myriad of administrative work for you. Some accept work by the hour, and some accept work by the project. If you are interested in this resource, check out www.assistu.com
For some people, you may have to then overcome your resistance to delegating. I've heard many of the reasons. Do these sound familiar?
? "By the time I explain it to someone else, I could have done it myself."
? "I can't trust somebody else to do it right."
? "It costs too much money."
Some of these are completely legitimate concerns. However, before you dismiss the idea, consider the following:
? Is the task repetitive so that the up-front time investment to train someone is actually worth it 3 months down the road?
? Are you the most qualified person to complete the task, or could someone else do it in less time with less effort for better results?
? If you didn't have to do the task, what would you choose to spend that time on, and what impact will that have on your business, or your life?
So, after considering these tough questions, add your delegated task to your "Stop Doing" list as well and send them elsewhere, and I guarantee you will feel better. Even though I wrote this article for people struggling with overload at work, the same approach can be applied to create a "Stop Doing" list for home. Think of the possibilities ? you can delegate laundry, and cooking, and yard work, and cleaning, and what else?
Seriously, the current state of our lives is that there is generally too much to do and not enough time. So, go through this exercise at least once and see what you can shed from your "to do" list. If you like the results, then establish a routine and do this every 6 months or a year. The point is that you want to spend your time on high impact tasks, and work that you enjoy.
? 2004 Inez O. Ng
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Do you need some structure and accountability to propel you forward? Personal Coach Inez Ng has worked with professionals and entrepreneurs to transform their aspirations into reality. While focusing on specific areas, her coaching positively impacts all areas of her clients' lives. Learn more about coaching with Inez at http://www.realizationsunltd.com
taxi o'hare Wisconsin Dells ..We all know the harmful effects of overwork. People get... Read More
Still awaiting the birth of my baby (I am overdue),... Read More
It's always a challenge finding time to clean my house.... Read More
Balancing Your Work, Family and Social Life... Read More
Time is money in your online business, just as in... Read More
Here's a smart system for doubling or tripling your daily... Read More
One of the most challenging aspect in life is time... Read More
Number Yourself: Count yourself as an important individual. You are... Read More
Time management consultant Stephen Young claims that the average time... Read More
You can lose, damage or waste some things in life,... Read More
In our time-crazed society, lots of time is what most... Read More
In most organizations, meetings are often the biggest time-wasters. With... Read More
"TIME CANNOT BE 'MANAGED.' THE WHOLE CONCEPT OF TIME MANAGEMENT... Read More
Such an innocuous little phrase, yet when you are hard... Read More
When trying to achieve a quality education, everybody knows that... Read More
* spreading yourself too thinTaking on too many things at... Read More
If I had a dollar or even better a pound... Read More
Does it ever feel like there is never enough time... Read More
How you spend the first sixty minutes of your day... Read More
As each day passes, and more and more things need... Read More
Your time and energy are the two most precious gifts... Read More
?busy, busy, busy, busy, busy?busy, busy, bus? OK, slap me... Read More
I would like to touch upon a subject that it... Read More
"It's just been one of those days?I can't seem to... Read More
Whether you're a new business owner or if you have... Read More
bmw rental chicago Ackley ..It's easy to waste time on things that seem urgent... Read More
I give presentations on organizational skill building as it relates... Read More
Want to improve your time management?Edward W. Smith, motivational speaker,... Read More
It's 6:00 a.m. I'm awake. I'm pumped! I'm ready to... Read More
Does choosing which time we do an activity really make... Read More
Perhaps it is merely semantics, but an underlying problem I... Read More
What does it mean to practice self care? It's creating... Read More
It's always a challenge finding time to clean my house.... Read More
41 practical and quick ways to get on top of... Read More
Sounds too good to be true?It really isn't!In fact, studies... Read More
Are you obsessed with getting everything just right? Do you... Read More
Any habit of mind or body that interferes with taking... Read More
Many of us spend long hours at our desk. To... Read More
To work smarter all you need is the consciousness of... Read More
Fitting an education into a busy lifestyleMany people have aspirations... Read More
There are the golden rules that apply to time. If... Read More
How many of us are guilty of "Putting the cart... Read More
Time management consultant Stephen Young claims that the average time... Read More
Time is wealth;Time is health; Time is power; Time is... Read More
How many people do you know who are so busy... Read More
I keep a fossil on my desk at all times.... Read More
How often have you tried to manage your time in... Read More
My job in Chicago began with three months of probation.I... Read More
Are you a worrier? Do you frequently spend time and... Read More
Microsoft wanted to know how individuals around the world were... Read More
Time Management |