Question: I make out my daily to-do lists but they don’t seem to be taking me any closer to achieving my goals. Do to-do lists really work? 

Answer: Personally, I don’t know where I’d be without my to-do lists! My lists help me focus on those moneymaking and/or goal achieving tasks that should be accomplished during my workday. 

Here are some ways I use to-do lists to stay focused on achieving my goals: 

1. I write my to-do list for the next day before I leave my office in the evening. Why? When I sit down at my computer first thing in the morning, I already know what I want to accomplish. I’m laser-beamed focused on what I’m going to do during the upcoming day. 

2. I number my to-do list according to priorities. The most important chore/task is number one. Sometimes, I’ll make my most difficult task number one just so I can complete it quickly and I won’t be dreading it all day long. 

3. I don’t fill up my list with more than I can handle in one day. I’ve learned over the years that “stuff happens” and tasks and chores come up during the day that need to be handled. If my to-do list is too crowded, it becomes overwhelming and frustrating. 

4. I give myself permission to change my mind. What was important yesterday, may not be as important today. Flexibility is key to staying focused and keeping the important things important. 

5. I make sure I do at least one moneymaking/goal achieving activity each day. A moneymaking/goal achieving activity is any task or chore that will make me money or take me one step closer to my goal. I have a rule that I will not leave my office until I’ve completed my daily “moneymaking activities.” 

6. I take frequent “mental health” breaks. I can only maintain my focus so long before I need to get up to stretch my legs and clear my mind. Sometimes, a quick ten or fifteen minute break can open up my mind to possibilities and solutions that I’d never even thought of before the break. 

7. I also have a “big picture” calendar on my desk. My big picture calendar is a monthly calendar that reminds me of what I intend to complete during the current month. I make sure that my daily to-do list supports my monthly goals. 

Rule of Thumb: Make sure your to-do list is consistently taking you forward, toward your goals. The majority of items on your list should be important tasks/chores that are goal achieving and/or moneymaking. A daily to-do list is simply a tool to help break your workday into bite-sized goal achieving pieces.

Copyright © 2010 Sharon Michaels – All Rights Reserved

For over twenty years Sharon Michaels has been writing, speaking and empowering women to achieve greater personal and professional success.

Sign up for Sharon’s free weekly Ezine Unlimited Success For Women and have professional success strategies and personal development how-to’s sent directly to your email inbox. This Ezine is aimed at women who want to successfully work for themselves.

If you’re ready to recognize what may be holding you back and to seriously build on your strengths and talents, you’re ready to coach with Sharon Michaels. “I believe you have the answers to your success inside of you right now, it is my job to ask the right questions. I ask great questions!” Here are details about Sharon’s coaching programs: http://www.sharonismymentor.com

Share on Facebook

Tweet This Post