![]() I then simply cross anything off that I’ve done throughout my day. These are non-negotiable’s, and have to be completed before I shut up shop. I go further and highlight anything that needs to be done that day – from any section. You then list your ‘to-dos’ in the relevant sections. You should have something that looks like this. Having loads of headings will complicate things, so try and condense them into four. Of course, your headings may be completely different to mine – but remember, keep it simple. You can see why having up to four headings is workable. You can choose whatever works for you…but I use these same colours going forwards, so I can quickly identify what is what. Yellow for top left, Orange for personal, Blue for Compass, and Pink for goal. ![]() ![]() I then underline, and highlight each Heading with its colour. The top left label Business – or your business name, the top right, Personal, the bottom left, Project (or whatever big task you’re working on, or in my case, my other business, Compass-Publishing), and then bottom right Goal – mine is my personal one. On your A4 piece of paper, divide it into 4 equal sections, (Now, I suggest 4, but it can be as little as two, but no more than 4, you’ll see why in a minute.) Put the date at the top, and number the page. You might find that this is something you want to do first – but as it requires a chunk of time, I’ve listed the quick option first for those that want to get going now. This quick option is for a to-do list that is just for this week – if you’re looking for something that is useable over the year, skip to the Long-term System. So, how do you get started? Quick System: Daily to-do lists. This system has everything in one place, and I can see all of my tasks quickly and easily. I also used to keep my business and personal to-do lists separate – having two journals for both, but it got tiresome after a few weeks, as so many times a personal ‘to-do’ needs to be done within business hours, and I would often miss deadlines for calling people, or I’d put things off as I was just too done in when I opened up my ‘personal list’ after a long day in the office. I’ve tried box files, hanging files, and a host of other ways, including on my computer, but I’ve struggled with a paperless option, so I go with what works for me.) Also, an A4 notebook doesn’t require charging, it’s easily transportable and doesn’t need any expensive subscriptions – something to bear in mind when choosing a system. (As an aside, I also use a lever arch file for all my client work, using tabbed dividers. The pages are lined with holes already punched – so that I can file anything if necessary. (I’ve used loose sheets of paper, which I’ve then filed, but trying to find notes or extra info was a real faff, and then my notes went out of order, with no easy reference) This type of pad also keeps the pages nice and flat. I’ve found that a spiral-bound notebook, rather than loose leaf sheets of paper keeps everything in one place. (I’ve tried to go paper free, but it’s just not for me.) With this system, it allows you to see an entire snapshot of your items, and adding the use of highlighters makes it easy and quick to see what needs to be done. The secret to any good list system is using one that works for you – one that you will continue using, no matter where you are, or what project you’re working on.įirstly, I’m a very visual person and I like pen and paper. But the one I’m going to share with you is by far the most efficient and successful to date. I’ve tried all sorts of applications, from apps like ‘Todoist’, ‘Remember the Milk’ and ‘OneNote’, and computer tools like Highrise, calendar and Basecamp to paper and pen with bullet journaling, and diaries. It’s taken me a good few attempts to get one that works. Without a good, clear, easy to implement list system, it’s all too easy to forget the important stuff, miss an appointment or a reply to an email, leading us to feel stressed and out of control. Having an effective to-do list system is really important for any busy business owner. The satisfaction of crossing things off gives me a wonderful sense of achievement – whether it’s for personal reasons, or business.
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