Mistake #1. Failing to Keep a To-Do List

Alexa · 04-30-2011, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Do you ever have that nagging feeling that you've forgotten to do an important piece of work? If so, you probably don't use a To-Do List to keep on top of things. (Or, if you do, you might not be using it effectively!)
The trick with using To-Do Lists effectively lies in prioritizing the tasks on your list. Many people use an A - F coding system (A for high priority items, F for very low priorities). Alternatively, you can simplify this by using A through D, or by using numbers.
If you have large projects on your list, then, unless you're careful, the entries for these can be vague and ineffective. For instance, you may have written down "Start on budget proposal." But what does this entail? The lack of specifics here might cause you to procrastinate, or miss key steps. So make sure that you break large tasks or projects down into specific, actionable steps - then you won't overlook something important

(*10 common time Management mistakes* from Minds Tools)

Well, I have a To-Do List, but I do not use effectively, as per the author of this article. I have every 5 minutes somebody irrupting in my office. If I write what I want to do for the day, I end up very frustrating as I cannot finish the job because of these interruptions. Or maybe I lack discipline and should write less on my list. I cannot get rid of those who interrupt me, as they are members of my team. My boss, hides herself to do her tasks sometimes. but I don't want to move and hide into another office.

Are you one of those who manage to keep your To-Do-List ? If not, why ? Do you have the same probleme at work as myself ?

margarrette · 03-28-2012, 04:55 AM

Well for me.. To-Do-List has nothing to do if you yourself know you lack self discipline in prioritizing your stuffs that need to be accomplished with deadlines. It would always be effective if self discipline is present with you, even you don't have a To-Do-List.

POPEYE · 04-01-2012, 05:48 PM

No time to write a list out to much to do.