Make a List to Accomplish More

I'm one of those Type A people. I like making lists and checking them off. Even if there's something I accomplished and realized I left off the list, I will add it to the list just so I can check it off. I'm not sure if I feel so accomplished at the end of the day because I actually completed things or because I have a list that reflects something more tangible. Here are some ways I use lists to help me accomplish more things each day:

• Create a running list in a notebook - this will help with the "feeling" of accomplishing more when you can see all of the things you've actually done
• Create a day-by-day to do list - segmenting the items that are top priority each day can help ensure you get more important tasks completed
• Create an hour-by-hour to do list - this is the most effective type of list for me because I can segment out how I'm going to accomplish the things I want to each day

No matter what type of list you create, physically writing things down will help increase your chances of actually getting it complete. Don't forget to keep the list handy and accessible as well. If you don't have the list available, you likely won't know what you're working to achieve.

You can also read the book "Getting Things Done" by David Allen. He points out ways to actually get things done by incorporating efficiencies into each day.