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
It's 6:00 a.m. I'm awake. I'm pumped! I'm ready to... Read More
One of the tried and true organization and time-management tools... Read More
Most of us know how to manage our time. It... Read More
Whatever providence has in store for us tomorrow is not... Read More
What are the most important things you should accomplish today?... Read More
I give presentations on organizational skill building as it relates... Read More
So What Then Is The Opposite Of Procrastination? Urgency is... Read More
We all face decisions that involve doing things that affect... Read More
As a home-based, self-employed woman, mundane tasks can be as... Read More
I would like to touch upon a subject that it... Read More
Time is money in your online business, just as in... Read More
When trying to achieve a quality education, everybody knows that... Read More
Here's a smart system for doubling or tripling your daily... Read More
Frustration is when an obstacle blocks your ability to achieve... Read More
Show me, O Lord, my life's end and the number... Read More
Years ago when I started in this business, it seemed... Read More
Today, it is hard to open an e-mail newsletter, a... Read More
Determine Your Procrastination PersonalityBrook Noel is the author of The... Read More
If you operate any kind of home business, you must... Read More
Everyday life can present us with opportunities to make us... Read More
The ability to be able to set priorities and deal... Read More
As each day passes, and more and more things need... Read More
Time - it is the one thing that we are... Read More
As a small business owner, does the following paragraph sound... Read More
Once you have completed your day you can boost your... Read More
Yesterday, I'd just gotten comfortable at my favorite table in... Read More
I keep a fossil on my desk at all times.... Read More
Microsoft wanted to know how individuals around the world were... Read More
Balancing Your Work, Family and Social Life... Read More
Isn't it amazing that some people can produce huge results... Read More
I have worked with so many people over the years... Read More
The most powerful resource that we have is time. Everything... Read More
We don't realize many things we do until we draw... Read More
"Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces up, snow... Read More
Goal Planning-Achieving balance in a person's life requires assessment of... Read More
Does it seem like there is never enough time in... Read More
To work smarter all you need is the consciousness of... Read More
What would you say to me if I told you... Read More
Still awaiting the birth of my baby (I am overdue),... Read More
Determine Your Procrastination PersonalityBrook Noel is the author of The... Read More
There is an old way of goal setting and a... Read More
"Fashionably late" is no longer in fashion. In today's heavily... Read More
Friends, colleagues, and clients are all telling me that one... Read More
Whether you're a new business owner or if you have... Read More
Everyday life can present us with opportunities to make us... Read More
Partnering with the University of Pennsylvania Law School and the... Read More
Recently I saw an advertisement for a time management booklet:... Read More
The concept of Mercury Retrograde is very well known even... Read More
Sounds too good to be true?It really isn't!In fact, studies... Read More
Do you believe that the best way to deal with... Read More
Clarity brings accomplishmentOne of the most important things you can... Read More
"You will never find time for anything. You must make... Read More
A new client recently admitted to me sheepishly that she... Read More
"How do you DO it?!" If I had a dime... Read More
It's 6:00 a.m. I'm awake. I'm pumped! I'm ready to... Read More
Time and money are both very important in business. Yet,... Read More
Time - it is the one thing that we are... Read More
Of all the Attraction Principles, the most popular class I... Read More
A simple kitchen gadget is transforming my life. I don't... Read More
"The bad news is time flies. The good news is... Read More
As mothers we play so many different roles and most... Read More
Last week I had the privilege of spending some quality... Read More
* spreading yourself too thinTaking on too many things at... Read More
Your productivity depends on good tools and effective environments, and... Read More
One of the most challenging aspect in life is time... Read More
Do you have plenty to do, but don't have enough... Read More
Time Management |