Do yourself a favor and weed out the trivial items from your to-do list

Asheville Citizen Times
Nov 26, 2007

Oh, the dreaded to-do list.

If your to-do list is like most everyone's, it is very long and contains projects, wants, and needs for your business and personal life.  If your list is like mine used to be, it consists of so many items that neither Mr. nor Ms. Bionic Business could get them accomplished even if they gave up sleep entirely and a 24-hour IV drip of French Roast placed directly into their veins. 

Why do we do this?  Are we afraid that we might actually forget to do things?  I guess it's possible, but most of us would not forget most of what's on our list.  In addition, the big items like, what Steven Covey calls the "Main things", don't even make the list; Things like love your kids, spend time with friends, call your mother. 

I image that your business "main things" don't make the list. Items such as delivering a quality product or service, letting your staff know they are appreciated, or even remembering that your work makes a positive difference.  They may even be why you started your business, but don't make your daily to-do list. 

But what does make the list? Largely it is tasks.   Here are some items from one of my recent to-do list. 

• Return phone calls to Rachel, John, Gretchen, and Brenda.
• Write an email to XYZ COMPANY
• Research companies with a certain demographic
• Arrange a meeting with the graphic designer

Well, you get the picture. 

 I can further guess that most to-do lists have gotten even longer due to the approaching holidays.  I bet most add items like send holiday cards, beef up advertising, hire more staff or launch a holiday product or service. 
I'll wager that what is not added to the list are things like…

• Have a peaceful holiday
• Do something special for someone who needs it
• Sing a carol
• Smile at stranger
• Curl up to watch "It's a Wonderful Life".

Should these be on the list?  Would we all be more likely to do them if they made the list? 

So I ask you, as an individual and as a business person, what is YOUR main thing?  What do you want to place on your to-do list this season?  What can you remove from your list because it simply is not that important and takes energy necessary for the main thing?  I won't be surprised if some of the old regularly occurring items end up on the cutting room floor.  

Most of us feel the need for a to-do list; I encourage you to make one that accurately reflects your wants and needs.  Make one that allows you to remember what is most important to you.