Tag: the to-do list

The Driver Chooses The Music

We have a rule
for road trips
– the driver
chooses the music.

They have control
over the little things
that make
their job easier.

This thinking
applies to
delegating tasks also.

When we delegate a task,
yes,
outline the important things
that must be accomplished.

But leave the little things
to the person
we’re delegating the tasks to.

If a social media post
is to be scheduled,
for example,
yes, tell the person
when that post should go live.

But maybe don’t tell them
the hour of the day
they should craft the post.

Don’t tell them
what they should be wearing
while crafting the post.

Don’t tell them
not to listen to music
while they craft the image-only post.

Leave the little details
to the person you’re delegating
the task to.

To-Do Lists And Delegating Tasks

I’m a big believer
in to-do lists.

I list the important tasks
I should complete
each day
and I cross those tasks off
the list
as I complete them.

It keeps me organized.
It gives me
physical proof
I’m making progress.

And it makes it easier
for me to delegate tasks.

If I’m ill
or I have an emergency
to deal with,
I can often
give
my to-do list
to someone I trust
and THEY will complete
as much of it as possible.

If they have limited skills
or knowledge
or time,
I can quickly scan
my to-do list
and assign some of those tasks
to them.

To-do lists help
with delegating tasks.
Use them.

Do It Now

A home repair
had to be completed
but it wasn’t urgent.

I considered doing it.
Then I got a bout
of the lazies.
And I told myself,
“Nah. It’ll wait.”

It didn’t wait.
And it was nearly
a costly disaster.

This happens too many times.

I think I should do something.
Then I convince myself
it can wait.
And it ends up
biting me on the a$$,
costing me time
and/or money.

That thing your gut
is telling you to do?

It can’t wait.

Do it now.

Fast Tasks

When I have a couple spare minutes,
I schedule a promotional post
for a book (product)
or
I shred some documents
or
I take some photos
of interesting textures
for backgrounds
or…

I have a list of
tasks
that need to be done
yet don’t take much time.

And I used them
as filler
in my schedule.

A call got cancelled?
I do one of these tasks.

I finish a chapter early?
I do one of these tasks.

I have to wait for something
or someone?
I do one of these tasks.

I don’t waste these short durations
of time.
And the little tasks
all add up.

Keep a list
of fast tasks.

Complete tasks on that list
when you have a snippet
of extra time.

Get One Small Task Done

Yesterday, I was feeling sad.
I had very little energy.
I didn’t want to do anything
yet I was unhappy
I wasn’t getting anything done.

So I hung a painting.

That task took about 10 minutes.
Yet my mood immediately improved.
I had accomplished something
and it was a highly visible something.
I could see the results.

Most business builders
are doers.

Getting things done
is when we’re happiest.

If you’re struggling emotionally,
as many of us do
this time of year,
complete one small
preferably highly visible task.

Hang a painting.
Clear off your desk.
Sort your pens.

Then admire your accomplishment.

YOU did that.
YOU changed the world
a little bit.

Get one small task done.

Make Today Count

The past few years
have shown many of us
that every day is precious.

TODAY is precious.
Today, we have the opportunity
to create something marvelous,
to cause someone’s world
to be a bit nicer,
to make a small difference.

This could be as easy
as waving to a neighbor,
as choosing the colors
for your new product,
as telling the tired cashier
at the grocery store
she’s doing a good job.

Do something wonderful.
Make today count.