Routines, 26. January 2019

Finally productive! The 1-Minute-To-Do-List.

The 1-minute to-do list

In today’s day and age, we have estimated 10,000 things to do. That’s why it’s important to work with a to-do list. Unfortunately, it is often the case that in such a list, 20-30 to-dos are listed. This ensures that you quickly lose track and do not know where to start. That’s why I use the so-called 1-minute to-do list. Simple in the implementation, but enormously helpful. Every evening, I reflect on my day and plan the next one to use my time productively and meaningfully.

How is the 1-minute to-do list built up?

The 1-minute to-do list is divided into three columns:

“Must List” – Important To-Dos that must to be done today

“Should List” – To-Dos, which should be done the next 5-7 days

“Can-List” – To-Dos, which should be done in distant future

Each time, when a new task arises, you decide which of the three categories you assign them. Here you distinguish between three types of To-Dos. You will work with the “must” and “should” list daily, while the “can” list will only be used once a week.

The must list

In the first column, the “must list” you pack those tasks that really need to be done today. For example this could be an important appointment with the tax consultant, or a deadline at work. It is important that you write only about 5-10 tasks on this list, otherwise you quickly lose track. Really consider your priorities for today and put them on paper. Every night make a new list for tomorrow. This puts order in your head and lets you sleep better.

The should list

In the second list, your “should list”, you write those to-dos that you should tackle for the next 5-7 days. In the evening, you declare your important to-dos for the following day, taking a look at the second list each time. You just ask yourself the question – which tasks of my “should list” do I pack into my “must list”?

The can list

Here you put those To-Dos, which should be done sometime in the distant future. You only look at this list once a week, because the To-Dos have a lower urgency than on the other two lists. For example, it may be something like planning a vacation that is due next year, or something similar. The important thing is to keep calling these longer-term to-dos into your consciousness and remembering them every week. You then decide when to go after the to-dos on this list. I usually take care of them in weeks, where more time is available.

Increase your productivity tremendously!

So you see, with this easy to-do-list you save a lot of time and nerves, because you have everything under control. Before that, I worked with a to-do list, naming priorities with A, B, and C, but this was difficult because of the time limit. With this kind of to-do-list I know now always exactly what I have to do, how important it is and above all, until when I have to do it.

With the one-minute to-do list, you’ll be able to work more productively and effectively, saving precious time and energy. I hope you enjoy the implementation and always remember – work hard, but smart!

Your coach Markus