I bet with year-end coming close, you have a really long to-do list by now, growing daily...
Frustrating, isn’t it?
Let me tell you a secret. I used to be a to-do-list-builder, too.
I would write one every morning. To be in control and to have focus.
Then I kept nurturing it during the day, growing it, until it became so big that it became scary.
As a result, instead of being in control, I lost focus and all I felt was overwhelm.
I was constantly busy but not productive. And this also led to procrastinating. Because I didn’t know where to start.
Until I found a solution: the concept of the "DUMP LIST".
What is a dump-list?
Simply put: a list of everything taking up space in your brain.
Tasks you need to complete, plans for your future, ideas for xmas presents, important projects at work....
All the things that keep scrolling through your mind at 11pm at night.
What are the benefits of a Dump List?
It un-clutters your brain - all the things burdening your thoughts have a home now. It’s not a to-do list. It’s just all the things in your head. It’s like dumping your purse on the table. If you want to clear it out, you need to know what’s in it
It helps you spend your time more efficient when you have a moment. No need to think: "I have 10 minutes, how shall I use it?" Instead of wasting your time browsing social media, you can pick something from your list and do it right away. One more thing completed. Tick.
You’ll become more productive. Instead of just being busy all day for others, you control what you do. You can choose, what is important to you.
This is your list, all the things that YOU want to do, or need to do.
You manage better. You focus and prioritize. Do you sometimes do what you feel like doing, while there are important things waiting? This helps you focus, it’s the foundation of managing yourself. (sidenote: time is a concept, it can not be managed...)
How to do it?
Just write out a list, in whatever way it works for you. Paper or digital.
My dump-list is a dynamic document in an app, so that it is with me all the time on my phone. I combined all the different lists I had everywhere (word doc, notes, etc) into this one list.
Then I added various categories. Business, clients, projects, home, recipe ideas, things to buy, doctors, etc.
If you are like me, you also find a million things interesting, that you want to read or watch one day, or just do quickly, before you forget it... Distractions everywhere.
Therefore I have my dump-list open with me all the time.
Everything that comes to my mind, that needs to be done, fixed, created, built, bought, downloaded, developed or new ideas, inspirations I see - they all go on that dump-list. I also add pictures or links if relevant.
How to use this dump list?
Once you have this giant list, you can start planning. Don't be scared by the sheer size of it. Define your priorities and work on them.
Stuff that needs to be done - for your goals.
Every day, when planning the day ahead, I choose 2-3 items that I decide to focus on that day.
Also, I always add a small reward for completing them. (That's the motivation and fun part.)
Everything else I see or inspires me or would distract me (my shiny object syndrome) - all that goes on the dump list during the day.
It has a home now and I will pick it up when the time is right.
That’s it!
Easy, fast.
It helps me enormously to beat the overwhelm and stress.
It helps me to focus on the important things and to get them done.
I hope this will help you, too. Want to give it a try?
Let me know in our FB Group Career Redesign Forum, how it works for you, or if you have any other proven method! (Have not joined the group yet? Do it now by clicking this link: Career Redesign Forum)
And remember the saying by David Allen: "You can do anything, but not everything".
Stay safe and healthy!
Love,
Eva
Ps: If you feel you need help with reaching a goal or to complete a certain major project, just schedule your FREE call and we'll discuss how I can best help you:
https://evabottai.as.me/curious