It’s time for you to have a new boss: the task list.

Task lists help you get shit done. You’ll accomplish more working off a list then you ever would without one. All the rich, and powerful people in the world use a task list, so you should too. It’s simple:

• Build a list
• Work from the list no matter what
• Make the list your boss

There are alot of things you can use for a task list: Your computer with any number of software programs (Microsoft Outlook), your phone if it has one (if it does, this can be a good option), your ipod; all good options. But sometimes the best, and the cheapest way to do this is simply with a small notebook that you can put in your pocket. So, no excuses, go get one.

Build a list

So, what goes into a task list? Well, I’m sure you have your goals written down by now, right? RIGHT? Good. Each goal has steps. If your goal is to, buy a Cadillac (what else would a pimp drive?), then you have alot of little steps that you need to accomplish before buying that ride:
Buy Cadillac

1. Check credit
2. Find a good loan
3. Find the best deal on the ‘Lac you want

And of course, each one of these can be further broken down into tasks:
Buy Cadillac

1. Check credit
   1. Get a copy of all 3 credit reports
   2. Remove any negative items
2. Find a good loan
   1. Reasearch 5 reputable loan companies/banks
   2. Put in applications
3. Find the best deal on the ‘Lac you want
   1. Reasearch 5 reputable dealers in your area
   2. Call all 5 and get their current prices
   3. Play each dealership against each other, by telling one of the other’s lower price. See if they’ll beat that price

Now you have a task list that’s broken down into simple steps. Some of these steps can be broken down even further. The best thing about the list is that it makes big jobs seem not so big. Alot of times we procrastinate on doing what we’re supposed to do simply because it’s too overwhelming. Well, when you break it down into smaller steps, anything can be accomplished.

Your task list should also include smaller, one step things. Things like buy milk or whatever should also be on the list. This way you can prioritize things.

Work from the list no matter what

Once you have a nice list, work from the list. Alot of different things will come up during the day. People will call you and ask you to do something for them, you’ll get distracted and something that you’re supposed to do will pop into your head. All kinds of things will come up that will try to take you away from your list. The trick is, that when anything else comes up (i.e. your momma calls and asks you to pick her up some squares and a lottery ticket or some silly shit like that) add it to your list. Whatever new tasks show up, add it to your list. And continue to work from your list no matter what.

You don’t have to do everything in order. When you finish one task, you can look at your list and decide what to do next. But don’t do anything that isn’t written on the list. If something else came up it should have been added to your list. What this does is allow you to prioritize your day. Your mom’s squares may be an emergency to her, but it when you have a list, you may find that it should be the last thing you do in the day.

Make the list your Boss

The list is your only real boss. If you have a job, then your employer influences what goes on your list, and what takes priority, but your list is your REAL boss. Use it. Listen to it. Look at it every day. Look at it every hour. If you find that you’re not crossing things off of that list then you should feel as if you’re in trouble.

Your list is your life, and your life should be on that list.

I promise that if you work from a list you will find that you accomplish more in one day than you’d normally accomplish in a week. Try it for a week. Break everything down to small tasks, write those tasks down, and then work at them; crossing each item off as you finish it. You’ll get more done than you ever have before. And you’ll feel like you can do anything as long as you can break it down into small steps.

mpruv.com aims to bring self improvement to the urban crowd.
 Kingdom. High School dropout. Network Administrator. Pimp. Next…???

Posted by kingdom on Friday, March 14th, 2008 at 5:33 am.