The Three Lists
Here are three important lists. A not-to-do list, a to-do list, and a done list. Start with the first one as it enables you to focus on the things that matter the most. By eliminating distractions, useless meetings or conversations, meaningless projects, and irrelevant tasks, you can easily build a highly focused to-do list. Your not-do-list is a strategic level list, your to-do list is your tactical list. Eventually you’ll arrive at the done list. The done list is your output, not the outcome. To the extent possible, decouple output from outcome. Focus on what you can control, work with what you have, and arrive at the done list. Relook into your lists on a regular basis and you'll probably see sharper focus, higher productivity and greater satisfaction from your work. I tried this for some time and it seems to work. Here’s how I do it. I visit the first list at the beginning of every week, as a daily visit can be exhausting and even redundant. Well, the idea is to say no to thing...