To-do lists are great. In fact, I use them every day - I start my day by listing everything I want to get done and then methodically execute the items on the list, striking them off as I go. This is basically a NAL (next actions list) applied on the time frame of one day.
(The NAL is actually so great that even though I first talked about it in this post already in 2018, I still think it's one of the greatest productivity tools in history.)
HOWEVER.
Sometimes an item makes it onto your day-NAL, an item you don't particularly want to do, but have to. When this happens, you have two choices:
- Use the frog paradigm and do it before any other item on the list.
- Set a timer, and then resolve to complete the task before the timer runs out.
While I adore the frog paradigm, I love the timer option because it makes doing the undesirable task a game. Do not underestimate the power of playing games! Anything can be a game, including the nasty tasks!
What's more, you're free to choose the time frame as you like. Want to get the exercise over with in five minutes? Set the timer for five minutes. Wish that one project was over already? Give yourself one hour to get it done, finished, shipped.
And then it's done.
RK out.
