By Sunny Simon
In our fast-paced often chaotic world, we continually strive for efficiency and productivity. Personally, I am fascinated with any system or product that helps me manage time and clutter. Organizing tools are my favorite purchases. While my female peers are enamored with stylish shoe boutiques, my “go-to” retail outlet is The Container Store. I own sock beds, spice racks, hanging jewelry storage contraptions, car caddy containers, color coded file folders, and an assortment of padded and multiple tiered hangers.
In addition to organizational products, I inhale every article that promises to take me to the next level of minimizing clutter and becoming more productive. Having a solemn respect for inventorying action items I carry my “to do” list around like a small child totes his favorite worn-out teddy bear. I admit to feeling a little high each time I cross an item off my never-ending register of yet to be accomplished tasks.
Recently I downloaded an e-book professing the value of creating a “done list” the flip side of our traditional “to do.” Reading this counter-intuitive theory was like turning the shower setting to frigid and remaining under the icy current until I turned purple. For years I believed every efficiency expert’s sage advice; list your goals and the all steps needed to get there.
Asking me to part with my volumes of “to do’s” is akin to demanding a toddler turn in his “binky.” Reluctantly, I decided to give it a go for a week. Knowing it was impossible to go cold-turkey I struck a deal with myself. I alternated days between working on my “to do” and “done list.” Days spent in the done-mode meant recording any meaningful win. Each evening I was to reflect on and celebrate my accomplishments. I must admit feeling some satisfaction in the review process. Could it be possible that a “done list” is actually a motivational tool? Mind you, some days were frustrating. I did not accomplish nearly as much as I wanted. Remaining true to the instructions in the book, I spent time analyzing my setbacks. Part of the exercise is jotting down observations and working out the kinks.
At the end of my experimental week I would have to say the jury is still out. I doubt I’ll ever fully kick the habit of creating “to do’s,” but sincerely acknowledge the benefits of utilizing both methods to create a balanced perspective and a more productive life.
Sunny Simon is the owner of Raise the Bar High Life and Career Coaching. More about Sunny at www.raisethebarhigh.com
