Priority Lists: To do lists without deadlines

by Jen (February 3, 2008)

I hate making up arbitrary deadlines for the stuff on my to do list that really doesn’t have to be done by a particular date. Deadlines make me feel panicked and rushed - negative. Crossing them off only makes me feel like I’ve avoided disaster, when what I want to feel is that I’ve accomplished something.

I’m trying something new: color-coded priority lists. I’m sure this isn’t a revolutionary idea, and there are a million ways to do it. For uber-simplicity, keep color-coded index cards clipped together in your pocket or bag and write your tasks on the appropriate color card. Or you could do it online, using a system that doesn’t force you to enter deadlines but does allow you to assign priorities, like Squinto.

I stick with paper because at the end of the day, I find I spend more time moving stuff around on the computer lists than I spend re-writing today’s un-done items onto a new page for the next day. It also feels like writing by hand activates some creative parts of my brain - I get ideas when I’m re-writing my lists (which doesn’t happen when I’m just typing).

Subscribe to feed updates or email updates
Save it: Stumble it! | Del.icio.us | Digg
Posted in Organization
Want your tip featured on Bohemian Revolution? Click here!