We all think to-do lists are essential. But they may also prevent us from maximizing our effectiveness.
It’s comfortable to see all our work laid out on a list in front of us. However, I have found that I am much more effective and open to changes throughout the workday if I only keep a loose collection of general projects I want to make some progress on each day.
The goal is to get started with work right away, not dream about work to be done. Once I am started with work, I am more open to the reality of the day and what I can handle. It is at that point that I lock in a to-do list.
This keeps me open to the flexibility that I need throughout the workday. It also helps eliminate the stress of being an hour behind schedule by lunchtime on my to-do list.
Note: The same holds true for time blocking a day of work. Instead of scheduling tasks into rigid 15-30 minute blocks, I instead reserve hour-at-a-time blocks for either “deep” or “shallow” work and just fill those hours with productive work on whatever projects I choose.