Manage a To-Do List

Do you work with a To-Do list? Whether you realize it or not, most of us work with some form of a To-Do list to manage our business. However, we probably don’t manage this list enough strategy to ensure focus.

I admit that I have fallen in the trap of the “busy-ness” of managing life, but it is very important that as a small-business owner that our efforts are focused. And this can easily start with our To-Do lists that we utilize to check things off. Some of us may use these ritually, others not so much, in either case, here are some helpful ways to contain that To-Do list.

Define Strategy and Objectives for 2010

After all, we can’t begin to put together a meaningful list of To-Do’s if we don’t have a goal for 2010. Keep it simple if you have to, but ensure that your business is operating under a strategy to maintain that focus, otherwise, you will find yourself wandering for most of the year and it will yield only a series of frustrations.

To-Do List

Let this list be a product of your strategy and objectives planning for 2010. However, be very careful and ensure that this list is distilled to only about 3-4 main To-Do’s. If you have any more than this then it is crucial that you evaluate each and ensure that each item on your list contributes greatly to the advancement of your objectives. This is where focus is crucial.

Start a To-Don’t List

Your list will likely start to be longer than you expected. And that’s certainly okay, but go over it one more time with the idea that there are such things as a To-Don’t list. Try identifying a few of these off your list and determine how each one can qualify for your To-Don’t list. Chances are you have a lot of ideas for 2010, however, these ideas need to be closely reviewed for their applicability in achieving your goals. Notice a pattern here? Your goals and objectives are paramount, only list items in your To-Do list that pushes this!

Prune Your List

Review your list every time you put one together! Continue with the concept of a To-Don’t list. They do not necessarily need to be eliminated but simply categorized as less urgent items. This behavior of prioritization will immensely help your day to day activities within your business.