I’ve unlocked the secret to personal productivity. The key? It wasn’t a fancy app. Nor was it an elaborate task management system. I didn’t tie a ribbon around my finger, nor did I “Remember the Milk.” Are you read for my secret?
It was lowly the post-it note.
I’d seen this approach elsewhere on the web, but finally gave it a try myself. You take three items you want to accomplish for the day, order them accordingly on the post-it, and stick it in front of you until they’re done.
That’s it.
The theory is even if your to-do list is a mile long, you’ll only be able to accomplish three. Or, put simply, if it can’t fit on a post-it note, you won’t be able to fit it in your day.
Clear. Simple. Actionable. Perfection!
I’ve been doing this about a week now and the results, my friends, have been encouraging. I don’t know if it’s the focus this method provides, the “placebo” effect, or something else, but I feel more productive. That’s the most important thing, I think. (Plus, it plays to my affection for analog to-do lists.)
If you’re struggling to stay on track, give this method a try. It shows you what’s important for the day and nothing more. You might want to consider a separate method for long-range planning (I use Things), as the post-it has a short shelf-life.
What’s one way you stay on top of your to-do list?
