How to tame your to-do list

We are taking a deep dive into effective to-do list management. Do you rule your list or does it rule you?

It's time to break free from the tyranny of the to-do list. Instead, use it to help you manage your time and prioritise so that what really needs doing is number one.

This episode is for you if you ever feel like you're drowning in tasks. I cover:

🛠️ Next Level Lists - we're talking master lists, daily lists, and the art of saying "no" to keep your workload realistic. Plus, I share how to carve out time blocks for deep work that'll have you in the zone.

🎯 Task List Mastery - from tackling the big fish first thing in the morning to setting smart limits and celebrating your wins, these tips are your ticket to a more productive day.

📘Learning from others

Stephen Covey's "First Things First," is a game-changer for sorting out what's urgent from what's truly important. Remember, not all tasks are created equal!

Ray Dalio's "The Changing World Order" got me thinking about how our productivity shapes the world. And Peter Drucker? His thoughts on strategy are like a compass for navigating the sea of to-dos. I've distilled their brilliance into actionable tips that you can apply right now.

Useful links 🔗

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TIMESTAMPS

Impact of Low Productivity (00:02:06)

Colin reflects on the low productivity statistics and the impact of COVID-19 on productivity levels.

Challenges of Overwhelming Workload (00:04:23)

Colin discusses the overwhelming workload faced by employees and its impact on mental health and well-being.

Strategies for Effective Task Management (00:13:23)

Colin shares his approach to task management, including maintaining a master list and daily task list, and the importance of prioritisation.

Planning and Prioritising (00:18:50)

The importance of planning and prioritising tasks, including delegating, focusing on important activities, and managing time efficiently.

Task Management and Discipline (00:19:50)

Emphasising the need for disciplined task planning, estimating effort, focusing on achievable tasks, and avoiding ambiguity in task descriptions.

Effective To-Do List Strategies (00:20:48)

Colin provides tips for creating an effective to-do list, including planning, prioritising daily tasks, setting limits, and avoiding overburdening with recurring tasks.

Avoiding Distractions and Taking Action (00:22:39)

Staying focused on priorities, and taking action by starting the day with task completion rather than email checking.

Celebrating Task Completion (00:24:36)

Colin suggests celebrating task completion, maintaining focus during task execution, and removing completed tasks from the list to maintain productivity.