I hate this. This obsession with lists. So I have now broken 2 of my 5 rules - writing every week and being positive... well that is imperfection in motion I guess...
So back to my obsession with lists. Don't get me wrong - I like lists... they keep me sane, generally in line and they are therefore mostly my friend. However, I don't like my attitude to them. They are a constant presence and they always remind me of what I haven't done (because too many things crossed off makes me feel uncomfortable...no I don't know why). But worst of all they encourage bad behaviours, behaviours I want to kick if I am ever going to get out of the perfection trap. Lists encourage me to cross more things off, as opposed to focussing on the bigger picture and how value and joy could be added to my life if I were to do 'that' thing instead of 'another'.
So how do I fix this. I need lists, as previously mentioned, they are my friend. How do I assess things on merit and value, not just on being done. Here are two ideas I have had:
1. How about this; every time you write another thing on your list put a little smiley face next to it, so when it is complete you actually get a treat. Very Pavlov's dogs I know, but this might just work, think about it... If it is just another thing, the most you ever get back is the feeling of it being done. Not much joy gained by that motion, and actually the value delivered is very little because you chose to do it because it was quick and easy, logical so far. Those bigger, funner, more adventurous, higher risk tasks will always be ignored and put to the back in this framework. So what could this treat be? For me, I would value a massage, something that is a real investment in myself, something that I don't normally do. You could maybe collect 5 faces and then get time back; you are bound to achieve success with this project because you love it and the business needs it (hence it is on your list in the first place). And if we invest in ourselves - we always get payback, it is the one Brexit-proof investment in this crazy economy.
2. The other option, which may sit better with those of us who are a little guilt-ridden (i.e. every one of us) is to break this amazing apparent monster of a task up into smaller chunks so that we can satisfy our urge to tick things off, and feel fulfilled, while also doing something that we LOVE.
For example, I am fascinated by how women thrive in their environments - and this is on my list of things to look into this year. Now, as a single entry I can almost guarantee this will stay on my to-do list until 2021, however I could split this into the following:
- Collate current open source research into the impact of a work environment on female productivity
- Contact research teams/individuals to check if there is anything else that I have missed
- List possible factors that may need further research
- Contact internal facilities to look at possible experimental opportunities
- Drive test within workplace ....
...you get the picture. The wonderful thing about splitting tasks out like this is that during the process, the project comes alive and you get to appreciate the potential upside without it just being another thing to do - remember these are the fun tasks so they will always make you feel good.
Not sure this will help you but I am already going to use this for my Monday morning list making and see how it goes. My aim is to make friends with lists again - so that they are joy-givers versus item-crossing enablers. They deserve a break and to be brought into the 21st century.
More next week - she hopes (not based on previous performance!)
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