Friday, January 8, 2010

entertainment industry coach question 312:I'm obsessed with to-do lists and get very frustrated when I don't get stuff done. Any suggestions?

Oooooo, a to-do list person. Welcome to my world. I know, you LOVE checking things off. I used to, now because my to-do list is on a computer, I make them pretty colors when they're done. DONE, I love that word. But unfortunately, we to-do list types know... it's never done. Once we check off or color in with pretty colors, our minds start racing for new "to-dos."

Here's 2 suggestions, one from me, the other from one of my mentors:

From me: Make your list fluid. Whatever doesn't get done that day moves to the next and then the next, with NO guilt attached. Prioritize your to-dos, so the most important ones do get done on time and then have the others as reminders, and things to give you comfort, because we to-doers get comfort knowing we have things to do. (perhaps a psychologist would like to chime in right about now)

The second, from one of my mentors, James Malinchak: Put 3 (that's it) 3 to-do actions on a post it. Do them, then crumple up the post it, throw it in the garbage, and move on with your day.

Obsession, as you put it, can lead to sleep trouble, unnecessary stress, and psychological burdens that you just don't need, because really, for most of your to-dos you have "imaginary deadlines." So, make a commitment as this new year starts, to go easy on yourself. Everything that needs to get done will. See how you can do it with ease. And I'd love to hear feedback from you on how it's working out in a few months.

Good luck!

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachblog.com


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