In This Issue...
Using checklists to enhance your productivity
StevePavlina.com spotlight articles
Recommended product discounts
Boost Your Productivity With Checklists
A checklist is a documented system, process, or procedure for completing a particular task. If you've ever followed a recipe to prepare a meal, you've used a checklist. Here are some of the benefits of using checklists to enhance your personal productivity:
Save time - By creating a checklist, you'll save time whenever you execute the same task. It's usually easier to complete a complex task by following step-by-step instructions instead of trying to recall everything from scratch, especially if the task is performed very infrequently.
Reduce mistakes - Checklists help you avoid mistakes, especially errors of omission, because you can check off each step as you complete it.
Improve consistency - By executing the same steps in the same order every time, you'll achieve more consistent results.
Optimize processes - When you document a process in writing, it's easier to recognize opportunities for improvement. Individual steps can be rearranged for more intelligent grouping.
Delegate tasks - As easily as you can share a recipe, you can hand a checklist to someone else as a means of training him/her to perform a task.
Reduce cognitive burden - A checklist frees you to focus on the action steps without the mental burden of remembering what comes next, so it's easier to enter the highly productive flow state.
Reduce procrastination - A tedious or complicated task doesn't seem so bad once you've broken it down into a step-by-step process. Reduce the tendency to procrastinate by focusing on just the first step.
Increase confidence - Quickly scan your checklist to verify that every step is complete, and avoid that sinking feeling you may have forgotten something important.
Here are some practical examples of how you can use checklists:
Back up your hard drive
Complete your tax return
Handle your personal accounting (pay bills, balance checkbook, file receipts, etc)
Perform routine maintenance on your home or car
Write a blog entry (spell-check, proofread, select categories, etc)
Daily routine tasks (email, forums, web sites, voice mail, etc)
Your favorite goal-setting process
Your gym workout routine
Your house cleaning routine
Your travel packing list
Your master grocery shopping list
Preparing for a date
Preparing for a meeting
Decorating for the holidays
The next time you perform a recurring task, take a few minutes to create a checklist by documenting your action steps. Checklists can be documented on paper or on a computer or handheld device, so use whichever format is most convenient for you. Over time your collection of checklists will make your life significantly easier, allowing you to get things done instead of trying to remember what to do.
StevePavlina.com Spotlight Articles
Review these time management articles to give yourself a personal productivity boost:
Triple Your Personal Productivity - Use this simple technique to cut the fluff from your daily routine.
10 Ways to Optimize Your Normal Days - Make your average days a little more exceptional.
The 50-30-20 Rule - Give your important projects the attention they deserve.
Goal Planning for Optimal Enjoyment - Learn to set goals you'll enjoy accomplishing.
Dynamic Planning - Intelligently balance planning with action.
Recommended Product Discounts
Here are two fantastic personal development products for which I arranged special discounts for Personal Development Insightssubscribers. I recently recommended both of these on the website after using them myself for several months:
PhotoReading - The PhotoReading system teaches you how to triple the speed at which you process reading material. Click the link to read about my personal experience with it and why I give it such a strong recommendation. The original StevePavlina.com PhotoReading discount expired on November 30th, but it's been extended until December 31st for Personal Development Insightssubscribers. Get the PhotoReading system now at 59% off.
Paraliminals - These extremely relaxing meditation CDs use Holosync technology and binaural beats to program your subconscious mind for peak performance. Learn about my personal experience with Paraliminals, and take advantage of the StevePavlina.com discount offer to save money on the entire Paraliminals collection.
Until next time, live consciously!
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