I must admit, there was a time when I was the master of a to-do list.
I still love to make lists as I get real satisfaction from crossing off the things that I have completed.
BUT - I have realized that a to-do list is not a High Payoff Activities list.
I have changed my list now to only include my high payoff activities so I can still get the thrill of crossing them off one by one, but now I have different things on my list.
Things that are important for my business.
Things that show I am working on my business not in my business.
I still have a regular to do list, but that doesn't sit on my desk anymore.
So, what is a high payoff activity? It is something that will add value to your business, something that will directly bring you closer to having more clients, increasing your exposure, add value, etc.
Answering emails, doing internet research, book keeping are not high payoff activities - they are busy work and they should be delegated when possible.
At times some of these things can go undone...
okay, I am not saying don't pay your bills or answer your emails, but I have noticed that if I answer emails as they come in all day long I never really get anything done but check my emails 50 times a day.
Set aside a few times a day to answer emails and close your email box the rest of the time.
As for errands or your personal to-do list, block out some time to do this throughout the week as well, but don't make these a priority and always enlist the help of others when possible.
Start working on things that bring you closer to your goals.
You'll never get where you want to be if you continue doing busy work.
This takes practice, so be patient with yourself, but try it today.
Focus on what will bring you the greatest results.
It is okay to have a messy house, dirty laundry and some errands to run.
They'll get done - don't worry.