You probably know the sense of satisfaction with which you cross a completed task off your to-do list. It arises from our unconscious tendency to complete what we started. Our brains are designed in such a way that we enjoy getting things done.

There are several methods to use this feature to your advantage.

All of them are related to the authorization mechanism of the result.

Today we will share with you a...

STICKER METHOD

First, write down the tasks for the day ahead on separate sticky notes. One sticker, one task. Then stick them on the wall above the desk (a little from the side so that they don't distract). The top row can be your three priorities for the day (you can also color-code them). All the secondary tasks you may locate below. If you wish, you can split large tasks into blocks of one pomodoro (time management app). One leaf - one pomodoro. 

Getting started on the task, remove the sticker from the wall and attach it under the monitor or near the touchpad on a laptop - where it will constantly remind you of what to focus on now.

When the task is completed, tear the sticker into small pieces and pour them into the "progress glass" on the table. As things are done, the glass fills up, which becomes a great way to authorize the result of the work done. And in general, this is a separate kind of pleasure - tearing a completed task into pieces.

Regular Goals Check

As you work towards your goal, you need to regularly check how close you are to accomplishing it. Weekly meetings and reports are common parts of corporate life, but few people make regular meetings with themselves to keep track of how things are going with their personal missions.

Productivity is not about the speed of crossing tasks off to-do lists, but about effort well spent. Without regular reflections, you can get carried away with the game of "achievement", stop distinguishing the urgent from the important and lose contact with the internal GPS. The weekly check-in will help you to remember your priorities, and adjust your plans if necessary.

Weekly Routine

On Sundays, before planning tasks for the week, it is advisable to reflect on the progress over the past week. Think about progress in relation to goals and analyze what was achieved and what difficulties arose: You can also indicate the percentage of each goal achieved.

Lessons Learned: What are the main takeaways from the ups and downs?

One Step Better: What specific steps need to be taken to make the next week better than the previous one?

Doing such assessments, you will be able to quickly understand what the real state of affairs is and where you are on the journey towards your goals.

More Articles: