TO DO LIST

it's that joyous time of year when people will be asking about what your "new year's resolution" is. we all know that doesn't work, but goal-setting is very important, and effective, if you do it the right way.

the way to success, is the TO DO LIST. it's time to "get real", and make things happen for yourself. the TDL allows you to hold yourself accountable, and keep tabs of what positive steps you're actually making.

to take that one step further, i'm going to make myself REALLY accountable, and post my TDL on this blog. feel free to call my bluff if i'm slipping.

i'm quite familiar with the TDL, so i figured i'd share a few tips and tricks.


The Rules for an Effective To-Do List (TDL)

- Include deadlines for tasks you've procrastinated on
- To Do Lists can be short term, or long term. I prefer to call the long-term lists a "plan". Don't mix the two together. I find it easiest to make a large list of small goals with a 4-6 month expiry, and then tuck away a 2-5 year plan in a drawer somewhere. Mixing big and small goals, like 1. Get hair cut, and 2. Buy a house, should not be on the same list unless you're actually capable of executing both in a timely fashion.
- Don't be vague. For example, don't say "Get Fit", say "train to climb the Grouse Grind in 60 minutes" (clearly, not a real goal of mine).
- Keep your list handy in a purse or wallet. It feels damn good when you can pull that list out and check something off. GO, YOU!
- Don't feel too bad about making a "wuss goal" at first. For example, if you're quitting smoking, don't feel guilty about putting "I will only smoke on Friday, Saturday and Sunday" on the list, when you know you want to quit entirely. You are taking a step in the right direction, and that's a hell of a lot more than you've been doing so far... right?
- Once you finish your TDL, write up a new one. This is why a "wuss goal" is allowed - you will always have a stern follow up to-do until you meet your bigger goal.
- If you're asking, "Does this mean I will perpetually have a TDL once I start?", the answer is YES, if you're doing it right.

here goes:

TDL - EXPIRY DATE: APRIL 30, 2011

1. Turn my "restaurant shopping" into something productive, by blogging once a week
2. Get my ass to the gym, by February 28, 2011 (and yes, I mean even if it's just once. I've procrastinated on this one for YEARS).
3. Go to RBC and top up RRSP
4. Contact Flight Centre again about that incredible job posting after January 1st, and prior to January 5th, 2011.
5. Start doing 20 squats a day, 30 weight lifts for each arm, and 30 sit ups 5 days a week.
6. Cook a legitimate dinner for myself (aka not Kraft Dinner or Campbell's Soup), at least once a week.


Starting... NOW!