Let’s leave the loop of unrecorded tasks

Illustration by Hiroshi Manabe. Found here.

There is so much going on in my head. Working on one thing, I come to think of another. Waiting in line to check in for my flight, I find myself thinking of new things that need to be done in relation to the forthcoming release of that new product.

Few things feel more stress inducing than thinking more than once that I have to do something. I could easily fill my head with thoughts of just a handful of things I have to do, if I think of them over and over.

But, if I record what I have to do in a safe and swiftly reachable place, I free space in my consciousness for more valuable and inspiring thoughts. I am then able to effortlessly focus on the task at hand and I basically feel lighter.

So, what I strive for right now when it comes to productivity is to immediately make a note of all tasks that I come to think of, preferably directly in my to do-list. For me, the trigger is the second time I think “oh, yes, I need to [do that thing] and I know that it is not on my to do-list”.

I record a voice message for my assistant in the app Mailme Voice, I put a post it-note in my portable inbox or I open Things and enter the task right there.

To think of the same unrecorded task over and over makes me feel stressed and as if I have more on my plate that I am comfortable with. Instead, I want to work focused and relaxed and this is how I accomplish that.
What is your way?

David Stiernholm is a consultant who creates good structure and efficient work procedures for organizations and their people.

His book “Klart! – Bli superstrukturerad på 31 dagar” is available from April 12th 2012, published by Roos & Tegnér.

You can pre-order it and buy it here.