[Wheresmychin]

Yes, for the first time in my life, I have a " to do" list.

Unlike many of my colleagues, I am not a Type A personality. My admin skills are almost conspicuous in their absence.

However, I have recently created a list of things that I have been putting off doing for months and I am slowly working my way through the list.
What am amazing feeling to cross off items.

I can only say that changing my lifestyle/ eating habits has had some amazing side effects / spin offs in the way I live my life.

I crossed off a biggie yesterday and woke this morning with a renewed energy.

I highly recommend that if you don't have a to do list, that you start one.

To all the " to do" list pro's , Any advise on a good app to use for keeping your list current?

[ImImportant]

I read a book titled Getting Things Done by David Allen.

The most useful thing I remember (although there were any a-ha! moments)
When clearing your desk make a rule that you have to do something with everything you touch. Make a decision then and there to either "do it, delegate it, defer it, drop it" . After you do that your desk should be clean. You can't put it aside and create a smaller pile.

If it is a email that you opened that needs to be answered. Do it. If you need more information or input from someone else, Delegate it. If you are no longer working on the project or know it to be compete. Drop it. If you have requested information and are waiting for a call back. Defer it (but follow up).
I usually start the process with a trash can and accordion file next to me. If I do it every week I have no problem leaving a neat desk on Fridays.

I liked the book and it was helpful in taming my slight procrastination tendencies.

[laciemn]

I, too, struggled with lack of organization and planning. I know follow a weekly planner. What I do is first, think about how busy you are on any given day and if you are already busy, only add a little bit to your list. Also, once you've added what you know you can accomplish, add more more item. That way, you can get it out of the way if you have the energy to do it and have one less thing for tomorrow.

[betsy2013]

I'm just a big list maker and then I review the list, star them in priority/importance order and work in that order. Every morning though I used to start the day with doing one item on my list that was small, could be accomplished in under 15 minutes, and genuinely needed to be done. That way I started off the day with a "win."

My sister used to crack me up with her lists for the house. She kept it taped to the inside of a cupboard door and the last item on the list was......Start A New List!

[Roo2]

I too feel when you check of something on your to do list it gives you a sense of empowerment and spurs you to move forward !
I setup little tasks or mini goals that I can complete and then give myself Positive Strokes! I find by giving myself positive messages it help me want to accomplish more!
Especially by nature I am a procrastinator and probably take too much on ...and put myself at the bottom of the list...so when I can check things off I do a Happy Dance!
Good Luck,Roo2