Do lists drive you nuts! Does the idea of putting one together cause you to break out in a rash? You know they are important to keep you on track and on task to get things done. There is a way to get the most out of your valuable time without spending half of it jotting down To Do lists.
This will be a ‘Do as I say, not as I do’ pieces. My career has lead me into the Software Project Management field where everything is Task, Resource, Milestone, and Time Line driven. Watch my wife’s eyes roll as I announce to her before our next vacation, “I have everything planned out on my blackberry”. Spontaneous , what is that? On the other hand, my close friends constantly ask me how I find the time to get so much done. Personally, I have one HUGE To Do list, prioritize and organized to the day for the next 3-4 weeks out! This works for me but there is an easier way that will absolutely work for you.
Most to Least important
This might seem straight forward but it is so important. Work on the tasks that are most important. You will feel more accomplishment and reward in getting these done than finishing the low priority tasks. It’s better to finish one very important thing than 10 non-important things.
Least to Most Favorite
For years I felt that I could answer all my Emails before hitting my To Do list. I really enjoy chatting about reptiles and answering questions. With about 50 Emails a day, I can easily sit in front of the computer and not get one other task done in an entire evening. Years ago, I changed my routine. I pick the one thing I really don’t like to work on and work on this first. I use Email and Facebook as a reward.
Pieces
One of the classic Project Management principles, break big tasks down into little ones. So simple but effective- it needs to be repeated here. If you find yourself struggling to start a major project, break it down to small pieces- Example, Building a Reptile Rack. Break it down- Research, buy material, cut wood, put together, and add animals. Start by spending a couple hours checking on-line for good plans. Later, go out and get the materials you need. If you take a big project, break it down, and do smaller tasks, before you know it, you will have the whole thing done.
Physical Management Schedule
Say What? Let me explain- This is easier than it sounds- group similar activities together. When I work in the reptile room, I start and finish groups of tasks that are related- Ex. Saturday, I need to clean some tanks, photograph animals, put them on our web page, and feed the animals. To streamline, I will feed tanks and clean all the animals at one time. Then photograph the animals, then finally upload and put them on the web. All the work in the facility will happen at one time THEN I will come up stairs and work with the photos. Group your physical activities together to save time.
I hope these simple tricks will help you to save time in your reptile keeping hobby and give you more time to enjoy your wonderful pets!
