Art of Manliness

Do you use a checklist?

I've set major and minor goals for myself. I created a blueprint for my life which is where most of the goals were derived. I wrote a daily checklist I use to ensure I’m on track and accomplishing these goals. When I arrive home in the evening I read down the list and check off the tasks. The items are time based, milestone based, or some are just to make sure I did them no matter how long it took or how much I accomplished. The reason I use this method is to keep me on track and ensure I better myself. Otherwise I would go home and waste the evening in front of the TV or playing computer games.

Just wondering if anyone else has done something similar to this or if I'm a loon?

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Permalink Reply by David F. on April 10, 2012 at 8:42am

I am trying to get back in the habit of using a day planner myself. Actually having to work with pen and paper and the feedback it gives. By marking when I do things through out the day both gives a sense of accomplishment and feedback if I miss things regularly or mis schedule them.

My long term goals are checked off by the degrees earned or the money allocated. I set up a plan and follow the plan. There have been some shifts and re-allocations of course.

So you are not the only loon.

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Permalink Reply by JonEdanger on April 10, 2012 at 8:48am

I was a Franklin Planner addict from 1986 through 2010. I finally kicked the habit permanently after researching GTD and finding toodledo.com. It syncs between all my various devices.

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Permalink Reply by David F. on April 10, 2012 at 1:47pm

I looked at them but did not see the feed back aspect as well. Could be I am a pen and paper person when it comes to that stuff.

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Permalink Reply by Daniel Gaston on April 10, 2012 at 1:53pm

Thanks for the recommendation. I had started using Todoist.com but it's free version is pretty basic. This looks like it might have some of the extra features I could really use. Does it sync with Google Calendar at all? Because that would be awesome

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Permalink Reply by JonEdanger on April 10, 2012 at 1:58pm

Yes, it does. I don't use that integration because I don't use Google Calendar so I can't vouch for it.

http://www.toodledo.com/tools/index.php

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Permalink Reply by Daniel Gaston on April 10, 2012 at 2:11pm

Yeah, I have a phone running Android so I quickly started using Google Calendar for all my appointments and important reminders. So the easier I can integrate a tool with things I already use the better in terms of productivity. Thanks, this tool looks like it might be nearly perfect. Todoist looked fairly simple and straightforward but requires a paid (cheap) subscription for some of the more advanced features

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Permalink Reply by JonEdanger on April 10, 2012 at 2:18pm

I have a Pro subscription for $15/yr. They have a Pro Plus package that includes storage space, but I don't need that.

Let me know if you're thinking about getting a Pro subscription. I'd get a referral bonus (not that I'm promoting it for that).

Link for referral:

http://www.toodledo.com/index.php?ref=td4d34df6f1a0e5

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Permalink Reply by Daniel Gaston on April 10, 2012 at 2:21pm

Thanks, I may look in to it once I get using it a bit more. Subtasks is a big one although it is easy enough to break down bigger tasks into multiple tasks in a project most of the time anyway

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Permalink Reply by Chuck Knight on April 10, 2012 at 2:23pm

Not only do I use checklists, I actually suggest that my customers use them, too.

I fix computers for a living...and make house calls. It is in my best interest, and theirs, for my customers to jot down a list of their issues, so I can be certain they are addressed.

How many times have we each said "darn, I wish I'd mentioned..." AFTER the repairman leaves?

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Permalink Reply by Carl Monster on April 10, 2012 at 2:35pm

We make our clients do them too, only we give it a fancy name: Program.

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Permalink Reply by Adam R Todd on April 10, 2012 at 3:35pm

I use checklists all the time, every day. Nothing feels better than checking or crossing something off the list. I don't use a checklist as intentionally as you do -- in terms of as part of a blueprint for life. But, you challenged me to think about doing that. Thank you.