Throw those lists away!

Are you a list maker?

Here’s the thing about lists.  They never end!  There is always something to add.

We never feel done.  Accomplished.  Satisfied.

Especially if you’re a woman.

The mental load we hold as women is extraordinary.

Here is the thing about making those lists:

• It feels like you accomplish something just by making a list.  Your brain literally believes that some work has been done and says, “Ok, the list is made.  We can rest now.”

• The lists are EVERYWHERE!  On your phone, in your pocket, on the blackboard, on the calendar, in your journal……..The list goes on (lol)

• The list is LONG!  It’s so long in fact, that your brain immediately looks for the easiest things on that list and does them.  Unfortunately, the easy things on the list are not the things that really need to get done.

• The hard things stay on the list FOREVER.  They are carried over day to day and week to week.

• Then you feel like shit because it feels like nothing gets done.

• You’re overwhelmed by the list. 

Here is my strategy for making an effective list:

• CONSTRAINT

• The list goes in one place only.  Whether it’s written on your palm, on the phone, or on a piece of paper.  Only ONE list at a time is allowed.

• The maximum amount of “to-do’s” on the list is 3.

• That’s right, only 3 things.  Prioritize and constrain.

• Do the “hardest” thing on the list first.

• Then do the other 2 things.

• Then make a new list.

Why does this work? 

Your brain is used to being confused due to the amount of information constantly coursing through it.

Focus and concentration are built in small doses.

You will connect different synapses in your brain when you do something differently than you’re used to.

The rewards will come frequently and your brain will say “Wow!  Excellent job getting that list done!”

You will feel lighter and happier because your brain will tell you that you have accomplished what you set out to do and it will be true!

Check it out next time you are tempted to make that long list and let me know what you think!

This is just one of the ways we learn how to manage our brains in coaching.  When we use the concept of constraint by making small lists, we get used to being constrained in other areas of our lives.  Constraint is one of the most useful tools available to us.

We spend ALOT of time managing our brains in coaching.  

Learn more here

Love,

Sheila