Bountiful Results

Almost everyday I have a to-do list that has 20 plus tasks on it.  Some are critical and some are things that it would be nice to get to this week. As part of my personal development, I have seen just as many methods of dealing with the list.  This is one of those things that you have to try several of them and decide for yourself which one is best for your unique personality.

I have discovered a principle that has made managing the to-do list bountiful.  I must decide what is the “One Thing” for the day that will produce the most results.   It may not be the first thing that I do, but it often pushes me through the other tasks so I can get to the One Thing.  When that particular task is done, I try to pick a new One Thing as soon as possible.

The 5th component of getting bountiful results is Motivation and Accountability.  I incorporate this into the One Thing by declaring to someone else – “This is my One Thing for today”.  I have now signed my name to this task and hung my credibility on it.  If I go around saying that I am going to do something but fail to follow through, my credibility will be damaged.

My criteria for it becoming a “One Thing” item is:

• Am I the best person to do this at this time?
• Will it impact others if I do not get it done today?
• Will completing this task or project head off future problems or crisis?
• Is there a monetary loss or gain associated to this task?

Answering these questions will narrow down the list to a critical few and based on the strength of our response to each question; we will be able to set a One, Two, and Three.  Remember, after one is done, two should become our new number One.

I have taken this process a step further. I am asking, “What is my One Thing for the week?”   “What is my One Thing for the Month?”

My One Thing today was visiting a long time friend.  What is your One Thing going to be tomorrow?