Stage Time: To-Do to To-DONE!

How long is your “to-do” list? Maybe, if you are like me, a better question is how many lists do you have?  I started finding that I had “to-dos” to remind me to check other “to-do” lists. Yikes! I found I was soon forgetting my master “to-do” list. Ugh. Something’s got to give. I don’t know about you, but when I get overwhelmed, I tend to shut down. That doesn’t relieve stress, it adds to it.
I tried using the “to-do” list on my smart phone, but, honestly, I did not use it. I tend to be old school, and finding a piece of paper seemed to be what worked best for me. I enjoyed the drama of a black sharpie cross-off to celebrate something’s getting done. It feels good.
I also had been getting caught up a bit in new relationship bliss and let my “to-dos” go to the back burner. I have no regrets for that; I’m just feeling it is time to start kicking butt again. My new girlfriend Cathey and I decided we both needed to gain some momentum in our businesses. We decided to help each other out and planned to be “accountability partners.” (She’s not a fan of the term “buddies.”) Though I’m far from a relationship expert, I believe that you feel better when someone you trust is keeping you accountable for your own progress. It is healthier for the relationship, too.
Our plan was to have a spreadsheet with two different tabs, one for each of us. Since she is smarter and more technical than I am, she suggested using a shared Google doc. I thought it was a good idea, but honestly I was not excited about learning how to use a new tool.
When Cathey told her friend, Tom Cox, about our plan, he suggested trying KanBanFlow.com. He sent over an invitation to join a board. Honestly, I decided I’d look at it later. I had too much on my plate. Cathey jumped in and started setting up a KanBan “board” for both of us. She thought it was cool and sent me an invitation. Now I had to make it a priority to look at.
Wow, I was intrigued. It looked like a very simple to-do list. I really liked the look of the interface. I dove in a little deeper. It was actually quite easy to use and seemed fun. Fun? Yeah, fun. The really cool part is also sharing it with your accountability partner. They can see what you are up to and help keep you on track. I could see how it could be used for projects or mastermind groups. I’m now very excited about my long list of “to-dos.” I find this tool cool.
The most valuable tools you have are the ones you use. I have some software programs that I paid for, opened, yet never used. I have two video cameras, one that cost $1000 and one that cost $300. The one that I use most often is the one that is easier to use, the $300 one. That does not mean the more expensive one does not have its place, but I use the less expensive one more often. It is easier and faster to use and almost as good. When you can get so excited about a tool that you use it often, it is valuable.
Thank you, Cathey and Tom. Usually I write articles about what works for me. I just started using it on Friday last week, so I don’t really have long-term results, but I do know that I’m excited again. That is good. This no-cost online tool is cool. I get nothing for recommending it. I just want to help you through my experience. I believe that progress is the best cure for feeling overwhelmed.
My thought for you is this. Find a tool or a system that works for you. Find an accountability partner whom you trust and who you know has your best interest in mind. Make sure they will be honest and encouraging, and you’ll start feeling better, because more of your “to-dos” will become “to-dones.”
Please share your thoughts below!
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