We all need to get things done.

So what do we do? We make a checklist!

If you're like me, you've had days where there are a half dozen, half-finished checklists hanging around. I've had days where I took a stack of these miserable lists, and used them to create a new checklist...one so long I couldn't get it done either. The next day looked even bleaker.

We need to be effective - to Get Things Done!

Usually we resort to checklists when we need to get things done. To make it happen. To catch up. But putting it on the list doesn't necessarily mean it's going to get done. In my years as an organizational consultant and coach, I've learned a few tricks we can use to make the kind of checklist that actually gets done.

I call it an Action List!

The first thing I do is separate the mishmash checklist (we've all made these) from the Action List. An Action List is uniquely designed to make executing and completing your workload easier. So if you want to stop stacking up checklists, get in the zone with the Action List!

Here's how to make an easy-to-execute Action List:

There are 4 major things that make one list easier to complete than another - even if they involve getting the same things done!

1. Write so you can Do.

First, you write the list items in a "ready to do" format. Start each one with a doable word (a verb, for all the grammar nerds out there.) This is the step that makes each of these items "actionable." To do this effectively, make sure each item includes only one action. Bundling tasks together may make your list look shorter, but it makes it harder to actually get it done.

EXAMPLES:
"Write Wednesday Report"
"Finish Folding Laundry"
"Email Rob with Business Info"
"Think Through Summer Schedule"

2. Anticipate the Sticking Points

Execution of our lists gets stalled out when we forget to plan for which items require the actions of others, or depend on finishing other action items first. When planning your list, simply identifying and noting which ones need to be done first, or require action from others keeps us from hitting that list item and having a momentum stall out.

3. Identify what Winning Looks Like

Pretend you're not going to finish the whole list for a second. Answer the question "I would be victorious if - and only if - I get ________ done." The better you get at identifying the win (and not just defaulting to "I would be victorious if I get everything done"), the more you can trust that you make meaningful progress every day. "Winning" requires taking your schedule into account as well - not just your "to-dos" in a vacuum.

4. Estimate Execution Order

Resist the urge to organize your list in order of "Importance." Taking action becomes easier and more efficient when you put your list in the order you see them getting done, rather than listing them from most-to-least important. (Or what we sometimes do - list them in the order they tumble out of my head.)

*One thing that helps me estimate the order of execution is writing my list of the day's appointments along the right hand side of my list. By having that schedule in front of me, it makes it easier to see what order I can get to different tasks in, and takes my location into account.

Watch the free group coaching I did Live on Facebook to learn more!

See the video to learn the answer to my 4 most Frequently Asked Questions about making an action list that works!

1. What if my list gets too long?

2. How can I accomplish tasks that depend on others?

3. How do I figure out what "winning" looks like?

4. What is the trick for executing REALLY FAST?!