“We must always change, renew, rejuvenate ourselves; otherwise, we harden.” — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Every few months, I change how I make my ‘to do’ list or ideas list. This is a strategy to trick my mind into paying attention. It is human nature for our minds to start taking routines for granted and when this happens, we lose focus on our important processes.
I’m quite excited by how I’ve turned my ‘To Do’ list into a picture that clearly illustrates what matters most to me. Graphically I have represented many different factors at the same time on one large piece of Bristol Board.
- I created large circles (or shapes) for my current major projects. The size of the circle defines the size and significance of the project.
- I placed higher priority circles further to the left on the board.
- I created pie-shaped sections within each circle to represent the tasks. The darker the outer ring, the more important it is. And the darker ring helps to draw my focus there.
- I put red lines around the main tasks to be done in the short term.
- As I complete a task, I fill in that red pie shape with a yellow highlighter. Seeing the yellow pies rewards me with proof of my success.
- I use different thicknesses and colours of lines to interconnect overlapping activities.
- One of my circles represents how I do my ideal, perfect day, hour by hour. For example, I mark if I completed my exercise, meditation, reading, projects, writing, walking, relax time, fun time, etc.
- One of projects focuses on me personally — my lifestyle, health and growth.
I really enjoy standing up to get a good bird’s eye view of my projects and priorities. I have always known that if we change our environment, we change our perspectives. This is working well for me now. If you try this, let me know how it works for you.
~ John
“The most important thing is transforming our minds, for a new way of thinking, a new outlook: we should strive to develop a new inner world.”
— Dalai Lama
“Being willing to change allows you to move from a point of view to a viewing point — a higher, more expansive place, from which you can see both sides.”
— Thomas Crum
Reference
Journal Writing Topics – An adventure in self discovery.
Effective Time Management Skills – Making the most of your life.