List by puuikibeach

List, a photo by puuikibeach on Flickr.

I’m in the middle of a product launch and I’ve forgotten I need to host a BBQ on Sunday.
In reality I have enough time but I’ve been so busy that I don’t really have the headspace to allocate to any planning right now .  I’m looking forward to the event but not the organisation. I want a bit of chill out time on the weekend.

This is where I pull out my ultimate time saving tool for these occasions.

The planning list.
You see, someone excellent at organisation has already gone and done the thinking work of planning the perfect BBQ and they’ve put the list on the Internet.

All you have to do is pull off a list with preparation steps and shopping items then you’re good to go.  It’s then just a matter of allocating the time and following the list.  No more sitting down planning with a resistant brain and then hoping that you don’t miss anything.  No need to allocate buffer time because you know you’ll probably have to run to the shops to pick up something you missed.  It’s like having your own personal planner to plan for you.

In the chapter on organization in my book I advise to get rid of to-do lists as they have a habit of growing and becoming overwhelming.
However I love procedures and lists as they are repeatable,  produce consistency and save time.  They are not limited to business they can be used for any repeatable event or procedure.

You can find lists for common tasks using Google.  Once found, pull off a ready made list and adapt for your purposes.  Have a quick run through of what you will be doing and see if anything is missing then you’re good to go.

The one critical list I couldn’t live without is the packing list.  Perfect for travel.  I have gotten my packing down to 20mins actual packing plus a bit of time doing the prep a few days in advance.  Since using packing lists, I’ve never had the problem of arriving at my destination and realizing I have to buy another plug adapter or a tooth brush.

Where can you find lists?

For packing lists – http://www.packinglistonline.com/

For general lists go to:  www.ziplist.com
Do you use lists or have any useful ideas for lists?