We all know that adopting new behaviors is so difficult. When it comes to keeping on the task it does help to look to new tools to see if they resonate with you. Listed below are the tools I use that you might be interested in using that’ll keep you on task. If it doesn’t resonate with you leave it behind and only take up what will serve you.
5. Notebook
A basic notebook that you can task out your goals for the day, week, month, and even year. The start of the week is the best way to begin here. How do you use a notebook? Personally, I like making checkboxes on the left margin with sub-tasks below. Start the week with a reflection on Monday, I make a list throughout the week. Using different colored pens helps me to keep my notebook looking more motivational and even entry items bolder.
4. Calendar
I personally use both Google Calendar and a physical Moleskine calendar. The reminder on my phone to “chime” into my day so I don’t forget meetings or tasks is crucial for me. I also love to utilize my colored pen in my physical calendar to keep it lively and give it that extra “pop” in my calendar.
3. Asana
I am very adamant with all my clients on how Asana can help task out work both internally to your team members and for external projects. You have the ability to assign and mention members and communicate directly task-by-task basis. Setting due dates and syncing dates on your Google Calendar can keep priorities in line. You can attach designs, photos, and files to tasks so it’s easy to review on the go or on your desktop for download. This App can be utilized for both your smartphone and your desktop. The App is free to use but also has a Premium package if you’d like more expansive features.
2. WIN Journal
Yes, another notebook or section of your notebook. Jot down your “wins” no matter the size. When we celebrate our wins we acknowledge achievements and that’s a healthy habit to get into. All too often we look at the big picture and spend less time recognizing the smaller yet important victories. Sketching alongside my wins and having general use of bullet points or writing a short description like a normal journal with the date.
1. Someone to keep you Accountable
Who’s your accountability person? Like Meredith and Christina in Grey’s Anatomy, you need “your person.” This person will check in with you to see how far you’ve come with reaching your desired goals. Depending on the goal at hand a weekly or monthly meeting might be enough to keep the ball rolling.
That’s my list of Top 5 Tools to Adopt to Stay on Task and I hope you took away something useful. If it doesn’t serve you, leave it behind.
