Jan Copley, Attorney at Law
www.copleycoaching.com
Member of WealthCounsel

Listing, Listing

No, I am not talking about leaning sideways!

I’ve been writing about checklists and processes.  I thought I would spend one more blog posting talking about the danger and utility of one of the most humble of thought documents:  the list.

Lists can be useful.  I think there are two major reasons to use lists:  (1) as a brain dump; and (2) as a clarifying tool.

The list as brain dump.  Are you worried that you can’t remember everything you should be doing?  Do you have the nagging feeling that you are forgetting something?  Then write it down!  You can refer back to the list; you can add things to the list; you’ll feel good when you cross things off the list.

The list as clarifying tool.  You can also use a list as a means of weighing options.  Draw a line down the middle of a blank sheet of paper.  At the top of the left-hand side, write “Pro.”  At the top of the right-hand side, write “Con.”  Then, list the pros and cons of whatever it is you are debating.  After you’ve gone through this exercise, you should be in a better position to make a decision with the confidence you have decided based on something other than gut feeling.

Lists can be dangerous.  If you don’t use them correctly, lists can be dangerous things.  Writing down all of your to-dos in one place can overwhelm you.  You might get depressed and give up!  So, if that’s the case, use the list to whittle down what’s really important and set aside the remaining items for another time.
Let me know how this helps you!

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