The to-do-list habit that changed everything.
There’s something about a clear workspace that just invites productivity. That open space with only one point of focus invites possibility.
Unfortunately, the flip side is true. A cluttered workspace devours focus and energy, leaving you in a reactive rather than creative space.
But I’m not just talking about your desk. I’m talking about your mind.
The clutter in your mental workspace has a greater impact on your productivity than the clutter in your physical workspace.
A typical solution to a cluttered workspace is the to-do list.
Have you ever had a list of to-dos and focused on the easiest but less impactful tasks? Or writing down things you just spent an hour doing so you could then cross them off?
I know I have.
I get it. We all want to make progress. And nothing feels better than crossing something off the list.
While a junk-drawer-style to-do list with everything on it may help you feel progress, it doesn't help you get where you truly want to go.
And that’s when the MinimalList comes in.
The MinimalList has been a game-changer for me.
It's simple and effective. Here's how it works.
Just like having a clear physical workspace makes an enormous difference, having a clear mental workspace will level up your focus and productivity.
The MinimalList has three sections that mirror your physical workspace.
If you only got one thing done today, what would it be?
Here are two evaluative questions to help you identify your priorities.
You want to find something that, at the end of the day, you feel good about because you got it done. So you could say, “I didn’t get some other things done, but I got done what was most important.”
Only completing one task might sound like getting less done. But imagine you finished the most critical thing you could do 300 days out of the year. That would be a great year.
It’s about focus and moving what’s most important across the finish line before you reach for any other tasks. And definitely before opening your email.
You want your life to have meaning and impact.
What if your everyday work and life not only felt natural and intuitive but also aligned with your priorities and positively impacted those around you?
Now that your top priority is complete, you can reach for one of your two high-impact tasks.
These are likely tasks that were in contention for your top priority. Here are two questions to help you
I recommend taking each task one at a time and pushing through to completion. You don’t get points unless the ball crosses the goal line, and the MinimalList helps you stop starting and start finishing.
The real power comes from staying focused on the top priority and not getting distracted by the quick but less critical tasks.
Your top priority or high-impact tasks often take some time. And this can take a toll on your energy and focus. The Pomodoro Technique is an excellent strategy to stay focused and finish your essential tasks.
Here’s how it works. Set a timer for 45 minutes and only work on the task currently in focus. When the timer goes off, take a 5-minute break. Stand up, walk around, stretch, and get some coffee, but just for 5 minutes. Repeat this 3 times, then take a longer 20-minute break. Altogether you’ve used 2 hours and 45 minutes, and the majority was spent on focused work.
You can repeat this cycle as often as you need to finish your high-impact tasks.
Way to go! You’ve completed your top priority for the day, along with two additional high-impact tasks.
Honestly, it would be a good day if you stopped right there and did nothing else. But there are likely some other things you felt you needed to do.
Now that the top of the desk is clear, it’s ok to open the drawer and see what you want to pull out.
Here are the types of tasks you might have waiting in the drawer.
Don’t dump the drawer on the desk.
Most likely, the tasks you place in the drawer will be smaller and should still be taken one at a time and moved to completion.
I also suggest keeping this list limited to five items. This limit will force prioritization even for your lower-priority to-dos.
The real power of the MinimalList is its daily application.
Try writing this list out each night for the next day. When you create the list for tomorrow, you’re separated just enough to be objective and avoid a takeover from the urgent but unimportant tasks.
Now you can begin your daily ready to go. The focus is on finishing the top priority before you open your email.
If you miss a day, it’s ok. Just restart the next one.
If you have unfinished tasks, don’t automatically carry them to the next day. They may show up there, but it’s better to start with a fresh list and evaluate what is most important now.
It takes discipline to establish this habit, but it will be a game changer as you intentionally target your everyday focus.
Honestly, this one is mostly preference. I’ve done both and will actually now go back and forth with whichever feels right because they are both fully effective.
So take your pick, which could be both.
For the longest time, I just kept the list in my calendar. I have an event scheduled every night from 9:00 to 9:05 to remind me to set the priorities for the next day.
In the event description is a template for writing out my list.
Once I create my lists, I save the event with the updated description, and I’m done. I don’t look at it again till the next day.
A calendar app can also be helpful when something new and vital comes up during the day. I might open my task for that night and tentatively add the task wherever I think it might end up for the next day. This habit gets it out of my head and lets me get back to focusing.
With so much of my life in a digital world, I often crave the analog.
My go-to is sticky notes when I want to write with a pen. But it doesn’t take long before an ocean of notes accumulates and drowns my productivity.
That’s why I created my own MinimalList notes. It’s a simple notepad I can use to order the day's tasks. I don’t tear it off until the day is done, and I’m making a list for tomorrow.
I have to say. There is something really satisfying about the sound my pen makes when I cross something off.
Whichever method you use, here are five common pitfalls you will need to avoid when using to-do lists.
Decluttering your mental workspace will help you focus on what’s most important each day. You will discover the cumulative impact of staying with your priorities day in and day out over time.
You can start today.
Choose where you want to keep your MinimalList and write down your tiered priorities for the day. If it’s already the end of the day, write them down for tomorrow.
Remember, the real power comes from staying focused on the top priority and not getting distracted by the quick but less critical tasks. So start with your one priority task and work it till completion.
Some steps you can take include:
If you keep this prioritized focus each day, you’ll begin to move from constantly trying to catch up to seeing your progress and knowing you’re ahead of the game.
Goal setting is the process of identifying specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives that you want to achieve. It involves determining what you want to accomplish, defining clear objectives, and developing a plan for achieving those objectives.
By setting goals, you can clarify your priorities, focus your efforts, measure progress, and ultimately achieve success.
Goal setting is an important skill that can help you in both your personal and professional life, enabling you to make progress towards your desired outcomes and improve your overall performance.
Learn more about how to effectively set goals.
Goal setting is important for several reasons:
In summary, goal setting is important because it provides direction and focus, increases motivation, enhances productivity and performance, provides a sense of purpose and meaning, enables personal growth and development, and increases confidence and self-esteem.
Learn more about how to effectively set goals.
There are many benefits of setting goals, including:
Overall, setting goals is an important tool for personal and professional growth, enabling you to achieve success and realize your full potential.
Learn more about how to effectively set goals.
Absolutely, goal setting can indeed help you find direction in your life. Goals act like a compass, guiding you towards the things you want to achieve and helping you determine the path to get there. Here's how goal setting can provide direction:
So, if you're feeling lost or unsure about the direction of your life, setting some goals might be a good place to start. Remember to make your goals SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to increase your chances of success.
Learn more about how to effectively set goals.
Setting goals is an important process, but there are several common mistakes that people often make. Here are some of the most common mistakes:
By avoiding these common mistakes and setting clear, realistic, and aligned goals, you can increase your chances of achieving your desired outcomes.
Learn more about how to effectively set goals.
Goal setting is a powerful tool that can lead to success in both your personal and professional life. Setting and achieving goals has been a significant part of my personal and professional life.
When done right, goal setting can act as your personal GPS, guiding you toward success in both life and work. With clear objectives, you can navigate your path and make consistent, intentional decisions that lead toward the life you want to live.
Here's why goal setting is a game-changer:
But for this to happen, your goals must be clear, actionable and your own.
Below, I’ll give a more in-depth look at five benefits, three pitfalls, and an opportunity I believe will help you not only set but also achieve your goal.
Let’s get started. Here's how setting goals can be your ultimate success tool:
Aligning your goals with your values and passions is crucial to ensure long-term motivation and satisfaction. Here are some steps to help you do this:
Remember, when your goals align with your values and passions, you're more likely to feel fulfilled and satisfied when you reach them. It also makes the journey towards achieving your goals more enjoyable and rewarding.
Learn more about how to effectively set goals.
Absolutely, goal setting can indeed help you find direction in your life. Goals act like a compass, guiding you towards the things you want to achieve and helping you determine the path to get there. Here's how goal setting can provide direction:
So, if you're feeling lost or unsure about the direction of your life, setting some goals might be a good place to start. Remember to make your goals SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to increase your chances of success.
Learn more about how to effectively set goals.
Prioritizing goals can be a challenging task, but it's crucial to ensure you're working on what matters most. Here are some steps to help you prioritize your goals:
By following these steps, you can create a clear roadmap for achieving your goals based on their importance, urgency, resource requirements, and alignment with your overall life objectives.
Learn more about how to effectively set goals.
Overcoming obstacles is an important part of achieving your goals. Here are some strategies you can use to overcome obstacles and stay on track:
By using these strategies, you can overcome obstacles that may prevent you from achieving your goals and stay on track towards your desired outcomes.
Learn more about how to effectively set goals.
Prioritizing goals can be a challenging task, but it's crucial to ensure you're working on what matters most. Here are some steps to help you prioritize your goals:
By following these steps, you can create a clear roadmap for achieving your goals based on their importance, urgency, resource requirements, and alignment with your overall life objectives.
Learn more about how to effectively set goals.
The frequency with which you should review your goals can depend on the nature of the goals themselves. However, a common recommendation is to review them regularly to ensure you're making progress and staying on track. Here are some general guidelines:
Remember, these are just guidelines. The key is to find a review frequency that works best for you and your specific goals. Regular review ensures you stay accountable, track your progress, and make necessary adjustments to your plans.
Learn more about how to effectively set goals.
The number of goals you should have at one time can vary greatly depending on your individual capacity, resources, and circumstances. However, a common recommendation is to focus on a few key goals at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed and ensure that you can devote sufficient time and energy to each goal.
The truth is, fewer goals mean more focus. AND more achieving.
So, how many goals should you aim for?
It depends on your timeline.
If we’re talking about annual goals, then maybe 8-10 or just enough to cover different areas of your life—like your health, career, and relationships—without leaving you overwhelmed.
8-10 Annual goals will break down to about 2-3 goals a quarter, which allows you to focus your attention and energy long enough to make a significant impact.
Now, if we’re talking about daily goals, we teach in our Goal Focus Coaching Program to have no more than 3 priority actions a day. That may not seem like a lot, but when you stack it day after day, it has over 1,000 priority actions for the year. That impact is huge.
Having a limited number of goals allows you to focus and make meaningful progress. If you spread yourself too thin across many goals, you may find it difficult to make significant progress in any area.
Remember, it's not about the quantity of goals, but the quality of your focus and effort towards achieving them. It's better to fully commit to a few important goals than to juggle many goals without making substantial progress.
Keep in mind that everyone's capacity for goal-setting is different, and what works best for you might be different from what works for someone else. It's crucial to find a balance that feels manageable and aligns with your personal aspirations and lifestyle.
Learn more about how to effectively set goals.
Goal setting is just the start. Goal achieving is what we all really want, and keeping track is where the magic happens.
At Everyday Design, we want to help you build momentum toward your goals. When you begin stacking daily wins, something magical happens—you feel progress. This momentum fuels your focus and commitment, even through setbacks and detours.
If you want to measure progress toward your goals, follow these steps.
Below I break down each step into more detail to help you stay on the path to success!
Celebrating your achievements is an important part of the goal-setting process. It helps to reinforce positive behavior, keeps you motivated, and gives you a sense of accomplishment. Here are some ways to celebrate achieving your goals.
Remember, the celebration should be proportionate to the size and significance of the achievement. Small victories deserve recognition too, but they might not warrant the same level of celebration as larger, more significant achievements. The key is to find a way to celebrate that feels rewarding and meaningful to you.
Learn more about how to effectively set goals.
Servant leadership is a leadership philosophy and management style that emphasizes the importance of serving others first before considering one's own needs and desires. It's an approach to leadership that focuses on the well-being and growth of others, rather than solely on achieving organizational goals.
A servant leader prioritizes the needs of their followers or team members, providing them with support, guidance, and mentorship. They are committed to empowering their team members to reach their full potential and achieve their goals.
Some common characteristics of servant leaders include:
Overall, servant leadership is about creating a supportive and empowering environment for others to thrive. By prioritizing the needs of their followers, a servant leader can inspire trust, loyalty, and commitment, ultimately leading to better outcomes for the organization as a whole.
Learn more about how to cultivate servant leadership.
Servant leadership can be beneficial in the workplace in a number of ways, including:
Overall, servant leadership can lead to a more positive, productive, and fulfilling workplace environment, benefiting both employees and the organization as a whole.
Learn more about how to cultivate servant leadership.
Servant leadership differs from many other leadership styles in several key ways:
Overall, servant leadership is characterized by a focus on serving others, prioritizing empathy and collaboration, and taking a humble and accountable approach to leadership. While other leadership styles may be effective in different contexts, servant leadership can be a powerful tool for creating positive change and empowering others to reach their full potential.
Learn more about how to cultivate servant leadership.
Team leadership is a management approach focused on leading and guiding a group of individuals working together towards a common goal. A team leader is responsible for providing direction, support, and guidance to the team members, while fostering a positive and productive work environment.
Team leadership involves setting clear goals and expectations for the team, communicating effectively, and building trust and relationships with team members. It also involves empowering team members to take ownership of their work and contribute their unique skills and perspectives to the team's success.
Some key characteristics of effective team leadership include:
Overall, team leadership is a collaborative and empowering approach to management that values communication, trust-building, and results-driven performance.
There are several different styles of team leadership, including:
Overall, each style of team leadership has its own strengths and weaknesses, and effective leaders may use a combination of different styles depending on the situation and the needs of their team.
There are several key skills required for effective team leadership, including:
Overall, effective team leadership requires a combination of interpersonal, decision-making, and management skills, as well as the ability to inspire and empower team members to work collaboratively towards shared goals.
Servant leadership is a leadership philosophy and management style that emphasizes the importance of serving others first before considering one's own needs and desires. It's an approach to leadership that focuses on the well-being and growth of others, rather than solely on achieving organizational goals.
A servant leader prioritizes the needs of their followers or team members, providing them with support, guidance, and mentorship. They are committed to empowering their team members to reach their full potential and achieve their goals.
Some common characteristics of servant leaders include:
Overall, servant leadership is about creating a supportive and empowering environment for others to thrive. By prioritizing the needs of their followers, a servant leader can inspire trust, loyalty, and commitment, ultimately leading to better outcomes for the organization as a whole.
Learn more about how to cultivate servant leadership.
Are you striving to align your goals with your values and passions?
Wondering how to measure progress or break down large goals into manageable steps?
Are you ready to transform your dreams into reality?
Our Goal Focus Guide + Worksheet is designed for you to discover how effective goal setting can transform your personal and professional life.
Download the Goal Focus Worksheet