I have a very busy schedule and try not to bite off more than I can chew. Further, I do not believe in dropping balls or bowing out of commitments. Therefore, over the years, I have developed and implemented processes, procedures and systems that allow me to do more with less. The key? Checklists.
I have checklists for almost everything, and I use them in both my professional and personal lives. For example, I have checklists that I use when developing proposals for prospective clients; signing new clients, hiring new associates and, of course, one for terminating them. I have a checklist for making travel arrangements, scheduling meetings and developing PowerPoint presentations.
On the personal side, I have a checklist for planning vacations, packing clothes and purchasing holiday gifts. I also have a checklist to follow when I win the lottery. Yes, you read that right!
By now, you may have concluded that I am anal. I would, however, use other words – “thorough” and “detailed oriented” come to mind. I cannot begin to tell you how much time I have saved by developing and using checklists. While others are scrambling, stressing and procrastinating, I am planning, implementing and relaxing. I take the time to develop a checklist “on the front end” to save time “on the back end.” Why invent the wheel over and over again, when you can simply document the invention via a checklist and use it over and over again?
Instead of stressing about a project and trying to remember all the steps I followed when I completed a similar project a year or so ago, I simply locate the project checklist, revise it as needed and implement it. It’s really that simple. Don’t believe me? Check my blood pressure level and then compare it to yours.
How about you? Which processes, procedures and/or systems have been your saving grace? Are you interested in seeing one of my checklists? If so, please e-mail me: [email protected].
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