Step 1: Brainstorm your Lists

  • Writing down everything you’re working on right now
    • Check to do lists
    • Check emails
    • Check calendars

Step 2: Follow 10-15 Rule

  • The point of a project list is focus. It makes the invisible progress you do everyday, visible
  • When you get stuck on a project, projects helps you switch to other projects seamlessly

Step 3: Identify False Projects

Common items that sneak into a project list:

  • Dreams: Projects with no deadline
  • Hobby: Projects with no specific goal
  • Areas: Ongoing areas of responsibility that don’t really end
  • Megaprojects: A collection of sub-projects

Step 4: More than 15 Projects?

  1. Move to least urgent to “future projects” note
  2. Say no or negotiate your commitments

See also