Many SEOs, entrepreneurs, and just workers in general are obsessed with creating task lists. Task lists are an okay system, but they can actually hamper your production.
Let me explain why.
Like most people, if you have ever looked at a task list, you probably took the same action. You start with the easiest tasks first.
I have even witnessed “productivity gurus” suggest this method. Start with the easiest tasks first because you “build momentum” and you will feel a sense of accomplishment as you cross things off your list.
The problem with this is that you avoid the most difficult tasks, and they often will end up being put off until tomorrow. Then sometimes they get put off again until the next day.
Until you find yourself in a situation where you are up against a deadline and they need to get done.
Those difficult tasks are also often the tasks that will have the biggest impact on your business or the project you are working on.
What’s the alternative?
Try this instead.
Make a list of your 3 most important tasks and circle, star, highlight, do whatever to signify the single task that you must get done.
Now you tackle your 3 and 1 (3 most important and 1 must) tasks each day, starting first thing in the morning with the task you highlighted as the most important.
Allocate time for each one, and try to get all 3 accomplished before lunch time.
If you do this, the rest of your task list will feel like a breeze.
When should you plan your 3 and 1?
The best time to organize tomorrow is today. Don’t wait until you are starting your workday to plan your 3 and 1.
Do it the day before, just after lunch.
Do not put it off until the end of your workday or the evening. You’ll be less likely to do it.
Take just 5 minutes and sit down to organize your 3 most important tasks for tomorrow.
I’m not going to go into the science or studies about this, but if you do this early in the day, you increase the odds that your brain will work on your 3 and 1 while you sleep and think of creative ways to tackle these tasks.
This is not an original concept. I did not come up with this idea. It’s from a book I read, and highly recommend, last year called Organize Tomorrow Today.
Try this for the next 30 days on your SEO tasks, and see the difference for yourself.
