Recently I was able to talk with Paula Rizzo about the power of lists. Paula is known as the master of lists and the following are her insights in how we can use lists to be more productive.
I've always been a list maker. I make lists about just about anything because it helps me to stay focused, be more productive and efficient. From grocery shopping to looking for an apartment or planning a wedding or
vacation...I rely on lists to help me get things accomplished and
organized. I even make tough decisions using pros and cons lists. I've
started a blog about my compulsive list making -- http://www.listproducer.com

I use them at work as well. I'm an Emmy Award winning TV producer and I
attribute much of my success to my compulsive list making. Once something
is written down it becomes a goal and serves as a map to get you to your
desired outcome. Each night before I leave work -- I run through the
following day in my head and write down everything that I need to do. Any
appointments, scripts I need to write, phone calls I need to make -- it all
gets put down on my list. Then when I come in the next morning -- I hit
the ground running...I have my road map for the day and I don't have to
think about what needs to get done -- I just start working.

How lists help to maximize your time:

A list is like a shortcut or a cheat sheet to help you work towards your
goal. If you write down the questions you should ask your doctor before
you get to your appointment -- you won't forget what you wanted to find
out. You won't waste time contacting the office again to ask the questions
you forgot about. Making a list of the things that are important to you
when searching for an apartment or home will allow you to focus on what's
important to you. That way you won't waste time going back to the location
to check how many closets are in each room. If it was on your
well-constructed checklist, you'll get your information the first time.

At work -- using lists help to maximize your time because you can refer to
it throughout the day and add to it if you need to. For instance -- how
many times have you been pulled way from a project and forget what you're
doing? If I get interrupted by a phone call or visitor -- I write on my
list exactly what I was in the middle of doing so I can pick it up later.

Why lists are good tools for time management:

Lists are good tools for time management because they force you to direct
your attention at your tasks. As long as you organize your list in a way
that works for you -- you are set up for success. You can organize them by
date, time or project. Having everything you need to do on a list will
help to keep your eye on the prize.


You can check out more of her advice about lists on her site.