Checklists
Often times, checklists don't get the appreciation they deserve. A good checklist when used for the right purpose can be an extremely powerful tool. For instance, let's say you need to take your children to soccer practice every Thursday. You pack their uniforms, water, snacks and an extra pair of clothes. But you know the story, no matter how much you prepare, there is always something you would never think to prepare for. It starts raining and you forgot to pack an umbrella. Fine. After your children complain about getting wet, next week you ensure to pack an umbrella. But you were so focused on not forgetting the umbrella, that you forgot to pack your own wallet and now you can't take anyone out for ice cream.
Image by Mark Cruz
This is where the magic of checklists come in. Wouldn't it be nice if every week that you forgot something, you added it to your soccer practice routine checklist? You wouldn't have to put in as much effort to remember everything you need to bring, your checklist will tell you. Every time you forgot something that wasn't on the checklist, you added it to your working checklist. Eventually, instead of your checklist being composed of just items you need to bring, you can add routine reminders to it as well, such as putting uniforms in the laundry right after practice so you don’t forget to wash them again.
How to Make a Checklist that Works for You
Write everything down that you think you need to include. It doesn’t need to be perfect. Just start.
Continue adding to your checklist every time you use it. One of the best times is to add items to your checklist right after you realize you forgot something.
Usually, your checklist is in a good state to use after you update it a few times. Share it with others and ask them to add any other items you might have missed.
Be sure to store your checklist somewhere easily accessible so that you don’t forget to use it. We recommend storing your checklist in a digital app because it is easier to replicate a template when you’re ready to use a new one. Digital checklists are also easily accessible when you’re on the go.
Image by Lynn Van den Broeck
Make sure your working checklist is in an actual checklist format and not in paragraphs so that you can use it to it’s full potential. Try not to mentally check items off your list as you complete them. We recommend to actually check off the item once it's completed. It gives you visual cues to help keep track of what's done and what's left to do. If you don’t physically check off the items, you will forget what you mentally checked off and may not realize that you completed the same task three times. Skip that and save time by checking it off with an actual check mark. It’s also satisfying to physically check things off. This reminds you have you've accomplished something and gives you peace of mind knowing that you’ve prepared to the best of your ability, minus the unexpected parts of course.
If this inspires you, please use our tips to create your own checklist. If you need help, Contact us today and we will create a custom checklist for you.
Until next time, stay balanced!