Checklists: A Shortcut to Clearer Thinking
I join the secret society of checklist writers February 28, 2019 productivityI stumbled upon Robb Seaton’s blog and I really enjoy it. From his site and others, I’ve read a lot about checklists while on vacation in 云南 (Yunnan) with my girlfriend. I know, I should be reading less and looking at the scenery more, but I can’t help it. Reading is supposed to be good for you, anyway.
I figured I’d make a checklist of things I should do before bed. I need some more habits in my life. I don’t seem to develop (good) habits well.
What to do before sleeping
- brush teeth (this deserves its own checklist, simple as it is)
- floss
- pee
- lay out clothes I’ll wear tomorrow
- prepare any other equipment/materials necessary for the next day
- make bed (I’m lazy, don’t do it in the morning)
- shower or at least wash face (to appease Chinese girlfriend)
- turn on bedside lamp, turn off overhead light
- get in bed
- write journal entry on computer (I’m faster typing than writing)
- finish flashcards if they haven’t been done yet
I’m considering using company paper to print off a bunch of these lists and actually check them off a few nights, and afterwards putting them somewhere visible as a reminder.
Speaking of work, I’m a teacher, and I should make some more checklists for teaching a class, too. It should make me a better teacher, or at least a better employee in my boss’s eyes.
Other things to make a list for:
- transcribing/arranging songs
- writing songs
- preparing a class
- practicing guitar
- brushing teeth (already mentioned)
- writing an article (see the end of the linked article)
- packing for travel
- communicating relationship problems to the girlfriend
- solving a problem with code
- taking pictures
With no data whatsoever, I estimate that these make up 80% or more of my daily life. Codifying them with checklists requires me to identify best practices and reflect on my habits.