Getting things done

quidity on 2002-01-12T17:18:40

I discovered something very important this week: if you want to get something done, make a list. Furthermore, make sure that the list only contains items that are actually likely to move into the "done" pile.

My list from last week had horrendous entries on it like:

  • Do work
  • Learn about debian
  • Submit job applications

I'll leave it to you to guess just how many I managed in the end. This week's was much better:

  • Log into spare box, type "
    rm -rf /
    ", fix by installing debian over mess.
  • Drink tea
  • Go ice-skating with KEEN[0]
  • Write email to long lost friend
  • Cook nice things
  • Read Cryptonomicon

So, in the end, I not only got much more done (as everything on my list is crossed off, and the list never lies) I also had a lot more fun. I guess it's just a case of getting your expectations right in the first place. I even managed to get rid of most of the items from last week's list at the same time, so all in all a win.

[0] KEEN - A Charity in Oxford that helps children and young adults with learning difficulties get appropriate amounts of exercise and feel normal every now and then.