The Checklist.

Of course, it is funny but many of years ago when I was still a student, I used to write down ‘TO Dos’ at the back of my hand. Then if someone asks, why at the back of the hand? The reply used to be, I will not miss looking at but If I did the other person would certainly remind me, since he/she can see :-)

Later I was told by my classmate, don’t make yourself dependent on ‘TO DO’ lists, train your mind to remember…I thought yeah why waste ink? I will remember...Woohaa. What I remembered finally was just guilt of ‘NOT DONE’.

After many trials of on and off the checklists, it’s in a very steady mode now on my desktop, whiteboard at home, and mobile also.

Why?

-It dramatically improved the efficiency and dependability.

-Dull memory and distraction are especial danger in processes – if you miss just one key thing, you might as well not have made the effort at all (whether it is buying ingredients for a Biryani or launching a rocket).

-We might lull ourselves into skipping steps even when we remember them. Especially in busy and stressed workplaces.

-Checklists remind us of the minimum necessary steps and make them explicit. It instills a kind of discipline of higher performance.

-It solved procrastination when we know the task is bigger.

How ?

1. Consult your priorities and make a list. Have a list of things to do. Pick one thing to work on. Start clock. When tired, stop clock. Take a break.
2. Work in units of 25 minutes, with 5 minutes break in-between. After 4 units take a break of 15-0n mins. Apart from yogi’s normal human brains can concentrate for about 40/45 minutes at a shot, that’s why I think in school and collage we have one class for 45 mins. Then subject change.
3. There are many free downloads for windows on the net if feel like trying one.

We think “Oh, I’m too professional for such a methodology” or “Pfft, it’s a waste of time, I just want to code.”

but for me It indeed works for better :-)