Zig Ziglar once said, “Tomorrow is the greatest labor saving device known to man”.

I like Nike’s idea, “Just do it!”

So instead, I keep two lists. The first list is a catch all list of everything I need to get done and feel like writing down. My second list is a list that I create every day with the actions that I need to get done that day. Typically, these items come from my first list, but not always.

Instead I took on the task of listing 3 work to-do’s and 1 personal to-do every day, and start off the day knocking them out. I didn’t even bother with a master list. I just thought them up first thing in the morning at my desk. My problem was not forgetting things, but the psychological burden of having that great pile of details not being done. A few times I’d knock out the short list in an hour or two, and take on additional ones with a completely positive outlook, since I had already achieved some “accomplishment”.

The pressure eased off before the end of the second week.

I’d also suggest using a small notebook and keeping a journal of everything you do every day. A progress journal of sorts. It really helps you #1-Give yourself credit for the things you do but may not see as good enough. And #2 It can help you see where you’re slacking so you can shift your lists around that.

Thanks Trent!

Trent, just wanted to tell you I love your advice – you are so straightforward and don’t make me feel intimidated about all this financial stuff. Thanks for all your hard work! :)

by the way, I use crawler notes so that even if I log off of google, I have post-it like notes on my computer desktop to remind me to do stuff. it’s been pretty effective so far.

I think if I do implement this, I’ll give myself one day a week where I don’t need to do anything. A sabbath of sorts, even though I’m not really religious.

I have a long list of everything. Then I make a shorter list for the week or for two weeks from that.

I don’t find it overwhelming, but rather helpful, to have a long list of everything I that I would like to get done.,

However, I only consult it every couple of weeks. In between, I make a smaller list of things from that list and other things to accomplish. That way I stay on track long-term without getting overwhelmed. Of course my “long list” will never be done, it will just get added to. But the most important things on that list are things that I want to be doing, even if they seem overwhelming considered all at one time.

Procrastination is something I just don’t understand. The task has to be done so you do it, promptly, because it hurts less to do now than it does later.

Look at the comment, “My lack of motivation…” Isn’t this the core of the problem? Treat the illness, not symptoms.

If you procrastinate with your finances clearly you don’t want it badly enough, and that’s okay. Being rich isn’t for everyone.

When I have something that is important, but not urgent, I schedule it for a specific day to begin at 7 AM and then put the reminder on 15 minutes. If I get distracted and have to “snooze” the task, I know it will be popping up again in 15 minutes.

This works great for reducing procrastination as I will eventually get tired of being reminded I still need to complete the task and just get it done so I can mark it complete.