When you ignore items on your To-Do list, are you simply deferring a real problem?
I'm guessing you have a To-Do list.
Hopefully you update it regularly and keep an eye on what has been completed, what needs to be done today, and what is coming up in the days ahead.
A To-Do list is an essential tool. It helps us stay organized. It keeps us on track. It helps us meet our deadlines.
But from time to time we'll find a task that stays on the list, but doesn't actually get done on schedule.
Sometimes the reason is clear. Items like "clean up filing cabinet" can bore us half to death. We know it should be done, but it's not urgent and it's not fun.
But what about those times when a task in on our list, is clearly important, but still doesn't get done?
As an example, let's say I have this as an item: "Prepare for next week's meeting with J.W."
J.W. is the marketing manager of a company for which I am about to start working. The first job is a large project and I need to meet with J.W. to make sure we get started on the right foot.
This is a big deal. New client. Big project.
So how come I'm not jumping all over this task? How come it has been on my To-Do list for four days now, and I'm running out of time?
When something like this happens to me, I try to pause and figure out what it is that is preventing me from moving forward.
Maybe I don't like J.W. Maybe I don't like the company he works for. Maybe I don't feel comfortable or confident about writing for their products or services.
Maybe I have a nasty feeling I came in too low with my estimate.
Whatever the problem is, I need to identify it and deal with it.
If I ignore it, I'm simply deferring the problem. And the longer I defer it, the bigger the negative impact is likely to be.
As freelancers we work alone for the most part. This means we have to pay very close attention to signals like this. We have to listen to our gut. And we have to recognize signs that things are not running smoothly – like with a To-Do item that doesn't get done.
Try to be self-aware and identify potential problems before they become real problems.
Don't miss the next article, sign up for my newsletter...
Get a FREE copy of the Freelance Business Growth Checklist and SAVE 50% on a one-hour phone call with me when you sign up for my coaching newsletter.
Privacy: I'll never sell or share your email address. And you can unsubscribe at any time.
Learn more about the coaching and pricing options I offer...
