I have realised recently that my task list is not getting shorter because I don’t actually complete tasks.
I’m a big fan of “little and often” because it helps to reduce the resistance associated with big tasks and means you don’t work on one task to the exclusion of other tasks. However, this means I work on a task, cross it off and then add it on to the end of the list; if I want to reduce the length of my task list I need to actually complete some of the tasks. The oldest two outstanding tasks I can think of are a dress I was making for a wedding in 2006 and the thank you cards from when my daughter was born; she is now 3 and I’ve had a second baby!
I’ve been thinking about this over the last few weeks and compiled a list of reasons why it is important to complete tasks. In the hope that I’m not the only person with outstanding tasks I’m sharing the list to inspire you to complete your tasks.
It is important to complete tasks:
- so you don’t waste time working out where you were
- so you don’t forget your intentions for the tasks e.g. what you were going to write in the letter
- to get the wonderful glow when you know you’ve really completed a task
- because the time spent on an unfinished task is lost time as could have spent it on something else
- to reduce the build up of negative feeling each time you remember you haven’t completed a task
- to reduce the length of your task list enabling you to spend more time on the things you really want to do
- to reduce the likelihood of mislaying things, for instance where did the photograph go you were planning on posting to your Aunt
- to reduce the possibility of pretending you are progressing a task when you are really just procrastinating
- to feel more in control
So, in summary, if I complete more tasks I will have more time to do things I really want. It sounds so good from now I’m going to focus on completing tasks.
Additional reading
How to Finish Tasks and Projects Once and for All
How to finish what you have started
Do you struggle to complete tasks? What is your oldest outstanding tasks (can you beat my 6 years)? What helps you complete tasks?
I guess I will make it two, completing a task makes me feel accomplished and every time, I realize that I am really capable of achieving! And that’s quite an achievement! Task are there to be completed and not to be filed up.
Very good points, the feeling of achievement when you complete a task is great 🙂