Does your to-do list say things like doctor, camp, garden, library, tofu—or simply dump?
Those words may remind you that something needs attention, but they don’t tell you what to do next. Often, a vague item keeps moving from list to list because it isn’t actually a task yet. It may be a project, an unresolved question, a missing decision, or something that requires another person’s help.
In this practical end-of-July episode, Michele shares how to turn vague reminders into specific next actions your future self can actually use.
You’ll learn:
• Why one-word list items are often topics or projects rather than tasks
• Four questions to ask when something keeps getting postponed
• Why asking, deciding, researching, and delegating all count as progress
• How to add the context your future self will need
• Why action verbs such as call, ask, choose, schedule, log in, buy, and order make a list more useful
• How context-based next actions can help you organize tasks by where, when, or with whom they can be completed
• How the “one big, two medium, three small” approach can make an overwhelming day more manageable
Michele also applies the idea to plant-based living. Instead of writing vegan or tofu, your real next action might be finding a vegan lasagna recipe, adding extra-firm tofu to the grocery order, asking a restaurant server about vegan options, or calling your doctor to discuss appropriate bloodwork.
Try this
Find three vague items that have been sitting on your list. For each one, ask:
What did I mean when I wrote this?
Is there something I still need to know, find out, or decide?
Does someone else need to be involved?
What is the next action I can actually complete?
Then put that specific action on your list, your calendar—or, when appropriate, someone else’s calendar.
You don’t need a new planner, a complicated system, or color-coordinated markers. You need a list that helps you make progress.
Mentioned in this episode
April Perry and LearnDoBecome’s work on Context-Based Next Actions Lists:
https://learndobecome.com/episode63-2/
This week’s reminder
Your to-do list should not be a collection of mysterious documents for your future self to puzzle over. Make it specific enough to show you where to begin—and then take the next small step toward vedging your best.
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For more information, to submit a question or topic, or to book a free 30 minute Coaching session visit veganatanyage.com or email info@micheleolendercoaching.com
Music, Production, and Editing by Charlie Weinshank. For inquiries email: charliewe97@gmail.com Virtual Support Services: https://proadminme.com/
