Future Guardian… The Arena1 is LIVE tomorrow.
We’ve already enrolled the first official Arena cohort. The Arena is all about implementation and transformation.
…And guess what?
Transformation is hard.
Here is one of the best productivity tips we’ve ever heard, it comes from Dr. Jeff Spencer. You can implement it today and it will take a just a few minutes to give it a try.
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity. Here is short video clip breaking it down
Dr Jeff Spencer’s “The Three Lists”
“I’ve taken so much from Dr. Jeff Spencer that has skyrocketed my productivity. The first was his Three Lists”
- Nic Peterson
This is straight from the Prince of Peak Productivity himself, Dr. Jeff Spencer2, and it’s a quick one you can implement immediately. (as in, tonight). At the end of each day, make 3 lists before you “leave the office” for the day.
List #1
Here’s everything I got done today.
This serves to complete a loop in your mind. Your brain will “check off” everything on that list and no longer worry about it. Sounds simple, but relieving your brain of cognitive overload from “completed” tasks that it doesn’t realize were completed is a game changer.
Again, it’s simple but it clears up some cognitive space for the other two lists.
List #2
Here’s what I need to get done AND I know exactly how to do it.
This list is self-explanatory. By writing down what you know you need to do and labeling it as something you know exactly how to do, your brain eliminates that as a stressor.
You’ve got it down, you’ve got a plan to do it, and now your brain can relax or refocus. It’s not trying to solve something that’s already solved and you’ve given it something it knows it can work on tomorrow.
List #3
Here’s what I need to get done BUT I don’t know exactly how to do it.
This is the list your brain will work on subconsciously during the rest of the night, during the time you’re asleep, and, if you’re paying attention, first thing in the morning after you wake up.
By making these lists you’re telling your subconscious:
This is what we don’t need to think about anymore - at all.
This is what we will do tomorrow since we know how
This is what you should work on and be receptive to while in the shower, asleep, or whatever.
If you start your next day with List #2, you get momentum and productivity to start the day. Since you know what to do and how to do it, you’re not losing time trying to figure stuff out. And your brain will have even more bandwidth to continue to problem solve on List #3. Remember, you do your best problem solving subconsciously - that’s why all the good shit hits you in the shower or in the middle of the night.
You may find that the momentum from finishing stuff on List #2 will give you the energy to tackle stuff on List #3. Many times, the solutions to the items on list #3 will come to you while you are working on the items from list #2 -
If you have prepped your brain appropriately, you’re more likely to recognize them when they appear.
Simple, but powerful.
Bonus:
The Morning Inbox
Instead of rushing out of bed in the morning, lay there for just a moment and check-in with yourself.
If you made your lists the night before, your brain was working while you were sleeping. Some powerful answers might be sitting right there for you. It would be a shame to rush out of bed to start the day and miss them.
Give it a try.
Low effort, low risk, high potential payoff.
Dr. Jeff has shared this framework at Guardian Events. The Science behind it and the process for setting up an entire day is taught in depth in his Champions Perfect Day3 .
Live To Learn. Give To Earn.
Guardian Academy
PS. This is a great, low barrier, simple way to practice Engaging The Field. Use the comment section below to ask questions or share feedback. Once a month, Dr. Jeff Spencer will answer, respond and engage in the dialogue with TGA+ members.
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i switched over to this process a couple years ago and its been the most effective “productivity system” ive ever used. Tried all sorts of tools and tactics in the past.
the 3 lists just make it simple and keep the ball rolling.
This is a great exercise for getting things worth doing done from my favorite cornerman by my favorite publication!