The Simple and Satisfying Joy of the Checklist
There are few things in life as satisfying as putting a tick into a box printed to house a tick.
Place a series of ticks into a series of boxes listed in a sequential manner and do you know what do you have? A checklist.
There are few things in life as thrilling as getting stuff done.
Now I know what you’re thinking. Here is another productivity proponent, a member of the “toxic productivity” culture that seems pervasive on content sharing medium such as YouTube, Twitter or medium.
While productivity and “getting things done” in the David Allen-style of things is tremendously satisfying and will often lead to success and achievement, this is not the argument I am making here.
The simple act of checking the box is the joy, whether on an uber-productivity pathway in some intellectual or creative fervour or something as mundane as a shopping list.
The scientists among us tell us that this act of “box ticking” is hardwired into us, that we are programmed to get a kick out of checking things off a list.
Every tick correlates with a dopamine hit, neurotransmitters and monoamines swirling around in your cerebral cortices, gifting us with feel good rewards.
It must be evolutionarily advantageous to enjoy these rewards.
No doubt our ancient ancestors had a long checklist of tasks to achieve purely for the sake of survival: find shelter, gather firewood, start fire, forage for food, sleep, repeat.
Our modern and cosseted brains definitely relish in this checklist activity. Whether it’s a grocery list, a list before going on vacation or a prehistoric fight for survival, our brains and nature are designed to put ticks into boxes, literal or figurative.
If things are perhaps not going so well, if you’re not having good day, lets get listing.
How to do it
Step 1: Analogue or Digital
This is a personal decision, and may come down to whatever apps you have already signed up to or already downloaded.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with using a pen and a piece of paper.
But Apple Notes, Evernote, Notion, these applications all have excellent “To Do” list functionality. Use whatever works best for you.
Step 2: Go back in time
Instead of writing down what you need to do, instead write down all the things you have done already.
- Woke up
- Got out of bed
- Showered
- Brushed teeth
- Got dressed
- Ate breakfast
These are tasks you have already completed, without even realising it. Put a checkbox beside each task and put a tick in that box. This gets you going and gives you those initial dopamine rewards.
Step 3: Look to the future-Needs
Now write down what you need to do, but what you have to get done.
- Finish that work proposal
- Read that report
- Do your laundry
Your previous success, on a page in front of you will spurn you towards getting these tasks done.
Step 4-Looking to the future-Wants
Finally, write what you would like to get done today.
- Watching Netflix
- Reading a book
- Go to the gym/work-out
Lastly, before bed, review this list.
You will have done more than you ever thought possible.
Repeat this process and watch your mood and your enjoyment of these smaller tasks soar.
You should also see productivity and overall performance improve.
Go get it.
