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Personal Growth
The Power of the Opportunity List
A better, more effective, and simpler to-do list
Are endless to-do lists getting you nowhere? Let’s look at a simple, proven alternative that consistently delivers, transforming your ability to get things done.
A better way to organize
Are you one of the many people who use a to-do list? If so, some minor adjustments can help it become a great productivity aid while removing much of its frustration.
Developed years ago while working with young professionals, we came across an easy way to make our to-do lists work for us instead of simply growing longer over time. This change boasts a nearly 100% success for adherents, offering surprising benefits besides enhancing productivity.
Called the “Opportunity List,” its name gives it away. Using the method we are about to discuss will help you use it to its fullest potential.
The list
This system is so simple that you can start using it immediately after reading this brief article.
You likely already have a to-do list, but if not, no worries. At the beginning of each day (or the evening before), write the tasks you want to finish that day on a 3x5 index card, dating it at the top. If you are like most of us, the card will fill up quickly, and the list will soon become frustrating. This is where an Opportunity List differs from a to-do list.
Why use index cards?
If you’re curious about how the use of 3x5 index cards came into the system, it was happenstance. Many of us have used 3x5 cards for years as note cards because they’re inexpensive, fit easily into a pocket, and are reasonably durable.
The cards are also easy to store and sort, which is helpful if you want to go back through a stack to look for patterns. We found that “low-tech” cards work better than note apps or spreadsheets. However, you can increase their effectiveness by using them in conjunction with your calendar.
Back to the list!
Armed with a portable to-do list, mark off completed tasks by day’s end or the next morning. Carry unfinished tasks over to…
