I received a comment from last week's blog post regarding "should-do" items on a to-do list.
What's a "should-do"? A task that has some amount of guilt attached to it.
Here are a couple of "should-do" tasks I've struggled with in the past:
Club meetings or baby showers. If I feel like I "should" go, I really don't want to. Unless you are the president of the club you don't have to attend every month. Go every other month. This is enough to stay in the loop. Not really interested in the baby shower at work? Send a nice gift and a personal note and skip it. Guilt gone.
House chores. Some housekeeping tasks are necessary to keep things running fairly smoothly (loading and unloading the dishwasher, grocery store runs and laundry). For me, every other task is negotiable or easily forgotten! No guilt.
I've heard that some people feel they "should" file things. I'm a stacker, it's faster.
I wouldn't ever put a "should-do" on my to-do list. To-do lists are for things that really need to get done in one 24 hour time period.
So, when should you do a "should-do"?
If a "should-do" task can be done in two-five minutes (writing a thank-you note or calling for a doctor appointment), go ahead and do it. No need to waste time fretting about 180 seconds or so and you won't clutter up your mind trying to remember to do it.
If you have a lot of little "should-do" tasks (all within the two-five minute time limit), make a list and post it on the fridge. When you're looking for a productive way to procrastinate, you can do one!
For more about "should-do" activities, read the chapter in my book titled "Make It Matter, Make It Happen" (order SECRETS FROM A CREATIVITY COACH from amazon or AWOC.COM or check out my book from the Tulsa City County Library collection). In this chapter you will learn the dangers of "Noble Substitute Activities" (a type of "should-do" task). A Noble Substitute Activity delivers a quick feeling of affirmation but ties up time better spent on long-term goals that enhance your life or bank account.
