A while back I came across a system for tracking your repetative “to-do” items which can be used as a tool to develop consistent and productive habits. It touches upon the timeless philosophy stating that “what gets measured, gets done”, but the challenge is always in finding a system that meets your needs.
Initially, I discovered a software program at http://www.sciral.com/consistency/ which I used for a while. I will probably start using it again, however, it can become a mess if you don’t have a clear purpose before diving in.
I also go back and forth between hi-tech and low-tech, ultimately finding a balance somewhere inbetween. I’m always keeping my eye out for new ideas as well as developing a few of my own. From what I can tell, there is no such thing as a perfect system for most of our lives. Perhaps my life will fit into a box one day, however, until then, I will continue to search for new ways to keep organized amidst the chaos.
That leads me to the latest tool I came across which definitely fits into the low-tech category. It is called the habit list and can be found at: http://www.productivity501.com/habit-list/308/. I love the simplicity of it and am currently enrolled in the course (http://www.productivity501.com/courses/) that walks you through ways you can use it effectively.
I was somewhat discouraged when I couldn’t find a template to download and get started. I Googled the subject for a bit, but decided to put the idea on hold until I could develop my own form. In doing so, I’m getting to try out another tool that is great for document sharing at http://www.scribd.com. Please find the links below for PDF and Excel versions:
- http://www.scribd.com/doc/3568401/Habit-List-Orig (PDF)
- http://www.scribd.com/doc/3568403/Habit-List-Wide-Ruled (PDF)
- http://www.scribd.com/doc/3568400/Habit-List (Excel)
There are a few other sources that discuss the system developed by Mark Shead at Productivity501…
- http://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/habit-list-vs-todo-list.html
- http://www.celsor.com/node/142
Then, if you’d like to check out some of the ways that the system can be incorporated into your life go to:
Now that I’ve got a form to work with, I’m looking forward to catching up on the course emails that have been stacking up in my Inbox over the last few days. Perhaps I’ll find a way to work it into my daily groove. Either way, I’m hoping these forms will help someone else get started without the delay I initially encountered.
In closing, here’s another great post that lists out a few habits that will make anyone’s life better: http://www.thechangeblog.com/2007/06/03/24-daily-habits/
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“Successful people are successful because they form the habits of doing those things that failures don’t like to do.”
– Albert Gray
“First we form habits, then they form us. Conquer your bad habits or they will conquer you.”
– Rob Gilbert
“New habits can be launched . . . on condition of there being new stimuli and new excitements.”
– William James
“Attitudes are nothing more than habits of thoughts, and habits can be acquired. An action repeated becomes an attitude realized.”
– Paul Myer
“If you create an act, you create a habit. If you create a habit, you create a character. If you create a character, you create a destiny.”
– Andre Maurois
“Happiness is a habit – cultivate it.”
– Elbert Hubbard
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