Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Great Tip Tuesday


Purpose Your Day: Most Important Task (MIT)

By Leo Babauta at ZenHabits

I’ve mentioned this briefly in my morning routine, but I thought I’d explain a little bit more about MITs – Most Important Tasks. It’s not an original concept, but one that I use on a daily basis and that has helped me out tremendously.

I’ve mentioned this briefly I my morning routine, but I thought I’d explain a little bit more about MITs – Most Important Tasks. It’s not a original concept, but one that I use on a daily basis and that has helped me out tremendously.

It’s very simple: your MIT is the task you most want or need to get done today. In my case, I’ve tweaked it a bit so that I have three MITs — the three things I must accomplish today. Do I get a lot more done than three things? Of course. But the idea is that no matter what else I do today, these are the things I want to be sure of doing. So, the MIT is the first thing I do each day, right after I have a glass of water to wake me up.

And here’s the key to the MITs for me: at least one of the MITs should be related to one of my goals. While the other two can be work stuff (and usually are), one must be a goal next-action. This ensures that I am doing something to move my goals forward that day.

And that makes all the difference in the world. Each day, I’ve done something to make my dreams come true. It’s built into my morning routine: set a next-action to accomplish for one of my goals. And so it happens each day, automatically.

Another key: do your MITs first thing in the morning, either at home or when you first get to work. If you put them off to later, you will get busy and run out of time to do them. Get them out of the way, and the rest of the day is gravy!

It’s such a small thing to implement, and yet I’m raving about it like it’s a huge revelation. But it is. Sometimes small things can make big differences. I highly recommend you give it a go!

17 comments:

just call me jo said...

I've been doing this for years, but I didn't know it had a name. I just try to do the things I dread most or need to get done most first and then the rest of the day is more pleasant.
I don't clean my house all one day. I do kitchen, vacuuming and dusting Mon., baths Tues., laundry and dishes every day, etc. That way my house always looks clean and it doesn't wear me out in one day.
My daughter, however, doesn't like that system. Her "routine" is to let the house look like a refuse center and then kill herself trying to get it and her mountains of laundry done all in one day. Sheesh! Who raised this child?
I'm interested to know more about your goal. Do I need to go to some of your older posts?

STILLMAGNOLIA said...

I have done this for years...and as a morning person it works for me. I have friends who are later day people...and do theirs in the afternoon....for me that is not going to happen. Thanks for sharing and letting me know other people are like me. :-)

Unknown said...

My MIT today work on transferring stamps!

Welcome to the Garden of Egan said...

I do the most unpleasant tasks first so I can enjoy my day.

I keep reading about people transferring stamps....I would like a tutorial please!!!!

Regina said...

WOW...I so did not know my crazy post it notes to myself were used by others...LOL!!!! I have been doing this for years too...it makes me feel as though I do get something accomplished especially on those "crazy" days I don't feel it. Just look at the post it for the day..check it DONE and I know I've done at least one thing..LOL!!!!

Hugs,
Regi

Liz Mays said...

That makes incredible amounts of sense! I need to do just that!!!

Anonymous said...

I totally agree, sometimes I get so lazy about doing things so I do have days where I decide to get something done no matter what, great post, thanks!!

Alexis AKA MOM said...

What a great point I always ok I'm going to do this and then the day takes me over and lord be with me it's over and I haven't gotten it done. I also take on way too much. :(

Heatherlyn said...

That is a concept worth hearing more than once. What a great idea to make one of the MITs related to your goals. That would really make a dent over time. I think I really needed this post!

Rachel said...

Awesome tip! You're just amazing!!

Mrs. M said...

MY MIT is exercise and I do it FIRST thing M-F, so sounds like I am on the right track! :)

Annie said...

Awesome tip, Jeannie! Thank you!

CB said...

I think I have been doing a version of this my entire life.
I am a total listmaker!
I write down everything that needs to be done the next day in order of importance - I feel really good if I get the list all checked off!

KK said...

I have a similar method and it really helps to reduce my stress. Otherwise I get up set if I don't get it all done in one day!

Jess @ Frugal with a Flourish said...

That is a great tip! I get so overwhelmed with all the stuff I have to do some times!

Me said...

LOVE IT!! i am doing that tomorrow! :)

Mary said...

I love the idea of incorporating your goals. I get a lot of have to things done in a day but have felt like I am never moving forward in my goals. I am so glad you shared.