“A Listless person is a listless person.”
Many years ago, my sister-in-law, Jill, made a statement that has had a profound effect in the area of being productive. It was such a simple phrase but made a huge impact on my life. The phrase was, “A listless person is a listless person.”
So what is a listless person? The word “Listless” has two meanings. One meaning is someone without a list. The second meaning is someone who is lethargic, lacking energy, or indifferent.
A few minutes of investment with huge returns
There’s something about writing a list; putting your ideas or tasks on paper that prompts you to keep moving. I like to do it every evening about an hour before I go to bed. A calendar with enough lines to write on is on my desk. I know — I’m old-fashioned. As I tackle the day and I am able to check off each task as complete, I get a real sense of accomplishment. I can look back over my day and see what I’ve done and it motivates me to do it again. Rarely do I find myself lethargic or lacking energy. Without a list, it becomes so easy to meander mindlessly through the day. Remember, each day builds a week, a month, a year, and eventually a life.
A $25,000 Idea
In 1912 efficiency expert Ivy Lee met with his prospective client, Charles Schwab who was President of Bethlehem Steel. Schwab complained about inefficiency in his factory. Ivy Lee gave him one simple instruction. “Write down the top six activities that need to be done tomorrow. Work on just those six until they are completed. Do this until quitting time. Don’t be concerned if you have only finished one or two. Take care of emergencies, but then get back to working on the most important items. The others can wait.”
It wasn’t long to see the results of improved efficiency and productivity by the managers. The idea trickled down into all the departments and eventually all the workers who applied this simple strategy. In time Charles Schwab sent Ivy Lee a $25,000 check for the idea.
It’s Your Idea Now
Even though the idea is over 100 years old, it still works today. Try it!
