A Plan VS A Task List

A task list:

  • Is open ended
  • Has no limits
  • Is unordered or prioritized
  • Grows without limits
  • Never ends
  • Has many levels of abstraction
  • Just has tasks
  • Doesn’t model anything
  • Encourages overcommitment
  • Leads to self-deception

A plan:

  • Is specific
  • Is bounded
  • Is ordered
  • Shrinks over time
  • Ends
  • Has two levels of abstraction
  • Has tasks, appointments, dead time, filler activities
  • Accurate model for the day
  • Encourages realistic expectations
  • Leads to honesty with self

Moral of the story: plan your day