I’m going to let you in on a little secret, but just because it’s a little secret doesn’t mean it isn’t powerful.
If you, like me, are fond of "to-do" lists (and likely most of you are, since there hardly ever seems to be enough time to get the "to-do" list done!), I’d like to share with you a secret tool I’ve found to build and maintain momentum.
My rule of thumb for adding my to-do list is this: If it takes more time to add the task to my "to-do" list than it does to actually complete the task, I always complete the task instead of writing it down.
So if it takes less time to request a book from the library than it does to write down that you should request the book from the library, request the book from the library.
Simple, right? But again, don’t let it’s simplicity fool you.
When you take an action in the moment, you begin the process of building momentum for progressing on the dissertation. You experience increased feelings of accomplishment, and less friction/drag/resistance that can happen when your "to-do" list has gotten too long.
Plus, this can allow you to better use small blocks of time between appointments or meetings so you can better use the big chunks of time for more important tasks, like data collection or writing.
If you can complete the task in the time it takes to write down the task, complete the task. (Of course, I do admit- I sometimes write it down AFTER I’ve completed it, just for the joy of crossing it off the list!)
I’m always amazed at how many small things get accomplished this way, and with a lot less stress.
