The 2 List Strategy
Do you ever feel like there are just too many things to do and not enough time to do them? With countless goals and tasks competing for our attention, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. That's where the 2 List Strategy comes in. By prioritising your goals and avoiding distractions, this strategy can help you achieve more and make better decisions. So, let's dive in and learn more about how you can apply this technique to your own life.
What is the 2 List Strategy?
The 2-List Strategy is a productivity technique that helps you stay focused on the most important goals. This strategy involves creating two lists of goals: a primary list and a secondary list. How this step by step guide to get started with using the 2 List Strategy:
Step 1
Create a list of your top 25 goals or tasks you want to complete.
Step 2
Circle your top 5 priorities on the list, this will become your primary list.
Step 3
Cross out the remaining 20 items on the list and put them on a seperate secondary list. Avoid working on this list of items at all costs!
Step 4
Start working to complete the 5 goals on the primary list.
Step 5
When you complete a goal on the primary list, replace it with an item from the secondary list. Continue working to complete the goals on the primary list, and continue to replacing them when completed.
The purpose of this strategy is to help you prioritise your goals and avoid distractions. By focusing on your top 5 goals, you can increase your chances of achieving them while ignoring everything else until you have made progress on your top 5 goals. The secondary list should be considered your "avoid at all cost" list, and you should only work on these goals once you have made progress on your top 5 goals.
Benefits of Using the 2-List Strategy
Prioritisation
The 2 List strategy helps you prioritise your goals. By having a clear understanding of what's most important, you can focus your time and energy on what really matters. This, in turn, increases your chances of achieving your goals.
Efficiency
The 2 List strategy can help you use your time and resources more efficiently. By focusing on your top 5 goals, you can avoid distractions and eliminate activities that don't contribute to your success. This allows you to accomplish more in less time.
Clarity
The 2 List Strategy provides clarity. When you have a clear set of priorities, you can make better decisions about how to spend your time, money, and resources. You won't waste time on activities that don't align with your goals, and you'll have a clearer sense of direction.
Progress
The 2 List Strategy helps you make progress towards your goals. By focusing on your top 5 goals, you can make significant progress towards achieving them. This can be incredibly motivating and can help you stay on track even when the going gets tough.
Reduced Stress
The 2 List Strategy can help reduce stress. When you have a long list of goals and tasks to accomplish, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed out. By narrowing your focus to your top 5 goals, you can reduce your workload and make your goals more manageable. This can help you feel more in control and less stressed.
Adapt the 2 List Strategy to suit you!
The 2 List Strategy is a simple and effective technique for prioritising your goals and achieving success. However, everyone's goals and lifestyles are different, and what works for one person may not work for another. Here are some ways that you can adapt and change the 2 List Strategy to suit your needs and lifestyle:
Modify the number of goals: If five goals seem like too many or too few, feel free to modify the number to suit your needs. You could have three goals, ten goals, or any number that works for you.
Create separate lists for different areas of your life: You could create separate lists for your personal life, career, and health goals. This way, you can focus on specific areas that are important to you and ensure that you're making progress in all aspects of your life.
Prioritise your goals differently: Instead of prioritising your goals based on importance, you could prioritise them based on urgency or feasibility. This can help you focus on the goals that need immediate attention or those that are easier to achieve.
Use a different medium: You don't have to use pen and paper to create your two lists. You could use a digital tool, such as a spreadsheet or a goal-setting app, to track your progress and stay on track.
Ultimately, the key to adapting and changing the 2 List Strategy to suit your needs and lifestyle is to stay focused on what's most important to you!
The 2 List Strategy is a powerful tool that can help you prioritise your goals, eliminate distractions, and achieve more in less time. By focusing on your top 5 goals, you can make significant progress towards achieving them, while also reducing stress and increasing clarity. So, take some time to reflect on your own goals and try out this strategy for yourself.
Let me know if you give the 2 List Strategy a go!
Emma