More Ways To Waste Time...

I'm a terrible one for procrastinating. Despite knowing all too well the dangers involved, I always seem to put things off until the last minute.

Packing, for example. I always leave it until the last minute, and, as a result, I often pack far too much stuff (I might need it, I haven't got time to work out what I really do need...) and I usually forget something or other.

However, I do like to be organised. I like to know what I have left to do... so, I employ that device beloved of so many procrastinators: the drawing up of lists.

Now, don't get me wrong, lists are useful. Making a list in order to prioritise things is quite helpful. However, I have it down to a fine art: my lists can end up taking longer to complete than the tasks themselves.

And, as one needs positive feedback, (sorry, I studied Psychology, I can't help it...) I find myself making lists of things that I have already done, just so that I can cross them off my list and feel productive.

Google obviously employs people of a similar mindset. I noticed a new section when I logged on to check my email: the "Tasks" link. Ooh, another way to make lists...

Unlike many online task management lists, Google's list facility doesn't automatically delete the completed tasks... instead, after you have clicked on the task to show it's completed, (very satisfying) a line is drawn through the item, so you can see it's been crossed off your list.

Very, very satisfying.

And there is the option of printing out the list with the completed items on it, or clearing the completed items out, and just printing the outstanding ones. Printed lists are very satisfying indeed... The inclusion of a due date is also optional, which is handy for all those items which need to be done at some time in the future, but not by any particular time, so they can never be marked as "late"...

And you can make different lists.

I don't know what happens if you don't clear an item by the due date. I might have to omit ticking something just to find out... except that I'd look as if I was putting things off...

Now, if you'll excuse me, I just have to go and make a list of the different lists I need to make...