Real-World Time Management, 2nd Edition

CHAPTER 3THE DAILY TO-DO LIST:YOUR BASIC TOOL

“To choose time is to save time.”

—FRANCIS BACON

Ko-Ko, the “cheap tailor” turned Lord High Executioner in The Mikado, was a great organizer. To demonstrate his orderliness in the Mikado, he compiled “a little list” of “society offenders who never would be missed.” Thus, he could display a victim list when he got called upon to discharge official headsman duties.

Ko-Ko, although new to executions, knew the basic principle of time management: First, you make “a little list.” A century later, we still utilize this fundamental tool. It will prevail. Without your to-do list, you aren’t in the game. It’s as fundamental in time management as the carefully tailored business plan is in raising corporate capital. ...