Checklists

Checklist Manifesto

There is a book with this title that is worth reading. Although it was written by a doctor and originally intended for physicians working in an operating room environment, the book diverges from this primary theme and expands to provide ideas that may be useful to all of us.

Why checklists? The very detailed studies provided in the book show that HORRIBLE things happen when we rely on our minds to remember everything we need to do. How would you feel if a pilot got into his seat in the aircraft YOU are taking across the ocean and said, “don’t worry (talking to the co-pilot) no need for our checklist today….”I got this”. I am not sure about you, but I would be getting off the plane as quickly as possible.

What about the operating room? As you know, they now mark the leg or area to be operated on with a magic marker that is on a.. wait for it -CHECKLIST!

Many people INCLUDING myself are fascinated by schedules, routines and planning to get thru the day. Some of these are repeated EVERY day on a schedule. What if you were to create a “checklist” of things that needed to be done daily or at least frequently?

I have started doing this for my morning routine, and it helps. I have not forgotten my lunch or my keys or to fill my car with gas in almost two weeks! A new record for me, so watch for it in the next edition of Guinness Book of World Records. I am now going to expand this “process” to other areas to SIMPLIFY my life.

Have a great week! Steve

Oh, and remember to "vote early and vote often" if you are in the US !