Every Monday morning, I come up with a concrete list of objectives for the week. I outline the routine work I need to do, add progress goals for longer projects, and prioritize what needs to get done. The tasks on these lists are small, achievable tasks. These aren't grand projects that I won't be able to get done in one weeks time. My task list is always filled with tasks I know for certain that I can complete with a few hours of work.

Most importantly, I grab a pen and a pad of paper and HAND WRITE these tasks out. I always have the task list visible as a constant reminder that there is work I need to be doing. The physical copy gives me something concrete to stare at. It's written in ink. The only way a task is getting removed from that list is if I complete it and can cross it off. I can't highlight the task, hit the delete button, and claim "I'll do that one next week... maybe." It's there, in paper, and it's always staring me down.

With this method, I'm setting my own deadlines. I'm holding myself accountable for the work that I need to do. It keeps me motivated knowing there is a big list of work that I need to finish.

The best part of all of this is seeing the progress that I make. As each task gets completed, I get to draw a big fat line through it. The list gets shorter, I feel more accomplished, and I feel more productive to carry on and complete the next task. With one thing gone, I know immediately what to work on next, and I'm less likely to go browse Facebook for a few hours because I answered a few emails.

I encourage you to get your own pen and paper and make your own task lists. Visualize what you need to accomplish, write it down on paper, make it visible on your desk, and get to work!