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Before having children, I was a frequent traveler. My job took me around Europe. My husband also traveled for work, and we would often meet in strange places to ensure seeing each other. It was enjoyable, but it was stressful packing because my boss wanted to me in Barcelona tomorrow.
It was a burden to remember what I needed to pack with such a busy schedule. I needed to be able pack on autopilot. I had to stop remembering.
So I stopped.
This article will show you how I did it using checklists. It also shows you how you can simplify any task (personal or professional) you do every day with my 3-step process.
Checklists can save you time as they do the thinking for your.
To simplify repetitive tasks, use checklists
My test: The packing list
Three steps to create a checklist Step 1: Decide on the topic
Step 2: Divide the activity into tasks
Step 3: Test the checklist
Back to the plane: Checklists to manage stress-free tasks
Get project management checklists
Checklists can save you time as they do the thinking for your.
The new Boeing 299 flew a test flight in Dayton (Ohio) on 30 October 1935. It flew faster than any other plane that the US Army had ever seen, and they planned to order more. It crashed despite being piloted by the Chief of Flight Testing for the US Army, an experienced pilot.
Two of the five crew members died, but the plane was in good condition. It was ruled that the pilot error was at fault and that the plane was too complicated to fly.
A group of test pilots decided that a checklist was necessary.
The checklist made it easy to fly the plane. Pilots could focus their brainpower on the tasks that were most important to them, and everything else was just a matter of following a process.
To simplify repetitive tasks, use checklists
Checklists can be used to simplify repetitive tasks and remove the need for perfect recall.
Today, pilots still use checklists in their cockpits. While packing my suitcase is not nearly as difficult as getting a plane off its ground, the concept is the exact same: make it easy to do what you do often and do it well every time.
My test: The packing list
I used some of my project management skills to create a packing checklist. Project management is flexible. You can also use it in your daily life. It is easy to create a checklist and it takes very little time. I have found that the benefits are also significant.
My packing checklist saved me a lot of brainpower. It was a relief not to have to fight my memory to remember what had to go in the bag.
Since having two boys, I haven’t traveled as much for work since then. I have added another checklist to my iPad, a packing list (which I’ve adapted as they get older), because when you’re sleep deprived, you can’t rely solely on your memory to ensure that you have everything you need for a weekend at Grandma.
The checklists cover items for children and adults, and includes things to do before you leave home.
It seems so simple and straightforward, but I don’t remember how I did it before. Using my memory.
How do you create your own checklists then? It’s easy. Continue reading to learn the 3 steps.
Three steps to create a checklist
It is very simple to reduce stress from tasks you do frequently. Here are some tips to help you create your own checklists.
Step 1: Choose the topic for your checklist
You can find a repetitive task that you do every week, but that requires you remember multiple steps or items. What about:
Review your issue or risk log
Prep