I have been continuously falling into the trap of having something in mind to do when I open up my laptop, but when I actually sit next to it, I usually forgot what I wanted to do and entered into a downward spiral. This has been done repeating itself, even today, despite the fact that I have already read an article on how to deal with similar occurrences. I would like to introduce you to the check list method of deciding what it is that you want to accomplish before you start your internet browsing.
Before you open up your browser or login in into your user account in your computer, try to have a pen and a piece of paper next to you and jot down the tasks that you are willing to accomplish before a new YouTube video grabs your attention, or a fancy article attracts you to click and read. After you have finished listing the tasks that you want to accomplish in your check list, begin accomplishing the most important one in the beginning. When you are done with that, put a check sign next to that task and continue with the other one. Repeat this process until you have no more unaccomplished tasks. When you are done, you are free to continue your browsing.
Why is this important
People usually do not like rules, because they tend to see them as constraints of their valuable freedom, but in fact, these rules can have several benefits that might be worth considering that ironically, can bring more freedom in the long term.
One of the most important and valuable benefit that one might gain through this approach is saving a lot of time. When you have a clear picture of what you want to do, then you are more inspired and less afraid of doing them. People tend to avoid action because of the blurry roads that seem towards their goals. When you have some specific action steps that are written done, you are more likely to get them done.
As a result of such check list, you are about to accomplish more things and be more productive, because you are no longer trying to recall everything that needs to get done. Instead, you are less nervous and more relaxed when you do not need to recall something, because you have already that thing in a piece of paper.
After putting the last tick, you are then about to enjoy a better browsing session, because you have no more tasks that you wished to accomplish. Try to avoid putting more tasks after you are done with some of the most important ones. Set a boundary and stop adding an infinite number of tasks. Do less, but do them better.
This might sound as contradictory with another article that I have written previously, though, it is not. Rather, here I am talking about a few little tasks that are not usually grouped under the same category with daily priorities such as finishing your work report, starting your project, or going to the gym. Remember that you will not get any benefit from this article if you do not practice what you just read.
