Tips for Flash Tasks

Step 1: Decide WHERE you’ll keep this list.

The most important thing is that you keep your list of Flash Tasks in the same place as you keep all your regular “to-dos”. You don’t want to be searching for the list when you find yourself with a small pocket of time to work on them!

• If you keep a hand-written, hard copy of your list, you can either customize the organization of the page to incorporate a separate section for “flash tasks” or you can write these items in a margin.

• If you keep an electronic “to do” list, create a separate time called “Flash Tasks” and list all of them as subtasks or something similar based on your platform or app.

Step 2: Create your list

For some people, compiling the list of “Flash Tasks” is what adds the most value. Set a timer to 5 minutes and brainstorm every little thing that you have to do that ‘s been hanging around in the back of your mind for at least 2+ days. Regardless of where eyou keep this list, just be sure there is room for you to add more at any time. Why? Because:

• You never know when you’ll get something new to do that you don’t want to forget

• It is inevitable that you’ll eventually remember that there was something you forgot, and you don’t want to forget it again!

Step 3: Work on your list

• Make Flash Tasks your Brain Break or Transition Activity: When you need a break or are in transition between activities, or find yourself with 10 (or fewer) minutes to spare, look at your Flash Task list and find one that is well-suited for the time or energy you have.

• Make a Game of your Flash Tasks!: Either during “found time” or in a scheduled block of time, challenge yourself to get as many of them done as possible in the amount of time you have.