Whenever I set up IKEA furniture, the first thing I do is take everything out of the box, spread it out on the floor, and examine and count all of the parts. I make sure I have everything I’m supposed to have before I begin.
Then, I turn to the first page of the instructions and start with step one.
This helps me work quickly and ensures that I don’t leave anything out.
I followed a similar process in my law practice, using forms and checklists to open and close files, manage documents and correspondence and the calendar, and otherwise make sure I didn’t forget anything. (No computers, then. Fun times.)
I’ve seen more than a few attorneys who don’t do use forms or checklists. When they interview a new client, they grab a legal pad and start asking questions.
When I have a writing project, anything longer than a few pages, I organize my ideas and notes and write a simple outline before I begin. Some writers prepare highly detailed outlines, while others prefer to start with nothing more than an idea.
Some are plotters. Some are pantsers—writing by the seat of their pants.
The point is that everyone has their own way of doing things. Do what works for you.
But. . . do yourself a favor. Make a point of looking at the methods used by other people and try some of them.
If you usually fly by the seat of your pants in your work flow, give checklists a try. If you’re organized to a fault, try winging some things. If you follow a specific task management system or have a preferred writing app, try some others every once in awhile.
Your way may work for you. But you might find something that works even better.
