Articles about task management and productivity

Should you write a journal or list? If you are one of the people that is looking to implement one of these methods but you are not quite sure which will work better for you, then you are definitely in the right place as we will break down a few of the advantages that writing a list has over keeping a journal.

The first reason that you should write a list over a journal is because of the enhanced focus that a list provides. When we look at the characteristics of the two it is easy to see that a journal is pretty much for those that want to keep up with the events that take place in their lives, when a list on the other hand is used primarily to give a person a sense of direction.

That being said you almost certainly couldn’t use a journal or chain of chronological events to reach a short or even a long term goal for that matter. When you write a list that is easy to follow and you accomplish one goal after another there is no better method that keeps you focused and on track.

While a journal does offer its creator a very limited means of maintaining order it lacks the benefit of future goal planning. In addition to the clear benefit of goal targeting that a list offers many people that keep these lists have reported developing a stronger depth of focus and sense of perception.

Another benefit to keeping a list over a journal is that a list gives its creator a keen sense of accomplishment where as a journal only realistically helps them to remember an event that may or may not be a significant factor in their lives.

The next benefit that a list has over a journal is its ability to serve as a motivator when ones sense of accomplishment fails them. What do I mean by this exactly? Well if you get to a point where you feel like you are totally lost in the game of life and your direction is in question there is no better way to lift your spirit than to look at a list of goals that you have already successfully accomplished.

More often than not we get caught up in the moment and cannot see the forest for the trees, so to speak. This is where writing a list can serve as a much needed reality check. On the other hand imagine feeling off track and only having a roster of events (journal) to comfort you? Do you think reflecting on the first time you kissed someone will help you regain focus?

Last, writing a list will help you to be better organized overall and get more things done. In closing I would like to point out that while both the journal and writing a list have their own unique set of personal attributes the list has more of a direct and emotional benefit that will go a long way when it comes to self-improvement.

You can use specialized list software to your big advantage, because you can then filter for tasks in your lists, assign priorities, look on a certain period in your life etc. It also works for journals much better than paper.