I use a checklist to manage month-end accounting for my business. I physically check off each item before moving to the next. Accounting mistakes can be costly.
A remarkable study where medical staff across dozens of hospitals worldwide adhered to a 12-point checklist before performing surgeries. It resulted in a 50% drop in fatalities! Healthcare mistakes cost lives. NASA astronauts use checklists before launching into space.
This isn't a very sexy productivity or effectiveness tip. But if it's good enough for surgeons and NASA, it'll probably work for you and me.
Travel? Morning routines and other rituals? What critically important but repetitive tasks do you have a checklist for?