The Power of the List When Studying for the BOC Exam

We all know how challenging it can be to settle down and get some solid work done, especially when you want to study for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam. Common obstacles include:

• Being interrupted
• Getting distracted
• Worrying about productivity
• Trying to remember tasks
• Not knowing what to do next
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Feeling guilty
• Feeling stressed

The human brain isn’t great at keeping track of “to-do” lists, leading to a constant nagging feeling of missing something important. This low-level stress wastes a huge amount of energy.

What Do the Experts Say?

Time management experts universally recommend the use of lists. Here’s a condensed version of some of their most effective tips:

1. Plan Your Day

Spend a few minutes each day planning. Surprisingly, most people skip this crucial step.

2. Create Two Lists: “Today” and “Later”

Each day, create two lists: your “Today” list and your “Later” list.

• Morning Routine: Start by making your “Today” list, prioritizing the most important tasks and tackling them first.
• Throughout the Day: Refer to and update your list, marking tasks off as you complete them. If something comes up that doesn’t need immediate attention, add it to your “Later” list.
• End of the Day: Review your “Today” list and begin compiling the next day’s list. Move any unfinished tasks to your calendar if they have specific deadlines.

3. Use a Wall Calendar

A wall calendar gives you an overview of upcoming events and deadlines.

• Term Planning: Note exam dates and other important events early.
• Review: At the start of each term, identify potential “crunch” times to manage workload better.
• Daily Check: Consult your calendar when updating your lists in the morning and evening.

4. Estimate Task Durations

Understanding how long tasks take is crucial for effective planning.

• Break Down Tasks: Instead of writing “do essay,” break it into smaller steps, like:
• Take final notes (45 minutes)
• Review notes (30 minutes)
• Plan the essay (30 minutes)
• Write the essay (2 hours, split into two 1-hour sessions)

5. Transition “Later” to “Today”

Keep an eye on your “Later” list and periodically dedicate time to handle those tasks. This is especially important for students with continuous academic work.

6. Focus on One Thing at a Time

Multitasking is ineffective.

• Immediate Tasks: If something comes up, write it down and address it later, maintaining your focus on the current task.
• Batch Similar Tasks: Group similar activities, like answering emails or making calls, to minimize interruptions.

7. Two-Touch Time Management

Think of time management in two stages: decide when to do a task, then do it. This system helps ensure you stay focused and organized.

8. Weekly Review

Spend five minutes once a week, such as on Saturday morning, to review and update your lists. This ensures nothing slips through the cracks.

9. Use Lists for Everything

For the system to work, it must be comprehensive. Use your lists for all tasks, both work and leisure, to rely on the system fully and reduce stress about forgetting tasks.

Effective list-making can transform your productivity by helping you focus, reducing stress, and ensuring nothing important is forgotten. Implement these strategies to harness the power of the list and achieve more productive, stress-free days. Productive days don’t happen by accident—they are crafted with a reliable system.