It takes some practise to find the right balance, at first i was writing down twenty things each day, but after a while it gets easier to follow up the list.

I've taken this approach in periods where my task list has grown particularly “unmanageable” to good effect.

One warning, however. It's important not to use this “gimmee” strategy too aggressively. If you're not careful, you can find yourself creating the equivalent of make-work in order to feel that you've crossed off tasks.

Using “gimmees” can be a double edged sword – if you don't keep a handle on this strategy it can whipsaw and put you in a position that is precisely the opposite of it's intent.

I think that's why your examples are for tasks that are actually part of your normal daily routine. By actively appending these items to your task list, you allow yourself to feel more productive and get the “efficiency juices” flowing – even though you'd be “automatically” completing most of those tasks anyway.

It takes some practise to find the right balance, at first i was writing down twenty things each day, but after a while it gets easier to follow up the list.

I've taken this approach in periods where my task list has grown particularly “unmanageable” to good effect.

One warning, however. It's important not to use this “gimmee” strategy too aggressively. If you're not careful, you can find yourself creating the equivalent of make-work in order to feel that you've crossed off tasks.

Using “gimmees” can be a double edged sword – if you don't keep a handle on this strategy it can whipsaw and put you in a position that is precisely the opposite of it's intent.

I think that's why your examples are for tasks that are actually part of your normal daily routine. By actively appending these items to your task list, you allow yourself to feel more productive and get the “efficiency juices” flowing – even though you'd be “automatically” completing most of those tasks anyway.

I think like anything in life it's about developing a habit. If you actually did this for 30 days then your brain would actually buy the fact that you are in fact being productive. So, I don't necessarily think it's as hard as some make it out to be.