Sometimes I actually write my list before bed when I am very awake or I have a lot on my mind, and I wake up knowing that my list is complete. It feels great in the morning and allows me to start very productively.
Either way, I never started out motivated to write my todo list early in the morning, but I forced myself to do it like I used to force myself to eat new foods I didn’t like. I knew eventually, my tastebud would adapt to the flavors and I would learn to enjoy the good I was eating. Now I enjoy all foods and try everything, chef’s choice. Same with the todo list, it’s now become a habit.
– I can cut down the noise and focus on what’s really important. For me, I get easily distracted by thinking about ALL the things I have to do.
– Writing a well considered list for the day really helps calm me and keep me focused on MY priorities, so I get more done!
– Days when I don’t write a list feel scattered and chaotic, and I can rarely say what I achieved that day
Also, motivation is fleeting, I personally can’t really rely on it. Having clear reasons (as above) to do things, along with a solid routine to make it automatic is a lot more effective for me than having to constantly try and motivate myself.
And finally, I only write lists at work. When I’m at home, unless I’m on an important deadline, I take the pressure off and let myself flow…. it’s so much nicer 🙂