TOOL: In Praise of the Humble Checklist

 Many years ago when I was involved in a large quality improvement programme we were introduced to the need for having checklists. I remember being underwhelmed but participated in spite of my negativity.

What is a checklist? 

A checklist is a document that enumerates items or tasks to be accomplished. Checklists are one of the most common, versatile, and widely-used forms. The content of a checklist can vary depending on the type or objective of the checklist. Reminders, tasks, processes, activities, and other relevant items are normally listed in a checklist. A checklist usually comes in a standard format, but it can be customised according to individual needs and preferences. Checklists are widely used forms because of their ease and efficiency. They can be applied in all industries and fields, from construction and real estate development to event planning and accounting. 

I now totally believe in checklists

As the trainer of the quality improvement project I experimented with the checklist tool. I was running facilitator training every month, so to systemise the process, I set up a checklist for the training course. The checklist covered what needed to happen before, during and after the course. Booking venues, ordering training manuals, sending out joining instructions, booking flights etc. Once I had completed the list I realised that there was quite a lot happening in order to deliver a successful course. Once I had the checklist, as I completed each item, I would tick and date it. I was surprised at how powerful the process was and the emotional impact it had on me.

• I knew from the start what needed to be done
• I wasn't relying on my memory for the steps
• My level of anxiety went down quite dramatically
• I was more systematic in the way I worked

In conclusion I see checklists as simple yet practical tools that help keep you organised and on track. They can help you manage your time more effectively, reduce stress, and increase your productivity. Whether you’re planning a wedding, managing a construction project, or simply trying to stay on top of your daily tasks, a checklist can be a valuable tool to help you achieve your goals.

Do I still use checklists?

I am retired and will be turning 80 in a week and YES I still use checklists. The most used checklist is my Holiday Checklist which I have used for trips to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, South Africa, Costa Rica and all over Europe. I use Apple Reminders for the list which is broken down over the following headings:-

• Travel - holiday details, book taxi, check in for flights, passport, NHS app (vaccination details), Insurance4HireCars etc
• Banking - top up Revolut with foreign currency, cash for airport taxi
• Medication - order pills and fill meds box
• Gadgets - my full Apple environment & Kindle plus chargers
• Entertainment - Sky, Netflix and Prime downloads to my iPad
• Car - (if using) clean, check tyres, fill tank, update AA app, destination address.
• Clothes - clothes relevant to the type of holiday that I'm going on
• Bathroom - charged saver, charged toothbrush, suntan lotion, insect repellant etc

This list guides me through the whole holiday process, ensuring that I get everything done, and don't get to the airport in a cold sweat filled with anxiety worrying about all the things that I think I may have forgotten. 

ALSO, just in case you feel doing such a checklist is excessive. You just do it once, and tweek and reuse the list for each holiday. That way its not onerous and gives you a great deal more peace of mind.