News Anchor Tamsen Fadal Lives by Lists

Like me Tamsen Fadal works in the news business, so she knows the importance of a good list. She currently co-anchors the PIX11 News at 5, 6 and 10 in New York City. I used to work at PIX11 too, as a copyeditor/producer for the News at 10.

It’s always good to catch up with people there.  So I was excited to hear that Tamsen just released a new book called, “The New Single.”  And guess what she talks about in it?

Her love of list making!  So I asked her a few more questions about how she does it all.

Why do you call yourself a compulsive list producer?

There is no question about it. In fact, this interview was part of my Monday To Do List to make sure that I got it done. I love having a plan in place. It keeps me organized, efficient and it allows me to focus on the task at hand versus trying to do 10 different things and not accomplish any of them.

What do you make lists about?

I make lists about anything and everything.

• Tasks I need to do.
• Websites and apps I want to check out.
• Foods I want to incorporate in my diet.
• My workouts.
• Long term goals and short term goals.
• Pros and cons of a topic.

How often do you make lists? 

I make lists daily and if I don’t complete the list one day I move it over to the next.

Confession: I often make 2 or 3 lists a day.

Why do you make lists?

I make lists to make sure that I stay on top of what I need to do in terms of tasks, thoughts and behaviors. I know that lists help me stay efficient and ensure that I don’t get lost in the day without a plan.

What type of list do you make the most? 

Task lists are the ones that I make the most.

How do you make lists? 

I do lists a few different ways. On my iPhone I use notes to make the lists if I am on the run. On my laptop I use the Stickies feature to make sure I can keep my list floating on the computer at all times. I am also old school in that I love paper. I have a moleskin notebook with me at all times to make sure that I never leave home without my To Do!

How have you found lists help you succeed in your personal and professional life? 

There is no question about it. I do not know how people are able to do things with a structured plan in place so for me it is essential. I believe lists have helped me both personally and professionally in achieving my goals, being time effective and achieving balance so that I am able to enjoy my life and make the most of my time.

Who is your productivity mentor?

I like people who stay organized. There are a number of influencers that I have seen who answer emailed right away or seem to always be able to show up on time and complete the tasks at hand.

What is the most interesting list you’ve ever made? 

The most interesting was what to do about a trip I took to Italy. It was a list of everything I wanted to experience. I only got about 50 percent accomplished but loved every second of it!

What’s #1 on your bucket list?

TRAVEL all around the world. I am obsessed with different cultures, foods and languages. I want to immerse myself in as many as possible.

What keeps popping up on your list over and over again?

Get organized.

Tamsen Fadal is a seven-time Emmy award-winning journalist and author and currently co-anchors the PIX11 News at 5, 6 and 10. She hosts an arts show “Broadway Profiles” on the Broadway Channel.

She is the author of 3 books. She just, “The New Single,” Finding, Fixing and Falling Back In Love With Yourself After A Breakup or Divorce – a self-help guide to empowerment helping women emerge from a big life change confidence, grace, and a recipe for self-care. It’s also designed to increase awareness about avoiding toxic repetitive relationship patterns that hold you back from your being your best self.