There are few things that give me more motivation than crossing tasks off of my daily to-do list. I love seeing the list get shorter and my accomplishments stack up. I have been making daily to-do lists since college and credit the practice for my ability to get so much done.
My husband was list adverse for years; he thought they were overwhelming and demotivating. I’ve finally shown him the light and not he is making his own and adding to mine. If you think list are a bad idea, I get it. When you think you have no time and then look at a list of a dozen thing that need to be done can be daunting. But as I’ve said before, you can’t move forward if you don’t have a plan.
The Plan to Succeed
The plan for this time saving technique is deceptively simple. Go get a notepad and a pen…I’ll wait. There you go, you’ve just completed the first task to get more done today! Now write “Today’s List – (today’s date)” at the top. Naming the list is an important part as it give guidance and limits. The list should only include items that can be completed during one day and should be done or you want to get done today.
I’ve just told you to make a list of tasks with little guidance. How did you do? Do you feel good about your ability to get it all done? If you’re not feeling good, I’m guessing you have one of two problems. Option 1 – you’ve added everything in your head from the dishes that need to be washed before dinner to finishing the craft project you’ve been carrying around for the past 10 years. Option 2 – you’ve added items list “laundry” and “clean the bathrooms”. Or maybe you’ve done both. Let’s take a look at how to correctly list tasks to maximize productivity and boost your feelings of accomplishment!
The Perfect Task
The perfect task can be hard to pinpoint at first, but it will become easier over time. The task should be described in terms so that it can not be logically be broken down further. For instance, instead of writing “laundry”, write “laundry – sheets”, “laundry – baby’s clothes”, etc. The list will increase at first, but we’ll get to culling the list in a minute. Right now, take a minute or two to to look over your list and start breaking items down. Make the list as long as it needs to be to break everything down. If you’re getting bogged down, skip anything that is a want rather than a need. Take the decorating projects and decluttering off of the table. Start with what needs to be done to keep the house and family running.
Which Tasks to Include
After we have everything broken down into manageable tasks, it’s time to decide which items actually belong on today’s list. As this can get overwhelming, why don’t we wipe the slate clean so to speak. Turn the page of your notebook and title it the same as before. Now start adding tasks that absolutely have to be done today. Be honest. Start with things that support daily living like the dishes and laundry. Then move to other cleaning tasks like wiping down counters or vacuuming the living room that should be done today but aren’t going to be a huge deal to put off til tomorrow. Next, add in cleaning tasks that need to be done later in the week. Finally, add a couple of fun tasks. Start the first steps on a hobby you haven’t done in a while or something you want to try. Want to join the world-wide bread baking frenzy? Add the task of looking up how-to videos. We want to add fun to everyday as well as productivity!!
What to Do with Everything Else?
Don’t throw out the first list you made. It contains valuable information about everything that is rattling around in your brain causing stress. Use this list to help guide you for long term projects that have been waiting for you to tackle them. Tomorrow, start the list with the required tasks then add the next items for the long term projects. You’re now on the way to getting more done every day.
Comment below with your to do list success story! What long put-off task have you completed? What passion project have you finally started?