How to Create a To-Do List That Actually Helps You Get Things Done
There's no one-size-fits-all approach, which means you can customize your to-do list to fit your unique needs and preferences.
Our "go big or go home" culture has left many people feeling overwhelmed, stuck, and gloomy, when all it takes is a lil’ action to turn things around.
Want to craft a new daily habit from scratch? Here's a powerful one:
Create a to-do list that works for you.
[Before we jump into this topic, I have an important caveat. As technology continues to advance, providing us with tools that save us time, please begin to train your brain to savor your downtime. Don’t fill every second you save getting even more stuff done.]
If you want to get sh*t done, you need a clear understanding of what needs to be done. This usually takes the form of a to-do list.
There are many ways to do your to-do list, so experiment until you land on the process and tools that work for you. Yes, you want a reminder to complete your tasks, but ultimately you want a way to create intention for the day that sets you up to successfully follow through.
You have to start somewhere, and the first step to creating a to-do list is the brain dump. Grab a piece of paper or open a document on your computer and write down everything that comes to mind. Don't worry about organizing or prioritizing your tasks yet. Just write down everything you need to do, from the smallest task to the biggest project (ultimately you’ll break those big projects on your to-do list into smaller tasks). This will help you get that never-ending swirl of demands out of your head – I find this part of the process incredibly soothing. :)
A to-do list is not a one-size-fits-all process. Experiment to create your own method. This is where the customization kicks in.
Create Your Own Method
Prioritizing Your Tasks
Once you've done a brain dump, it's time to prioritize your tasks. You can use different methods to prioritize, such as the 1-3-5 Rule or the Daily Big 3, the ABC method, eat the frog, the Eisenhower matrix, or simply ranking your tasks from most important to least important. Try a few. Combine your favorites or stick with just one. I’m a fan of the Big 3 and eat the frog.
Managing Your Tasks
You can use a pen and a bullet journal, daily planner, calendar, or legal pad to write it down and cross it off. Or download a digital tool to your laptop or smart device. Some popular tools include Trello, any.do, Asana, Evernote, and Todoist. These allow you to organize and prioritize your tasks, set reminders and deadlines, and collaborate with others. And don’t forget about AI Assistants! With the ability to schedule appointments, create reminders, and manage tasks, AI Assistants keep getting fancier.
Create a process that works for you. If one way doesn’t work, no biggie, just try another. Use this assessment to keep track of which methods meet your needs. If you really like a method but it falls short in a specific area, look for another method that could bolster it.
Challenge the assumption that filling every moment with tasks is the key to success. Prioritize self-care, relationships, and activities that bring fulfillment. By doing so, you may find that you actually accomplish more by doing less.
If this LIL’ HABIT resonates with you, help make it stick by talking about it with a friend.
MORE RESOURCES
7 Task Management Methods To Increase Your Productivity Levels
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