I must say there is no better feeling than crossing a task off your “To Do” list. It feels GREAT!! However, it’s also easy to let a few days or a week go by without crossing off any tasks. Here are 5 simple tips to help you create an effective To-Do list.
1. Just Start!
- Tell yourself you have 10 -15 minutes to write down all the tasks you need to accomplish
- Once you get started, it’s easy to keep going
- Remember, only put items on your list that you are actually going to do
- Don’t confuse tasks with goals i.e.; Become a Yoga Instructor – This is more a goal than a task
- Get excited about it!
2. Keep it short & to the point!
- No one wants to have an endless “To Do” list. It’s overwhelming and it will stress you out!
- Keep it simple and try to keep it under 20 tasks
- Don’t use it as a dumping ground for large projects – keep a project list elsewhere
- Remember, this list is for tasks you are committed to doing sooner rather than later
3. Prioritize Your “To Do” list
- Even though I mentioned 20 tasks, realistically you’re only going to get a few done each day, or each week
- Make sure the important ones are on the top in red. That way they stand out from the rest
- Be specific, use verbs as much as possible, i.e. Call Dr. Jones!
- Make sure you are not distracted by your phone, email, etc. Tune out these distractions while you are focusing on prioritizing your “To Do” list
4. Keep your list active by Purging & Updating weekly!
- This is a working document, so remember as you are marking off tasks, you will probably be adding new ones as well
- Take a look at what items that have been on your list the longest – chances are you are probably blocking these ones out – you may need to break them down into smaller more manageable tasks.
- Schedule time each week to review your “To Do” list. I would suggest a Friday or Monday work best.
5. Practise makes Perfect!
- When tackling your “To Do” list, 90% of the work involved is in the planning – even the most trivial tasks so make sure you are consistent with taking time to plan
- The more you practise creating effective “To Do” lists, the easier it will become
- Reward yourself when you cross off a few tasks!
Just think how good you will feel when you get to purge/cross off tasks. You will feel a great sense of accomplishment. Well Done! Remember, there will always be things to do but if you learn to write them down and hold yourself accountable, you will feel less and less stressed. Take one task at a time. I know you can do it! And for those times when you need help or feel overwhelmed, please feel free to contact me.
What is your least favourite task? Share your thoughts with me. I love getting feedback. Don’t forget to leave a link back to your own blog too via the commentluv feature here on the site.
Until next time,
Kathy
Kathy,
Your blog is terrific!
And you’re absolutely right about the To Do’s.
Keep it coming!
Tsufit
Thank you Tsufit. By recommending clients create “To Do” lists, it relieves a lot of stress in their lives. Once you see it visually, you can see if it really is a “To Do” or an actual project and than assign a time line to it. More blogs on the way……….
Kathy