How to Write a To-Do List That Will Instantly Boost Your Productivity
To-do lists area hugely useful tool, especially when day-to-day life is as busy and as hectic as it is. It helps us to get back control over our days and what it is we use them to do. The best part about a to-do list is, you can put pretty much anything on it. From important bits and bobs like remortgaging to more trivial tasks, such as remembering to put the bins out, you'll never miss a beat with a meticulously thought about to-do list at the helm!
Your to-do list should be...
Well-balanced
It should contain a list of tasks of that are both things you need to do and things you want to do for your own well being and peace of mind. Often, it makes us feel better to cross those tasks off our lists of things to do, simply because it provides us with structure and routine for the day, week or even month ahead, depending on how long you're wanting your list to be.
Flexible
Having a to-do list isn't meant to pen you into or guilt-trip you into doing things. The whole point is that it's on your terms, but whether it gets done or not remains up to you. Basically, if you don't manage to tick anything off your list this week, or you've crossed off less than you would have liked, then don't sweat it!
Life is busy and certain things can often spring up out of nowhere - that's when you allow yourself some flexibility. If you can't do a certain thing one day because you have a dentist appointment, for example, then it's ok to give it a go another day.
Inclusive
Include the time it takes you to write your to-do list, in your to-do list. Basically, don't let planning the to-do list take up needless chunks of time that will be needed to actually complete your to-do list...does that make sense? I hope so! Essentially, don't waste time planning or thinking into things too much when you sit down and write your list.
Realistic
Don't give yourself loads to do, because then your to-do list isn't sustainable. If you overwhelm yourself with tasks, then it's likely it'll become too much and then you'll be less inclined to tick off even a few things on your list, let alone the whole thing. It's also a good idea to keep those tasks simple, yet effective so you don't burn out.
How to write your to-do list in a way that'll boost your productivity in no time
Omit unnecessary tasks
If you have anything on your list that isn't necessary or important right now, then cross it off. At this point in time, those types of activities are just making the list seem longer and more overwhelming, making it less likely that you'll complete any of the tasks on it in the first place. If you think it's necessary at this point, then cross it off - you can always put it on a future to-do list later.
Don't rush
Take your time when it comes to writing your list. This is so you don't forget to put a certain task on it, especially if it's important or even time-sensitive. It'll also enable you to think carefully able which tasks are a priority and which activities can wait for a short while. Basically, your to-do list will become a well thought-out plan, so you won't miss anything or forget to do things that you would have done had you not made your to-do list in the first place!
Prioritise tasks in order of importance
As I've already mentioned, your tasks should be listed in order of priority. If something needs to be done within the next day, put it at the top. If you have a couple of weeks to run an errand, then put it towards the bottom of the list - it's really that simple when it comes to writing your to-do list.
Batch tasks that are similar to each other
If there are several tasks that require the use of the Post Office, for example, then batch those things together and get it sorted all at once when you go to the Post Office. The same could be said for someone's birthday, group those errands together, like buying wrapping paper and a card, or buying a present and then wrapping the present. No matter how you group the tasks together, it'll be easier to get things done if they aren't so sporadically spread out.
Make some preparations in advance
If it's quite a big or timely task that you've got to do, see if you can do some prep work beforehand to make things easier and quicker for you in the long run. If you need to start the slow cooker early in the morning so you'll have a hearty meal that evening, then prep the food the night before, for example. You'll soon be thanking your past self for being so organised!
Understand your schedule
It's rare that someone has all the time in the world to get things done - it just doesn't happen anymore. So you need to work your to-do list around your schedule, and only you know what that involves down to the smallest detail.
Your to-do list needs to fit in with your day-to-day life and not the other way around. Even if it means you have to give up your Saturday morning to go to the bank, if it's the only way you'll get that task done, then that's that. You can't be booking afternoons off here and there to get things done, so work that around you and other priorities in your life, like children or work.
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I hope you enjoyed this blog post. Let me know how you write and complete your to-do lists in order to be as productive as possible. I'll see you again really soon with a brand new blog post :)
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