Whether you keep your to-do list recorded digitally, in a special book for the jobor on a scrap of paper it is important to know how to make the most of it. This article will provide you with 8 top tips to help you improve your to-do list skills.
1. Keep it short
Your to-do list should be short – ideally three tasks per day and certainly no more than five tasks.
2. A new list every day
A fresh start every day is liberating. If you manage to keep your to-do lists short then you shouldn’t have to be carrying over. If you find that you are carrying tasks over then your to-do lists are too long.
3. Achievable tasks
Make sure that your tasks from the to-do list are achievable. Don’t have the task ‘write a book’, instead something like ‘write 1000 words’ as this is something that is achievable within a day.
4. Not too easy
Make sure that you do not put ego tasks onto your to-do list. Something that you would do anyway shouldn’t feature on your list. So no ‘make a cup of tea’ tasks unless this features as a challenge.
5. Keep your to-do list with you
There is nothing more annoying than remembering that you’ve left your to-do list somewhere. Get into the habit of keeping the list somewhere that you will not forget it. A jacket pocket is good – assuming you wear jackets.
6. Do it and forget it
To get stuff done you need to complete a task to your satisfaction and move on. Don’t go back and fuss, keep moving as this will serve you well.
7. Prioritise
The most important task should be at the top of your to-do list. Get this done first before you move on. Stick to your priority list – no excuses.
8. Complete your tasks first
Focus and get your tasks completed before you do things like look at email, check the social networks or other distractions which make you feel busy.
9. Set deadlines
If you have a to-do list with three tasks upon it, set a deadline in the very near future for getting it done. If you think it will take an hour to do, then set a deadline of an hour. Without time constraints you run the risk of mission creep. Avoid letting things take much longer than they should.
10. Appreciate your efforts
When you complete a task do not forget to tick it off the to-do list and enjoy the fact that you have accomplished something. I like to make a cup of tea to celebrate, others enjoy freshly brewed coffee. Treat yourself as these little victories are what make it possible to complete a project / bigger piece of work.
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