Do you feel overwhelmed by your never-ending to do lists? You are not alone!
These lists evoke negative emotions in most people. They seem like silent reminders showing us just how far “behind” we are and how impossible it is to ever catch up.
It doesn’t have to be like this. There is another way to work with your to do lists that is much more fun and energizing and will help you simplify your days.
It all begins with the realization that your to do lists are tools that are there to help you, not the other way around. When I realized that my to do lists are really there to support me, rather than me having to satisfy them, a huge weight lifted off my shoulders.
What’s good about to do lists? – Jotting things down on paper alleviates having to think of them or worrying that you might forget.
What’s good about to do lists?
- Jotting things down on paper alleviates having to think of them or worrying that you might forget.
- From your list, you can choose the items you feel most compelled to do each day.
- Your list is a reflection of what is going on in your mind. Get curious about your choices.
- The list offers a place to decide what to do about the to-do’s:
- Do I want to do it myself?
- Do I want to delegate the task?
- Do I want to scratch it off the list because it is simply not that important?
Here are a few ideas that will help you make your to do lists work for you:
- Look at your to do lists and acknowledge that they are merely a tool serving you.
- Go through your to do lists and qualify items with M (meaningful), U (urgent), D (can be delegated and write down who you want to ask for help), E (eliminate, because it really isn’t serving you to spend your or anyone’s time on this)
- Once you have qualified your to do lists, ask yourself: Which three things do I most want to act on today? Highlight those and start working on the easiest one right away…this will fuel your energy supply to get ready for the next slightly more challenging task.
- Celebrate each accomplishment in a way that is meaningful for you. E.g. take a deep breath, smile at yourself, draw a smiley face next to your accomplished task on your list, or whatever feels best to do.
- By the end off the day, enjoy reviewing your to do lists and focus on your accomplishments.
- In the morning, review your to do lists and start back at point 3.
If your to do lists just seems too long and daunting, ask yourself, “Who are these to do lists serving?” If you notice that these are really your boss’ lists, your spouse’s lists, or your kids’ lists, then maybe it’s time to put yourself back on the lists and ask “What is it that I most long to do?”
Things such as having a soothing bath, going for a walk, talking to a friend, dancing, or laughing may come to mind. Put the activities you most long for on top of your to do lists and they will remind you to take care of yourself first.
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This struck a chord with me. Ive worked with lots of clients on time management issues and realised they often have a different way of working with their work and personal to do lists. I like your reminder that lists serve you because this works in either context! I also agree that 3 things at any one time is the magic number. Beyond that and our minds become less effective…
Thank you, Clare for sharing your thoughts and experience! I am glad that my article helps you address your clients perceived difference between personal and professional to-dos.
I use (and love) to do lists both at the office and at home.
Julia’s pointers are excellent as I find to do lists a very effective
tool for staying focused and being efficient.
Two tips that I like to include in my to do lists are:
Start items with a verb, be specific and set realistic target completion dates/times.
Another thing I like to do is list key steps for an item (just a couple).
Also I keep to do lists very short. There is something very satisfying about crossing off that last item and if your to do list is short you get to complete them more often.
Thank you for sharing, Chris!
First of all, it is wonderful to hear from someone who loves using lists! They are a great tool after all and receive a lot more dread than they deserve. :)
Thank you for sharing what makes to-do lists work well for you. I couldn’t agree more with you. Short lists are much more fun than long daunting ones. Adding to your comment, one could create a new list each day that doesn’t have more than 3 items on it…so that by the end of the day you get the satisfaction of crossing off the last item from your list.
I like that you include your thoughts as to what is needed to complete the task. As I write down my to-do’s, I often think about how to get them done. Why not include these ideas in the list? Then I won’t worry about forgetting the “how” until I get to that item.
Thanks again for sharing your thoughts, Chris!
Warmly,
Julia :)