Day 75: How To Create A To-Do List

What: To-Do Lists

Why: Are you overwhelmed by how much you have to get done – and get done in a certain amount of time? Or do you ever forget to do something? Do you use a to-do list? Would a to-do list be beneficial? Thinking about DOING one more thing, like creating a to-DO list, may seem daunting. Have you ever thought of a to-do list as being a backup for your brain? A to-do list basically is a list of all of the things you need to get done. So what are the benefits?

Benefits of Having a To-Do List:
1. Won’t forget what needs to be done.
2. Helps carry out most important tasks first.
3. Tasks are written down in one place
4. YOU are in control of the list and no one else.
5. Become reliable, focused, detailed, productive, less stressed, and organized.
6. Helps accomplish the unwanted tasks that easily get pushed aside

How to Create a To-Do List:
1. Think and write down everything you need to do. Here are some ideas:

• Use colored sticky notes for each item or for each day – easy to keep track of and can throw away after each day’s tasks are complete
• Write down specifics. Ex. Don’t just write down “go to Target”. Write down “go to Target to buy a dress for “this” event”. This aids in thinking about what you are looking for in advance.
• Use colored pens which aids in remembering what to do.
• If you need to call someone, put phone number right on to-do list.

2. Prioritize by most important to least important. Use bullets or a numbering system. Consider putting a timeframe behind each item for reference sake.

3. If many of the items are errands, organize by area, by mapping the best route or most convenient way to accomplish all the tasks in the shortest amount of time.

4. Break larger tasks into smaller tasks, such as remodel bathroom.  For example, consider writing down each step: price out project, make list of supplies needed, buy supplies (paint, paintbrushes), wash walls, tape edges, etc.

5. Keep your to-do list in a visible spot. It may be helpful to keep a running to-do list so that nothing is pushed to the side and forgotten about.

6. Be willing to transfer unaccomplished tasks to the next day’s to-do list.

Confession of the Day: I am a lover of to-do lists. I have a running to-do list hanging on our refrigerator at all times. I even keep my grocery list on this same sheet of paper. When I am ready to go into town and run my errands I just rip my to-do list off the fridge and have all of the places written down that I need to go to and all of the groceries I need to get. It has taken me a long time to find the “right” process for me and I say all of this understanding that you need to find the right process for you. In living with less, it means living with less stress, living with clearer minds, and being able to enjoy the time you do have, not worrying about what needs to get done.

Do you use a to-do list? What is the method you use for your to-do madness?