This past Summer, my schedule seemed to be all over the place which left me extremely frazzled. It’s so easy to feel overwhelmed and forget things when we have busy schedules. What saved me from having a breakdown and kept me organized was a very basic, time saving tool: to-do lists.
This isn’t a new idea, we all know how to create a list and understand that it helps us remember our tasks. I myself have been writing to-do lists for at least 9 years and I’d like to think I’ve mastered them by now. Creating to-do lists can be extremely powerful tools if the basic tips below are applied.
Habitual Listing
I’ve found creating a daily to-do list every morning is most effective for higher productivity. When you start your day by writing out your tasks you will know exactly what to focus your energy on, leaving you stress-free. You will additionally be able to plan your day accordingly which helps get each task done. By making a habit of morning to-do lists you’ll not only work more efficiently, but also have much more time for other activities.
Tangible Tasks
Be mindful of the tasks you set to accomplish each day, you want every goal to be something tangible. Rather than writing “start working out” make the task something more specific that you know you will do, such as “go for a 30 minute walk after dinner”. The more detailed the task, the less likely it will be that it gets lost in the craziness of the day.
Prioritize
Some days there is much more to do than others and you may still feel overwhelmed even after writing your daily list. This is why prioritizing is so important. Listing your tasks in chronological order based on deadlines is extremely helpful on busy days. Still stressed? Try covering up any tasks that are not top priority with a sticky note. Seeing a visually shorter to-do list can really help keep you focused on the specific task at hand.
Rewards
Visualizing your daily to-do’s certainly helps with productivity, but seeing each task you complete really empowers you. Each item you check off can boost your self-confidence and the more you get done the more positive your day will feel. If simply crossing off your completed goals doesn’t help you strive to accomplish your tasks, try rewarding yourself. Maybe after calling back your client you can make yourself a cup of tea. Giving yourself incentives is especially beneficial on lazy days!
To-do lists may seem extremely basic but can be powerful tools when used to their full potential. Whether you currently write out daily tasks or not, I hope these collective tips are able to help you get through your day!
How do you stay organized when life gets busy? Share in the comments!
Being someone who has 19-hour days and is extremely scatterbrained, I really do need to get cracking on those to-do lists. These are such great tips! Writing out specific details to a task seem to be something I haven’t been doing. Perhaps that’s why I’ve been a failure at to-do lists. Haha, will be taking these on board!
Have a lovely week, Michelle!
May | THE MAYDEN | Bloglovin’
19-hour days?! I hope these tips help keep you organized, May!
Have a great week as well!
Lord knows I needed this! Thank you so much for sharing, I’m always looking to be more organized 🙂
http://juanamaua.blogspot.com
I’m so happy you found these tips helpful, Yvonne! 🙂
Great tips! I am definitely a list maker. I like to do the easy things first so they are done and I feel like I have accomplished something. 🙂
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Thanks, Amy – I tend to do that too!
These are wonderful tips! My life is constructed with to do lists♥♥
chocolateandsunset.com
I literally couldn’t live without to do lists!
Eleventh & Sixteenth
Neither could I!
I always find to do lists help me
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
I could not agree more! Having a to-do list keeps me on track and feeling accomplished!
Chelsea
Ginger Side of Life
A To-do list is something I need to do every morning before I start off the day. This way I have my goals prioritized
BIBA Autumn Collection
Michelle,
I am definitely a list person. I have a daily list as well as a larger list of bigger projects that I would like to complete in my “spare” time. I love to see all the little items getting marked off. You’re right, it is a small thing, but it seems like a huge accomplishment.
Jenn
Hi, Jenn! Aside from my daily to-do list I always seem to have a few extra lists going as well; shopping, reminders, and long-term goals.
Yes! I absolutely love to-do lists! It’s the best way to get my priorities straight!
I can’t function without making a daily to-do list! Love this blog and its theme – so glad I stumbled across it 🙂
http://www.makemeupmarie.com x
Thank you so much, Marie!
this is so spot on. amen to all of the above.
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