If you’ve read many of my posts, you may have realized that I enjoy making lists. When I have a lot to get done, to-do lists are one of my favorite ways to tackle the tasks before me.
I wasn’t very productive during the early months of my pregnancy, so now I have quite a bit to get done. As I’ve been making to-do lists, I’ve realized that there are many pitfalls associated with them. How can these pitfalls be avoided? Here are the things I’m doing to make sure I use my to-do lists effectively.
Tips for using to-do lists effectively
- Avoid spending too much time making a list. Sometimes I’ll take 15 minutes or longer to list out the tasks I need to complete and to map out the steps I need to take to complete them. By the time I finish making the list, I could have actually completed a task on it! I’m learning to limit how much time I take in writing out a list so I can move on to the tasks.
- Keep the right priorities. Regardless of how busy I get, my priorities should always stay the same: God, family, and then everything else. It’s tempting to skip my devotional time in the mornings or compromise quality time with my husband when I have a lot to get done, but this is actually counterproductive. These activities form a solid foundation for completing other tasks.
- Tackle one task at a time. I’ll often attempt to complete numerous tasks at once in order to get more done. Unfortunately, this leaves my focus divided so I’m actually less productive—I may not complete any of the tasks! If I buckle down and focus on one task at a time, I’ll actually accomplish more.
- Be willing to change my focus when it’s not working. When I do focus in on one task, sometimes I’ll find myself getting nowhere. Sometimes I’ll be missing something I need to complete the task; other times I’ll just get mentally stuck and will not be able to concentrate. When this happens, it can be a good idea to stop what I’m doing and try a different task. Though this means I will not complete the initial task, at least I stand a chance of getting another task done.
- Reward myself. I sometimes find it helpful to give myself little rewards when I finish a task. Sometimes simply crossing an item off my list is sufficient reward, but other times I’ll allow myself a snack or a small break. Even though these are very small rewards, they can be strong motivators.
What things do you do to make sure you accomplish the tasks on your to-do lists?
Shared on the following link-ups:
Thriving Thursday, One Project at a Time & Monday’s Musings.
Great ideas, Shannon. I can totally relate to each of the pitfalls you mention. Focusing on just one task is a major problem for me. On my way to do one thing, I get sidetracked by another. Before long, I am surrounded by partially completed projects. Thanks for the reminders!
That’s exactly what I’m talking about! 🙂
Shannon…Great ways to stick to your to-do list. I lean towards getting side-tracked but really try to work on that. And I like the reward of knowing I got it done!! Thank you for sharing at Monday’s Musings. Have a great week.
Hi Naomi,
I, too, like the reward of knowing it’s done.
I have Master lists. One for my Dailies, another for my weeklies and another for my monthly chores. I build my To Do list from there. This system is works for me. Keeps me flexible. I also put things on my to do list like a long soak in the tub or a trip to the hair salon.
Hi Connie,
That sounds like a very good system. Takes the guess work out of it!
I love a good list!…..however I sometimes get a bit bogged down with all the tasks, especially at work. A friend gave me a great tip for when I feel overwhelmed by it all…..”pick just 3 things that would leave you feeling satisfied if that was all you managed to complete.”
It works a treat and is a win win – I get to feel good about what I can get through and often once the 3 things are done I’m more motivated to do more but with much less stress.
Great tip, Mandy!
That sounds like a great way to prioritize when the list feels overwhelming.