Using your to-do list gets you from where you are to where you want to be. Your list is your road map. Maybe it’s the map for your day. And maybe it extends to your week, month, or even your year.
The thing is, making the time to create your to-do list is important. But if it then just sits on your desk, it isn’t serving you. So using your to-do list is the second, vital step in the process. It might seem obvious, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy.
So, here are 3 practical tips for using your to-do list wisely and well.
1. Track your ongoing tasks.
- Every list, whatever its category heading, should contain ongoing tasks. Even if they are part of your routine, be sure to include them. Otherwise, they may completely slip your mind. Or, alternatively, you may lose sight of the time it actually takes to accomplish them.
- Be prepared to be flexible as unexpected tasks and activities change your priorities.
- It may be necessary to realign your lists when unexpected events have to be dealt with immediately. So allow yourself the freedom of changing your original priorities. The goal is to be using your to-do list as much as you can, but realize that no list is ‘etched in stone.’
2. Using your to-do list to anticipate.
- Many people forget the time it takes to gather the materials or the information required to complete a task or a time-consuming activity, like travel time to and from a destination. So, try this:
- Look at your list and jot down any additional time-consuming activities that are essential to successfully completing a task. For example, driving children to piano lessons or sports events may take a half-hour each way.
- Make sure you include this travel time in your estimate of how long these tasks will take. Otherwise, you may lose an hour and be rushed as you move to the next item on your list.
3. Share your list with others who are affected by your plans.
- A good idea here is when you review your list, take a few minutes to share it with your partner, your co-workers, or your children.
- Share it with anyone who may be counting on you,
- Who has a role in the listed task, or
- Who needs to know that you will not be available to them at a certain time.
How do you do with managing your to-do list?
What will be your first step, today, to build on that?
And for more help using your to-do list…
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Let’s explore time together…
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