RazzWorks

Don’t think you’ll remember.

Often we avoid writing to-do lists because we are so sure we’ll remember all the things we need to do today. Or even future tasks that we want to do but aren’t high enough priority to worry about today.

I can tell you from personal experience that remembering isn’t that easy. Unless you have a memory like a steel trap you will forget things. Oh, maybe you’ll remember a couple of the really important tasks but others will get put off and forgotten until something comes up to remind you.

Write everything down! I keep a notebook where I write down tasks as I discover things that need doing. The first list is what I call my master list. Everything goes in here in no particular order and without priority assigned. You can worry about that later just get it all out of your head and onto paper or in an app or notepad on your computer, tablet, or phone. Make sure it is somewhere you will see it.

Now for your daily tasks, you can write your to-do list by choosing from the master list.

Don’t omit the details

Make your daily to-do list as detailed as you can. Include steps for larger tasks if they can or should be done in stages. For example, I don’t just write down dishes. Each step is its own task. I.E. wash dishes, dry dishes, put away dishes. Same with laundry. This way you can take breaks as needed and the task doesn’t seem so overwhelming.

Don’t treat all tasks equally

Some things need to be done right away, others should be done soon but they can wait a bit, while others have no time frame and can be done later or not at all if you’re having a really bad or busy day.

There are various methods of assigning priorities to your tasks but I like a simple number system. The task that needs to be done first is number one, the next is two, etc. Think about when the task needs to be done and how important it is to you if you’re having trouble prioritizing. Immediate and important tasks come first of course.

Don’t pile on too many tasks

Giving yourself too much to do before your day even starts is not going to work out well. Start small with about 3 tasks. You can always do extra later if you finish these quickly. If you find that 3 is just too easy, or you’re a workaholic, increase it to 5 tasks but I wouldn’t go any higher than that. Even at 5 tasks, I’d recommend keeping at least 2 of them very small, simple tasks that you know won’t take long.

Don’t Multi-task

You may think you can do 2 or three things at the same time but why would you? I mean washing dishes while the clothes are drying on the line is one thing but don’t try to be superwoman or man making phone calls while cleaning your child’s room and running back and forth to the kitchen to check the cake in the oven. We actually get more done if we focus on one task at a time and give it our full attention. Trust me and give it a try. You may be surprised by the outcome and relieved by the reduced stress of focusing on one thing at a time.

Don’t avoid breaks

Workplaces provide breaks for their employees for a reason. They have found that people are more productive when they have regular breaks. You can’t argue with facts. Set aside time for breaks as often as you need them. Maybe a 15-minute break will do but if you need more time take it. Figure out how long of a break works for you and schedule a few into your day.

I need frequent breaks and take one between every small task. Sometimes 5 or 10 minutes is enough but more often it’s 15 -20 minutes. In the afternoon I try to take at least a 1/2 hr break to lay down and rest my back. I read during this time as I find it relaxing and it keeps me from thinking about anything else. When you are taking a break don’t dwell on the work you still have to do. Try to find something relaxing to do that will take your mind off of everything else.

Maybe yours isn’t a laydown or even a sitting break. Maybe you need to take a walk to clear your mind. Whatever works for you is good.

I hope this list was helpful and you learned a little something about to-do lists. Do you have any other tips for our readers? Please leave them below in the comments.

Roze