To-do lists are a great way to get everything out of your head.
But does this sound familiar: You do a TON during the day, crossing off so many to-do items, but still feel defeated when you see the dozens of tasks left on your list? You even start writing things down just so you can cross them off because you need the confidence boost? You reference your to-do list multiple times a day, spending 2-5 minutes deciding what to do every single time? You’re not sure if each item on the list will take you 3 minutes or 3 hours – so deciding what to do next requires some calculations about time, energy and substance — all before you even start on the task?
If so, this post is for you — and I’ll nudge you to consider this approach: to-do lists are a great first step, but don’t stop after you’ve created your list. Take it and block time in your calendar for each task.
Don’t be afraid to push things out a ways. I often calendar things for 4-6 weeks out if I can, freeing up time to deal with more urgent tasks in the meantime. If I’m not sure I’m even going to do something, I just calendar “Consider taking course on XYZ” or “Consider reaching out to Jane re XYZ” on a date 1-6 months from now.
And don’t overthink the date and time. As you plan your next week during your weekly planning session, you can always move things around. You’re just placing the tasks generally when you need to do them to remind yourself to find the time to do the task.
Give it a try. And get ready to actually feel accomplished at the end of the day once you got all your tasks scheduled for that day done And, when there’s white space in your calendar, it means you’re actually FREE – not “go look at your 3 to-do lists and 15 sticky notes.” Excellent.
Where do you stand? Love to-do lists? Or find that they don’t really help you get the things done or feel accomplished?
If what you’re doing right now isn’t working for you, I strongly encourage you to give it a whirl. And I’m here to help if you need it! Feel free to reach out or learn more about how we can work together here.
