Are you using your to-do list correctly ?
We all make to do lists, right? But then what? They get lost or they just discourage us because of all the unfinished business staring up off the page. And eventually, you might decide that a to do list is completely useless and quit doing them. But if you know how to write a good to do list and set some goals to actually get it done, you might be surprised at how well these lists actually work!
The main mistake that people make when writing a to do list is put everything down on it. Not just the essentials, but absolutely everything that they imagine might be possible to finish in one day. And this is usually completely unrealistic. It results in a list that can’t possible get done, not even half way!
Instead of writing down everything under the sun, you need to work out your priorities. Divide your list into three columns and mark them as follows: Necessary, Want, Wish. Under the first column, Necessary, you will write everything that must be done today. This would include urgent activities such as making dinner, finishing a work project that is under a deadline, etc. As yourself these questions to determine what needs to go in this column. What really needs to get done today? What can absolutely not wait until tomorrow?
The Want column is for things that you would like to get done and should get done, but the world won’t stop if you don’t make it. Things like laundry and vacuuming can usually go onto this list if your house isn’t a disaster. Try to list the jobs in this area in order of priority. For example, it might be more important to repair the VCR than to wax the floor.
The final column, Wish, is just that. Things you wish you could get done if you just had the time. This would include such delightful chores as cleaning out the hall closet, defrosting the fridge, etc. These are not chores that will change anything except get them off your list.
Now, when you get up in the morning, you can start with the highest priority list, Necessary. It is far easier to cross off just a few vital chores than to go through a major list of everything under the sun. Once you finish your vital list, move onto the lesser priority list and if you have time after that, get a couple of things crossed off the wish list. Anything that doesn’t get crossed off the last two lists is moved onto tomorrows to do list.
By creating a to do list that you can actually accomplish, you will be far more productive. The very act of having everything organized by priority means that you will be successful with this list. Even if you don’t finish the second and third column, the first is the one that matters!
