3 Ways to Manage Your “To Do” List

I’m going to let you in on a secret. If I don’t write it down, it will not get done. So, if you ask me to do something, make sure you tell me to write it down or put it in my calendar because by the time I end the conversation with you, I have most likely already forgotten. Am I alone in this?

With having a full time job and running my business on the side, I can’t always remember all that I’m supposed to be doing and when. So, I keep a “to do” list. Do you? I used to write it down on a piece of paper or a dry erase board and would love to cross things off once I complete them. But recently, through my friend, Jenny Blake’s blog, I found a stellar tool, Todoist. It’s a “to do” list online. You can keep on top of all your tasks on any web browser and phone. And, I get to check off items once I am done. I love it!

There is some debate on whether you should keep a “to do” list because if you don’t get to everything on your list you might feel bad. If that is you then all I have to say is “Aww, poor baby,  suck it up!” There is a possibility that you won’t get to everything on your list. And, that’s okay. We just need to set up your list so that you get the most important things done first.

So how do you manage a “to do” list?

1.) List your priorities

Take 5-10 minutes at the end of each day or in the morning before you begin your day, and make a list of the things you need to accomplish that or the next day. Don’t forget to prioritize your list so you can do the most important things first. Then, start on item one and you do not move to item two until item one is completed.

2.) Put a time limit on it

After the list is created, go one step further and put a time limit on each task. You will find that when you set a time limit (and stick to it) you will get that project done faster. Have you ever had a project to do and you set up a day to get it done and instead of it taking a couple of hours it takes up the whole day? And it’s something you know should’ve only took an hour or two to get done. But if your professor or boss assigns a project and sets a deadline you will do what it takes to get it done on time. You have to do that for your own projects. It really makes a difference when you set deadlines and stick to them.

Be careful not to set an unreasonable amount of time for the project. That is just stressful. Most times you can guess how much time a project will take. If it is a huge project, break it up over the course of a couple days and handle a certain section each day. It will help you focus on that task rather than worrying about trying to accomplish everything in one day.

3.) Eliminate Distractions

If you have a paper to write, you probably shouldn’t open up your web browser. It’s just too easy for you start checking email or getting sucked into a gchat, Skype or Facebook conversation. I know we are in the multitasking age but you would get things done much faster if you focus your whole attention on the task at hand.

Bonus tip: At the end of each month, take 15-30 minutes to set your upcoming month’s goals. This will help you plan out your days/weeks so you can meet your deadlines.

Did I miss anything? Do you have a different way to manage your “to do” list?