I feel like the “mommy brain” can kick into high gear at some of the most inopportune times. I’m usually the type of person that is completely on the ball, incredibly organized, and always putting forth my best effort. But then, throw in nights where I’m only getting a few hours of sleep and a lot of that wants to head right out the door, along with my ability to remember things. I can’t tell you how much of a lifesave a to do list can be on a daily basis.
Why Use a To Do List?
Feeling Organized
Before you start the day, sit down and write a to do list. Think of everything that you need to accomplish that day and write it down on paper or type it up and send it to yourself via email. Figure out a method that works for you and stick to it on a daily basis. When it comes to house management, I like to go over the list in my head. When it comes to work, I’m all about to do lists on paper and in my inbox. I have separate “to do” list management methods for various areas of my life. I rely on them to keep me organized on a daily basis.
Feeling Motivated
Instead of feeling overwhelmed, prioritize your to do list and get motivated to get stuff done throughout the day. To do lists are a great way to accomplish your goals throughout the day. Whether your list is short or long, you’ll hit the ground running, clear your thoughts, and become motivated to reach your goals.
Feeling Accomplished
At the end of the day, when you can sit down and cross items off your list, the sense of accomplishment can sometimes be enough to make you want to throw a party. I must admit, there are days where I go back through my list at the end of the day and add additional items that I performed that day that I can cross off the list. Yes, the feeling of crossing items off the list feels so good.
5 To Do List Tips
1.) Be Realistic
Don’t fill your to do list with hundreds of items. Obviously, the more items that are on a list, the more overwhelmed you might become. Write down a reasonable to do list that leaves you feeling energized and motivated.
2.) Write the Night Before
Instead of starting the day off by writing your to do list in the morning, why not write our your to do list the night before? That way, you can hit the ground running right off the bat in the morning. I prefer to write out my to do list in the morning. But, don’t knock “write the night before” before you try it. That method might work great for you.
3.) Tackle the Tough First
Why save the hardest to do list item for the last task of the day? Tackle the hardest task first so that it’s smooth sailing the rest of the day.
4.) Be Aware of Time
Some tasks take longer than others. From cleaning closets to data entry to inbox clearing out to laundry to running errands … each task has a certain amount of time allotted to complete the task. Before you load up your to do list, be sure to take into consideration the amount of time each task is going to take to accomplish throughout the day.
5.) Start a Routine (and stick to it)
Figure out a routine that works for you and stick to it. Love writing your to do list at night? Make it part of your nighttime routine. Like to cross items off your list throughout the day or at the end of the day? Determine what you prefer and stick to it. By having a to do list as part of your daily routine, you’ll feel more organized, motivated, and accomplished.
What’s your favorite to do list tip?
Photo via Kaboompics.com.
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