Did you know that making a to-do list is the ultimate productivity hack? Forget about setting resolutions that fade away after a week!
Here are 5 amazing reasons you should use to-do lists, plus a free printable to get you started!
Yesterday, I spied stationary on Pinterest that read “Keep Calm And Make A List. ” You have no idea how many times I have said that to myself.
I have a hard time wrapping my brain around a busy day until I create a list of tasks, and necessary steps to get there. That list of items gives me a bite-sized series of steps and time blocking helps me focus on the tasks at hand. A list of specific steps and tasks helps me work toward small goals.
To-do lists and checklists can bring some semblance of sanity and direction to an otherwise hectic life… However, there are more reasons than you’d expect to be a list maker!
#1. Keeping You On Task & Focused
The obvious top reason to create lists is to keep us on task!
By strategically creating a flow chart of tasks, we can stay focused on the steps to achieve real progress.
Digital lists combined with alerts and reminders mean you won’t forget!
#2. Helps You Prioritize
Use lists to help you focus on what is important.
Lists are a great way to optimize your time and effort. We can’t do it all. It’s important to know what falls to the bottom of the checklist regularly.
With a to-do list, you’re the master of your own time management! You can efficiently tackle urgent tasks by assigning priorities and deadlines while keeping long-term goals in sight.
RELATED POST: Looking for a cute hand-lettered to-do list? Our friend at Delineate Your Dwelling blog has a beautiful one!
#3. Gives You With A Sense of Accomplishment & Progress
Crossing items off your to-do list releases a rush of endorphins, giving you a sense of accomplishment like no other!
There are days when it’s easy to feel as if nothing has been accomplished, but seeing items ticked off a checklist can provide a sense of progress.
Checklist hack: It can have the opposite effect if you can’t achieve a good percentage of the list. Make sure your list is doable, and star the important tasks. Then, add anything else you did to your checklist (even after the fact) and tick it off.
#4. Increases Productivity
The power of a simple checklist is in providing actionable steps to accomplish your larger goals,
The feeling of accomplishment by checking tasks off a list often increases productivity! When you see exactly how much is left to be done, it makes the push to go just a little farther, just a little easier.
It helps you become very clear about what you need to accomplish. Add a due-by date, and be dedicated to sticking to it… productivity will skyrocket!
#5. Reduces Mental Exhaustion & Lowers Stress
It removes some of the processing effort experienced from trying to keep track of details and what to focus on first.
For many, it could even mean a more restful sleep! The goal is to allow the mind to rest fully rather than process information. You know that nagging feeling of something overlooked? Reduce your mental stress level with the use of a good checklist.
The Power of Checklists & To-Do Lists (When Used Correctly)
The benefits of checklists far exceed the downside of not checking each item off. But there is a learning process and best practices for creating an effective to do list.
If you find yourself discouraged and not accomplishing your lists, you might be using this valuable tool incorrectly.
Learn more about the best possible way to use different checklists here>>
When you combine the use of checklists with productivity tools, you can find remarkable success in your daily life!
So, How Do I Use A To-Do List Correctly?
The importance of checklists is undeniable, but different types of checklists work better for different personalities. Do you work most effectively using digital checklists, paper to-do lists, or sticky note to-do lists?
Occasionally, you need to employ a variety of checklists. My work tasks require a digital to-do list with reminders and notifications on my mobile phone. However, my household task list is a pen-and-paper list! I’m very tactile, so I like sticky notes and paper to-do lists in my personal life.
Powerful tools like software that help manage workflow aren’t only helpful for team members on the job. You can employ it for home life and create a project checklist for every family member! It is a useful tool for assigning chores and various personal tasks. Think of it as project management for the home!
The first step to success is breaking things down into manageable steps so you can actually complete tasks. Think of your to-do list as a simple tool for typical repetitive tasks, highlighting a few specific tasks of higher importance.
This means you accomplish daily essential tasks in a systematic manner. It’s all about setting small, easy-to-achieve goals. By finishing simple tasks at the end of the day, you’ll see positive results and experience less stress.
Print This Free Weekly To-Do List
Love an attractive to-do that puts pen to paper? Download this little freebie designed just for you.
Share your organizing and planning successes with us on instagram and facebook!
Like this? You’ll love learning about about this household management binder…with free printables!
I love ready made list that just would help me out so much.
I hope this is helpful! 😉
shopping lists!
I’ve recently started using my iPhone and iPad to create lists – whats in the freezer/shopping/gifts etc etc – but the perfect app I haven’t found… yet!