| SolveYourProblem Article Series: Time Management
How Can I Manage My Time Better?
6
Ways To Get Thru Your To-Do List Faster & Easier
You already know that to-do lists help you
get focused and organized throughout the day. When you have
your to-do list in hand, you're freeing your mind from all
the disorganized thoughts and, instead, getting them down on
paper.
However, this technique can go awry if your to-do list isn't
organized as well as it should be. You might lose your motivation
and drive and, at the end of the day, you may notice that most
of the things from your list are not crossed off.
Follow these tips to create an effective to-do list:
1.
Clarify Priorities. It may help you to develop some sort
of ranking system for your to-do list. Certainly every item
on the list can't be equally important. You can even use a
number system and rank them from 1 to 5. Items ranked 1 might
have a lower priority, while the 5s are tasks you should attend
to first.
- You
should also clarify your priorities in the sense that you
need to leave yourself detailed instructions. Figure out
the: who, what, where, when and why of items that may be
complicated.
This way, when it comes time to tackle the task, you won't
skip over them simply because they seem too complex to
complete.
2.
Pare Down the List. You need to complete tasks or part
of tasks one step at a time. If you have 15 minutes to spare,
find something on the list that you can complete in that time
period. It's common to tell yourself that 15 minutes is not
enough time to do something, but all those 15-minute chunks
add up to something huge. At the end of the day you'll be surprised
how much you've accomplished in small increments.
3.
Include Flex Time. If your to-do list is too rigid, it
simply won't be effective. You absolutely need to include some
flexibility and breathing room in your day. Try not to jam
pack your day with unreasonable goals, otherwise, you'll be
at risk of disappointment.
4.
Add in Something Fun. Your to-do list is no doubt full
of things you may not be looking forward. That's why integrating
fun activities and tasks should also be a priority! When you
add in a fun item it doesn't feel like work. It may even feel
like a break. When you return to the less desirable items,
you'll be more motivated to actually get them done.
5.
Don't List Too Much. It's vital not to overwhelm yourself.
While some days might be action packed in order to reach certain
deadlines, you need to avoid this level of stress on a regular
basis. If there's too much on your plate, or you have to work
too fast, you can't possibly enjoy yourself and you'll only
end up frustrated and overwhelmed.
6.
Keep It Organized. Your list needs to be organized in a
way that makes you feel comfortable. There are many options
nowadays, especially with digital devices. However, the old-fashioned
pen and paper method may be what works best for you. You can
also opt for using the internet or even your cell phone or
mobile device to keep your list organized.
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by SolveYourProblem.com
: 2009
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