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How to better use your To-Do list

There are a thousand different productivity systems, from the simple to the needlessly complex. But every productivity system--and nearly every productive person--relies on some variation of the humble to-do list. It's a simple tool: a written list, short or long, containing all the tasks you have to do over a certain period of time.
To Do list with watch on desk
A to-do list can be the most useful tool in your box, or it can be a useless hassle. Which one you end up with is largely dependent on you. If you want to improve your to-do list, you'll need to make some changes.

Focus on Results
Some things are easier to put on a to-do list than others, because some tasks are just more difficult to break down into simple actions. Whatever it is you need to get done, a good question to ask yourself is: "What does a successful outcome look like?"

Think of cleaning a room. There are a lot of things you have to do: surfaces to dust, floors to sweep, things to be moved, mops to be rung out. But before you start fretting about all the tasks you'll have to do, ask yourself: "When I'm done, what will this room look like?"

Your goal, when cleaning a room, is to make the room a certain way. Your goal is a particular result, and if you put together your list with this in mind, you'll find that your to-do list has a stronger sense of direction.

Get Organized
A good to-do list should be easy to read and easy to reference. It doesn't matter if it's on your phone or on a piece of notebook paper, in pen or in pencil. Don't be afraid to rewrite or re-order your list, as it can help you stay organized and focused.

Break Down Difficult Tasks
If you have to buy a new car, you can put a single item on your to-do list labeled "Buy a new car." However that's not a useful to-do list item because buying a new car is a multi-step process, made up of dozens of small tasks, and could take weeks or even months to complete.

If you were to break this task down you'll find it to be much more manageable. For example, your list might say:
  • Determine what kind of car I need
  • Determine how much I can afford to spend
  • Research cars in my price range
  • Research financing options
  • Locate a seller
  • Purchase car
You'll probably have to complete 50 small tasks before you get your car, from going to the DMV to picking a color. If you tackle your problems one small step at a time, you'll be pleased at how quickly the items are ticked off your list.

Don't Forget the Small Stuff
Lists are put to best use when they include everything. Getting Things Done, the popular productivity program, suggests what is called universal capture. Essentially, if you can't do it immediately in the next five minutes then it goes on the list.

If you only put big things on your to-do list, you end up with two separate lists: one in your head, and one on the page. Streamline the process, and empty out your head, by writing everything down.

It's All On You
At the end of the day, a to-do list only reminds you about what you have to do.  It can't force you to clean; it can't drag you by the hand on errands; and it certainly can't stop you from putting it in the drawer and ignoring it.

Putting together the perfect to-do list is only part of the solution. Doing everything on it is the hard part. But you'll be fine, as long as you focus on doing what needs to be done.

Copyright © Darryl on NiceAnswers.com 2017

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