Are to-do lists any use?
Do You Have The Time To Listen To Me Whine?
This famous line from the Green Day song Basket Case portrays someone who’s questioning their sanity. Modern living can have this effect. Most people are insanely busy. It’s easy to question your state of mind. People look for tools to help cope with a busy life, and most of us have tried a to-do list.
But, don't get sucked into a to-do list vortex.
To do list notepad
To-do lists can be great, so long as you follow some basic ground rules, and be wary of self-sabotage beliefs and myths about this tool.
First, remember the basics:
Write tasks (to be done)
Order tasks in some way (rank or categorise into levels of urgency)
Work through tasks in sequence
Ok, not rocket science so far.
Next, make sure the items on your to-do list are tasks only. Don't record goals, hopes and dreams, or visions of a future utopian life. You must keep the list to concrete tasks only.
Next, set a time limit for completing each task.
To do list ideas for keeping it in-check
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, check your attitudes and beliefs about to-do lists. Watch out for these trouble-makers in particular:
My to-do list is an indicator of my productivity and success. A to-do list is just a list of jobs that you have decided to try and complete. While you can often guess how long a task will take you, unexpected things do happen. Pre-task estimates of what's involved are not always accurate.
I can get to the end of my to-do list if I just work hard enough. To-do lists often do not have an end (especially at work). See your to-do list as a map (or something to structure your time) and not a journey to complete. I've seen many people work themselves to exhaustion chasing a non-existent finish line. Aim to be consistently productive instead (no matter how many items you tick off the list).
My self-worth is dependent on completing my to-do list. Guess where that thinking ultimately takes you.....
Think of your to-do list as a very inexpensive PA/private secretary, rather than a nasty boss who is just waiting to announce that you're a failure.
Best to do list app
Technology can help with the actual organisation of a task list. Many apps are now available such as Wunderlist, Todoist, and Google Tasks. These tools may help compliment the above attitude tips.
Productivity planner
The to-do list is an example of a relatively simple strategy that can improve productivity if used sensibly. Remember, success with to-do lists comes down to your attitudes as much as the technique you apply.
People experiencing high stress levels often stop doing the basics well. Returning to straightforward tools such as a to-do list can help get you back on track.
We are Coaching & Clinical Psychologists with extensive experience helping people conquer a range of wellbeing and performance issues at home and in the workplace. We can also help with productivity strategies. Read more about our work, watch practical skills videos or browse other articles. Get in touch anytime.
