You may have read countless blog posts, magazine articles, and books about to-do lists. They certainly exist, but many of the articles you often read present them as the magical tools needed to enjoy consistent productivity. They could be that magic tool but, the thing is, just making a to-do list isn't enough.
Many people unknowingly make mistakes that limit the overall effectiveness of their to-do lists. Mistakes can even hinder your potential.
Below, we'll look at some of the most common mistakes associated with to-do lists. You'll also get solutions to these errors, so you can remedy your ways if any of these errors sound familiar.
Many of the to-do lists you've probably made just include things to do with no time frames. Writing down tasks alone may seem like the fastest approach. However, you must also estimate the likely time to complete. This app combines To Do List, Calendar and Pomodoro Timer in one. This app combines To Do List, Calendar and Pomodoro Timer in one. You can think of this beautiful productivity app. like Todoist, Google Calendar, and Toggl are wrapped together. Read more . If you don't, your to-do list can seem overwhelming. You can really pack in more than you can handle, too.
Plus, time estimates keep you accountable and help you identify responsibilities that take much longer than they should.
Try Using a Time Tracking System The Best Time Tracking App for Android, iOS, and Desktop The Best Time Tracking App for Android, iOS, and Desktop We show you how time tracking can benefit you or your team, what look into time tracking software, and the best cross-platform app we could find for the job. Read More Then make a to-do list that reflects that information. Did you spend an hour organizing your inbox on a Monday morning? If so, consider using a dedicated tool that reduces the time required.
When thinking of ways to write to-do lists, you can choose between using a pen and paper or going digital. 8 Super Simple To Do List Tools To Keep You Focused 8 Super Simple To Do List Tools To Keep You Focused A for Do list is the simplest productivity system. These eight minimalist to-do list tools are for keeping track of your daily tasks without the hassle. Read more.
However, some people can't make up their minds. They use traditional media for a few days, then download another list-building app on their smartphones. Although this is a common practice that often continues indefinitely, it also disrupts productivity. By not sticking to one option, you cannot get into an efficient routine.
You decide to use a way to compose a to-do list for at least a month. During that time, write down all the pros and cons that you notice. At the end of the period, review the positive and negative characteristics. Then, if necessary, repeat the process for a month with the other option to make lists.
Ideally, the first time you turn around and realize you don't need to change. However, even if you spend a month each with digital and old-fashioned methods, at least that's enough time to make an educated choice.
Like many people, you may be an achievement-oriented individual. The more you complete the tasks, the more motivated you will be to keep working hard. Maybe that's why you started using to-do lists. In that case, it seems smart to organize the entries on your to-do list from shortest to longest estimated time.
By using that technique, you can build your confidence by working on things that take less time first, and then gradually move on to things that will take more time. However, this practice is another to avoid. It could cause you to prioritize homework. 5 Critical Mistakes to Avoid When Setting Goals. 5 Critical Mistakes to Avoid When Setting Goals. Goal setting is a great way to reduce procrastination and increase productivity. If you have no goals, you have no direction. Without direction, it's easy to feel lost and confused. Fortunately,… Read More
Instead, find out which tasks are the most beneficial for you, your company, your job, etc. Then group those things into your to-do list. By taking that approach, you are likely using your time wisely. At the end of the day, you can look back on achievements and feel like you've spent your hours well.
Maybe you're in the habit of writing down your to-do list at the start of a day. However, doing so will waste time that could be spent on other tasks.
Collective evidence highlights the merits of writing a to-do list the night before.
Some experts suggest thinking about the three most important to-do list items. It will help you set expectations for the next day, and you can go straight to work instead of making a to-do list when you wake up.
Life includes many unexpected elements, and some of them can temporarily affect your productivity. Did you wake up with a migraine this morning? Does her baby worry while she works from her house because her regular caregiver is out of town? Perhaps she recently started working for a new company or accepted a new role. All of these things could break her stride, so they require a flexible mindset.
If you haven't built flexibility into your to-do list, that's a problem that leads to frustration. Instead of creating a rigid set of responsibilities, create a rolling to-do list How to turn Gmail into a to-do list and calendar with a Chrome extension How to turn Gmail into a to-do list and calendar with a Chrome extension How to connect your emails or to-dos to your calendar? Look no further than Manage for Gmail. This Google Chrome extension will fit into your routine and increase your productivity. Read more.
It allows you to reprioritize things as your day fluctuates. Also, as the name suggests, incomplete articles are passed the next day.
When building their to-do lists, people often forget that tasks and projects are very different. You can include both, but realize that projects take more time than tasks. You can finish a task in a single session. Projects, on the other hand, include multiple tasks. 5 Unique Trello Tips for Project Management. 5 Unique Trello Tips for Project Management. Trello is a Kanban-inspired tool for task and project management. We'll show you five lesser-known features to save time when managing projects with Trello. Read more . They need special consideration when planning the time and effort required for them.
If you view tasks and projects identically, it will seem like you continually miss the mark. Consider using colors or text-based identifiers to make assignments and projects more distinctive. And, don't assume you'll get a complete project done in a day. It is best to recognize the progressive nature of projects. Give them tasks that move them closer to completion day by day.
A poorly written to-do list can hurt your productivity more than not having one. If the items on your list are too vague, you won't make the best use of the time available.
Maybe you're a professional or amateur blogger ready to expand your reach. Initially, you may want to write an entry that says, "Publish new posts." But that's not specific enough. A reading task “Publish at least five posts.” maintains focus.
If you find motivation through challenges, it may seem sensible to fill your to-do list with lofty goals. You may think that you are a high achiever and that you don't want your tasks to be too easy. However, you can also quickly fire at the other end of the spectrum:extreme difficulty.
To avoid this pitfall, set SMART goals to maximize productivity. SmartGoals for Android helps you set realistic goals, measure them, and achieve them SmartGoals for Android helps you set realistic goals, measure them, and achieve them Although your smartphone can't make your dreams come true, it may be able to help. Read more . Wondering how it works?
Without using the SMART approach to goal setting, you may feel disillusioned by perceived failures. Maybe the problem is that your plans are not achievable. The above process keeps you in control and on track.
Now it may be clear to you why your to-do lists aren't working as well as expected.
Fortunately, since you have these tips for making positive changes, it's easy to fix those problems quickly. Anticipate increased productivity along with a rewarding sense of dignity.
What's the biggest change you need to make to your to-do lists this week? Tell us in the comments section below.!
