{"id":3148,"date":"2017-06-01T14:35:30","date_gmt":"2017-06-01T13:35:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thepencompany.live\/blog\/?p=3148"},"modified":"2021-08-11T16:40:42","modified_gmt":"2021-08-11T15:40:42","slug":"how-to-master-the-to-do-list","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thepencompany.live\/blog\/writing\/how-to-master-the-to-do-list\/","title":{"rendered":"How to master the to-do list"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"A

Image credit: Julia Sudnitskaya<\/p><\/div>\n

The to-do list may seem old-fashioned, but it is still just as relevant in today\u2019s society as it has always been \u2013 perhaps even more so with our busy lives, full of digital distractions. So, what is the best way to use a to-do list? Should you write one or several? Should it be handwritten or should you use your mobile phone? Read through our tips and tricks for answers to these questions and more.<\/p>\n

What works for you won\u2019t work for others<\/h2>\n

It is important to remember that everyone will have a way of organising themselves that works best for them<\/em>; what works well for you might be a terrible way of doing things for your neighbour or your friends, for example. Don\u2019t be afraid to experiment with various techniques, to see what does and doesn\u2019t work, so you can hone your method.<\/p>\n

Keep it balanced<\/h2>\n

One key to getting jobs done on your to-do list is to make it as easy for yourself as possible. The best way to do this is to add some \u2018nice\u2019 tasks to your to-do list \u2013 things that need doing, but that you don\u2019t hate doing. That way you won\u2019t look at your list and just decide to put it all off to another day. For me, these \u2018nice\u2019 tasks would be things such as sorting through a box of stuff or doing the laundry. Think about which tasks you find the most satisfying, and make sure these feature regularly on your list.<\/p>\n

Add rewards<\/h2>\n
\"Woman

Image credit: Yastremska<\/p><\/div>\n

Going a step further, you could even add reward tasks to your to-do list. After all, all work and no play isn\u2019t a good balance. Consider adding treats such as \u201ctake a 10 minute nap\u201d or \u201ceat an ice cream\u201d (just to make space in the freezer, of course!)<\/p>\n

Do it daily<\/h2>\n

One gigantic to-do list can be overwhelming to tackle and therefore become counterproductive. Instead, break the tasks down and write out a daily to-do list, making your task workload feel much more manageable. This also gives you clear focus on what you need to achieve each day.<\/p>\n

Learn to prioritise<\/h2>\n

If you don\u2019t prioritise your tasks, you may end up completing all of the less important ones every day, and avoiding the ones you really should be tackling. Methods for prioritising include writing the most important or urgent tasks at the top of your list. Or try the 3 + 2 rule, where you write a daily list of three big tasks and 2 small tasks.<\/p>\n

Keep it real<\/h2>\n
\"A

Image credit: REDPIXEL.PL<\/p><\/div>\n

Don\u2019t add too many tasks to your daily to-do list \u2013 this will just put you off as soon as you look at it. Keep your list concise.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t let the list own you<\/h2>\n

If you are struggling to keep up with your to-do list, it can make you feel like you\u2019re failing. You aren\u2019t failing though, you have just overloaded your list. If you are having problems achieving your tasks, simply make changes to the list to get your mojo back. Remember: you own the list, not the other way around!<\/p>\n

Combine paper and technology<\/h2>\n

If you like to use technology, try using an app on your phone to jot down every task that pops into your head, and then write your daily to-do list out on paper: it is said that handwritten to-do lists are more motivational than printed or app versions (perhaps because of the physical attachment).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The to-do list may seem old-fashioned, but it is still just as relevant in today\u2019s society as it has always been \u2013 perhaps even more so with our busy lives, full of digital distractions. So, what is the best way to use a to-do list? Should you write one or several? Should it be handwritten…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":3149,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[136],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nHow to master the to-do list - The Pen Company Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Love to be organised? 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