Using a to do list is a simple yet powerful way of staying organized, productive and stress free at work and even at home. 

When all you do is think about the numerous tasks you need to do, they usually feel much more complex than they usually are and this may stress you out.

Other times you may forget what you need to do, miss deadlines and then feel overwhelmed with the amount of work you need to do.

If you write your tasks down using a to do list, you can avoid any calamity while staying efficient and professional at all times.

In this article we will discuss some benefits of having a to do list and how to create a proper to do list.

Benefits of a To Do List

Some benefits of using a to do list effectively include:

1. You remember the important tasks you need to do
2. You avoid wasting time on frivolous tasks and tackle important tasks first before
3. It enhances productivity
4. It helps you stay focused and on top of your game
5. It helps you stay organized and stress free

How to create a To Do List

The traditional way of creating a to do list is using a pen and a note pad.

I find that the best time to create a to do list is at night before retiring to bed. Doing this helps you keep in mind what you need to do the following day. Also you feel energized and ready to start your day with a bang.

1) On a sheet of paper, write down all the tasks you need to do. If these include large task, break them down into smaller sub tasks. You could get creative and group your task into different categories- work, home, shopping etc.

2) Prioritize your tasks in order of importance or urgency. Alternatively simply prioritize using numbers. Number 1 being the first task to do.

3) Once you have prioritized your list, transfer them to your note pad noting your tasks in order of priority. It may be a good idea to date your list.

Using your To Do List

It is one thing to create a to do list, it is another thing to actually do what is on your list. There is no point writing a to do list down if you are not going to use it.

1) Start working your way through your list and then do them. As you finish a task cross it off the list with your pen. There is a sense of accomplishment you will feel as you tick off completed tasks on your to do list knowing they are done and dusted.

2) Review your list before you retire and observe how much you accomplished. If you were not able to complete your to do list for the day, don’t worry about it. Pat yourself on the back for the tasks you got completed. Simply transfer your uncompleted tasks to the next page with your new to do list for the next day.

Using a software

In this technology driven age, using a software or a phone app to create your to do list could even help you stay more productive.

You can do much more with your to do list when using a software once you get the hang of it.

Most software can send you a reminder for due tasks, connect dependencies between different tasks and you can always update your list on the go. Also you could share your work to do list with team members, if you’re collaborating on a project.

At a basic level you can use Microsoft Excel or Outlook to manage your to do lists. I sometimes use google calendar which allows me to sync my laptop to my phone with updates on my list.

Some other online services are Toodledo and Todoist. I haven’t tried either of them but the reviews are pretty good.

Personally, I use the app called “Intuition- life simplified” on my iphone which enables me group my tasks into different categories on different days. I can also set reminders for tasks. You can also sync to google calendar and ical for Mac users.

Intuition is tagged as “The handiest personal assistant app for busy mums”. It is free to download, so do check it out if you use an iphone.

Intuition- life simplified

In summary, by adding this simple yet powerful strategy of a to do list to your daily life, you will find that you are more productive and less stressed.

Do you use a to do list? Does it work for you? Please share your experiences with using a to do list.

If you want to know more about managing your time, being productive and taking back control of your time check this out