One of the questions that I frequently get when I work with clients is “What is the best way to ensure that I get things done? What type of to-do list do I need?”
And I often answer: “It depends!”
You see, managing your tasks is a personal thing. There are many fantastic systems out there for managing tasks. The best tool is one that you will actually use and trust. Often, people fail with their to-do system because they simply don't trust that it will work for them.
So, to get you started, I asked my expert panel:
What is your favorite way to keep track of your to-dos and get things done? What system or tool do you use?
Today I'll share 12 ideas that you might consider. Pick the items below that really “speak” to you and put it to work today.
1. To Dos Are DoneKeeping up with To-Dos means getting your prioritized list in front of you. Make your master list, and choose the 3 Most Important Tasks. List these three on a large colorful post-it note where you will see it, perhaps on your planner, on your phone, or in your car. Check off your items as you complete. Thanks to Ellen Delap of Professional-Organizer.com |
2. Get More Done With Shorter To-Do ListsOver the years I've tried just about everything to get organized but I always ended up with more on my list of things to do than time. I was usually overwhelmed and behind schedule. Now, I make a list of the top 5 things that must be done each week. I don't add to the list until those top 5 are done. If I think of something not on the list, it goes on a “could do” list to be reviewed at the end of the week. Using this method I have been able to get more done and avoid wasting time on busy work. Thanks to Tina Cochran of Master Your Weight |
3. Tackling My To-do ListI use a calendar for appointments/activities, not for my to-dos. I use a list that I refer to as my daily to-do list. Only those tasks that I need to do that day are on this list. I prepare my list at the end of the day for the next day. I prioritize those tasks based on any appointments and/or commitments that are already scheduled. Then I schedule times to complete those tasks. Anything that does not get done rolls over to another day. I start each day knowing what I need to do. Thanks to Michelle Morton of MeetMichelleM |
4. Trash Traditional To-Dos!I keep projects, priorities, and tasks separate using a departmentalization technique from the Family Manager® Hit List. All activities, personal or business, have an impact in my areas of influence, and this departmental filter helps me drill down to what's most important! Current tasks flow onto that Hit List on a weekly basis from a categorized journal where I map out multi-step projects and store priority reminders, and from my calendar. Thanks to Shelley Molitor of Established Ways |
5. Post-itsPost-it notes have been working the best for my to-do list. But the key is actually doing the action item and tossing the post-it note. I like that I have only one item on each post it so it is easy to toss (rather than a really long list) They pile up on my desk which drives me nuts and motivates me to do them. They are quick and easy to use and inexpensive. I lay them out all over my desk so I can see each one separately. Thanks to Stacey Anderson of Getting Organized Magazine |
6. Make Sure You Can See It!I post my to-do lists on my bulletin board so that I can see them every time I work! I used to keep them on my computer, but that just didn't work for me. Now, every Monday, I create all my lists for the week (for each client, my marketing, project wish-list), combine them into one large list, and pin it to my bulletin board. This way, I am forced to look at what I have to do, which encourages me to complete all of my tasks. I just love to see those checkmarks! Thanks to Amanda Walls of Cherishable Weddings and Events |
7. Schedule Your ‘To-Do'!I believe the only way to get things done and off your ‘to-do list is to schedule them into your day. Every night before I leave my office I make a plan for the next day. I have a clipboard that sits to the left of my keyboard. It holds notebook filler paper. I use this to keep track of the things I plan to do that day. I admit not everything gets done every day. When something is left undone I check my schedule to see if it is possible to fit it in the next day. Thanks to Diane Quintana, CPO, CPO-CD of DNQ Solutions, LLC |
8. Keep One List!We are all being taken in 1,000 different directions these days and I find it helps me to have just ONE list (just like it's important to have only ONE calendar). I use a cute small clipboard and keep a running tally of what needs to be done. It feels so good to cross things off the list and every once in a while I'll re-write it which also feels pretty good. I keep both work & personal on the same list, it's got to get done so this helps me prioritize. Thanks to Laurie Meek of Office Candy |
9. E-sticky Notes To-Do ListI use e-sticky notes as my to do list and keep them handy on my desktop. My clientele love this idea because reminders are in front and readily available. No longer need to locate physical notes with crucial information. You can have as many e-sticky notes as needed and delete once the task is complete. Find e-sticky notes under accessories and pin them to your desktop. There are many to-do list products on the internet but the advantage to this option it eliminates the need for internet access. Thanks to Elizabeth Densmore of Office 2 Office |
10. Weekly Calendar (home Made)I take a blank sheet of paper and divide into five columns and three rows. Columns for days and rows for morning, afternoon, and evening. I list what I “plan” to get done in each time slot. When Wednesday comes along and I am still working on Monday's list, it gives me a good excuse to bang my head against the wall for the rest of the week. Thanks to David Leonhardt of THGM SEO professionals |
11. It's Planner Pad For Me!In spite of the fact that I believe in “Almost Paperless,” I continue to use my paper Planner Pad for my To-Do list. I carry it with me so I can quickly and easily makes notes of anything I want or need to do on the day I need to do it. (For social occasions, I carry index cards that I can make notes to enter into Planner Pad.) Thanks to Barbara Hemphill of Productive Environment Institute |
12. Visual To-DosAs a visual person without an actual office space (working at my dining room table), I found that a write-on board on the closet door (near where I am working) has been really helpful for me. It has a large area for writing my to-dos, priorities, etc. & lower level for the weekly calendar at a glance. This is especially helpful during really busy weeks. If I think too far ahead to the next day, I may lose track of what I need to do today. I use my calendar so I don't miss important deadlines. Thanks to Gretchen Fatouros of From Clutter to WOW! |
Responses compiled by Stephanie LH Calahan of Calahan Solutions, Inc.
What do you do to make sure that your to-dos get to DONE?
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Until we talk again,
Live Fully — Love Openly — Laugh Often — Leverage Your Brilliance — Connect Authentically — Get Your Message Out — Serve with Impact — Prosper Everyday
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