The problem with To Do lists

If you are anything like me you frequently use To Do lists, but often it can seem like all we do is write lists of things that never get done. Sometimes we can create a massive long list, which seems overwhelming and as a result we distract ourselves by doing non-essential things like watching TV, scrolling through social media or playing video games.

The problem I think is that when we have the list written out we don’t know where to start, we have no system of prioritising the items on the list and we feel overwhelmed. I have struggled with this for years until I found a solution. I listened to lots of YouTube video where very productive people were talking about prioritising their To Do lists by the importance and the urgency of each item on the list. Now I use To Do lists very differently and have become more productive as a result.

Firstly, I write everything that I need to do as a list. Secondly, I categorise the items on the list by writing a number and a letter next to each item. Either a 1, 2 or 3  and an A, B or C. This is what these numbers and letters mean.

1 – Very important

2 – Important

3 – Not important

A – Complete as soon as possible

B – Complete within the next week

C – Complete in the next month

I can then prioritise the items by how soon they need doing and then their importance, so everything with 1A is complete first, then 2A and then 3A. I then move on to any item with B next to it and so on. What also helps is that when the items are prioritised I then add them to the calendar in my phone with reminders to get them done at certain times and days around other things like work, family and socialising.

There are also mobile apps that allow you to create To Do lists where the items can be moved around in order and categorised by colour, as well as adding items onto the app calendar. Some of these apps also sync the app calendar with the calendar on the mobile phone and email account. I recommend the To-Do Calendar Planner by isoTimer. This is only available on Android but is an excellent app.

Having these strategies in place means that your days are planned out and you will be more productive, and your To Do lists will work to your advantage rather than causing things to go undone.

How successful have you been with To To lists?