Maintenance

Writing to-do lists is a simple way to compile necessary tasks, though they do not always help motivate you to complete the tasks. To-do lists don’t have to be complicated, here are five tips to help improve your to-do lists.

1. Keep lists short. Having a master to-do list can help you keep track of all tasks is good planning, but have a shorter list for daily tasks. Focus on three to five tasks a day to not become overwhelmed.
2. Have actionable steps. Daily to-do lists should have only tasks on them that need to be completed. Goals should be kept apart on a different list.
3. Have a scannable to-do list. Effort should be focused on completing one task at a time, but writing a short to-do list to quickly glance at every so often makes it easier to remember all tasks.
4. Have multiple lists for different aspects. To-do lists can be applied to more than just work. Make lists for multiple aspects of life; a goals list, an objectives list, a list of tasks that probably need to be done, and a list that must be done.
5. Find the best medium for you. If pen and paper are not working out, find a suitable app, or vice versa. Apps can be of great help as they have reminders but there is nothing wrong with choosing to write tasks down on paper.