Are you a perpetual list maker — even for fun activities? Do you keep adding tasks to an ever-growing pile of things to do? Do you ever wonder why you do a ton of stuff all day and yet still seem as if you get nothing done? Are you desperate for some easy tips to help you declutter your to-do list and finally get things done? Read on for ways to help you start organizing that list — and your life.
Benefits of decluttering your to-do list
How to create a decluttered to-do list
7) Plan the night ahead or at the start of the day
“My most productive days are when I have planned the night before for the top items to do,” said Oneill. She would include the most important items that don’t take a long time to complete for both work and personal such as paying bills, scheduling doctor’s appointments, or work deadlines.
8) Use a notebook, planner, or app
Allaya Cooks-Campbell told Mom.com, “I like to calendar or delegate things right away. If it doesn’t get put on the calendar or on paper it usually gets forgotten.” She keeps a reusable notebook where she jots down things as she thinks of them. “Every day, I write a list for the day and refer to it constantly. I copy whatever is left to do into a new list with due dates and erase all the old lists.”
If the thought of one more item in your purse or life makes you feel worse, you can use a to-do list app on your phone instead. Some popular to-do list apps are: Todoist, TickTick, Habitica, Remember the Milk, and Google Tasks. Like all apps, try a few to see which interfaces and systems you prefer and fit your lifestyle best.
9) Eat the frog
Brandi Riley tells her coaching clients to “eat the frog” or do the one thing you really don’t want to do first. Do it, get it done, and feel unburdened. Even if do you nothing else for the rest of the day, at least you know you got one major thing done.
10) Complete tasks in groups of three
Martin will create daily lists based on her long weekly list and write them in groups of three on a sticky note. “Once you finish the three tasks, you are more than welcome to pick three more,” the homeschooling mom told Mom.com. “The tasks must be completed in groups of three, though. Don’t get one done, then add new items. Finish all three, then pick three more.”
11) Give yourself grace
Sometimes, nothing on our to-do list gets accomplished. When that happens, I will write down everything I did that day and then cross them off one by one. It is satisfying and immediately declutters your to-do list.
