Achieve Your Goals: Why You Should Use To-Do Lists

If you are like me, you are at the point in this pandemic where you want to start getting a little more normalcy back into your life. Like many others, I spent the first couple months of quarantine, binging Netflix, and scrolling through social media. It was fun, and definitely a needed break from the stresses of life.

However, now that my work has resumed, and life is starting to somewhat stabilize, I feel like it is a good time to start being a little more productive. For me, that means working on my blogs, and my writing (I am a writer).

Now, getting myself to actually do these things is the difficult part. Like physics says, a body in motion will stay in motion unless acted upon by an outside force. I have to create that outside force, and recently to-do lists have been incredibly helpful in motivating myself.

Here are some who, what, when, were, and how’s of to-do lists!

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How?

Make it pretty

This is something you will theoretically be looking at throughout the day, why not make it as pretty as you can. Use colors, draw big boxes for you to cross out when you finish a task. Just like in taking notes, you will be less overwhelmed looking at a list with a lot of space and colors. You will be more motivated to complete the tasks.

Write down all tasks, big and small

My favorite part of to-do lists is checking tasks off, so here is a little hint for you. Write any and all tasks on this list, no matter how big or small they are. Need to write a blog post? Write that down. Need to water one plant, write that down too. There is nothing too small for a to-do list. In fact, breaking goals down into manageable tasks is actually one of the best pieces of advice I can give for achieving your goals.

Sometimes, when I am feeling especially in need of validation, the very first task on my to-do list will be to write my to-do list!

You can have multiple to-do lists

I have multiple different types of to-do lists. I have a running to do list of general tasks I need to finish, that have no due date, date specific to-do lists that I create for me days off from work, and specific to-do lists such as a list of blog posts I need to write. This helps be organize my time and thoughts. I am also never bored, because there is always something I can be doing.

Prioritize what is important

You may not finish everything on your list, and that’s okay. That is why it is important to know what you absolutely NEED to get done, and what you would just like to get done. Mark them on your list, or put them at the very top, so you know what you should work on first.

Why?

You won’t forget anything you need to get done

Every day, I start by creating a to-do list of everything I need and want to accomplish that day. Having everything together on one list is so helpful. When I finish a task I can easily refer to the list. It helps me stay on track, so I don’t get distracted by other things that might pop up throughout the day.

To-do lists are flexible

I promise you, even though the lists are written down, they are not permanent. Don’t feel bad if you need to take things off your list because your day is too full, or you need to take breaks.

On the other side, if you do come across tasks throughout the day, don’t let them distract you. Just add them to the list for the end of the day, or the next day.

The more you check off the list, the better you’ll feel

And this is my favorite reason to make to-do lists. Throughout the day, you are able to check off the tasks you have finished. There is nothing more satisfying than watching your list become shorter as you finish things. It gives a sense of accomplishment that we all deserve. Don’t forget to reward yourself once you finish your to-do list! Or when you finish each task if you need it! I am always a fan of rewards!

When?

Now, after all of this talk of to-do lists and productivity, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed. Same! That’s why I think it is important to distinguish when you should be focusing on to-do lists and when you should rest.

We are in the middle of a global pandemic. There is so much happening right now, and humans are not equipped to handle all the information we are taking in.

So, listen to your mind. If you are feeling tired and unfocused, rest. Take a break, put your to-do lists away, and do something you enjoy. Every part of your day does not have to be focused on getting stuff done. That little thing called work-life balance is incredibly important, especially during a time like this.

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It is such a difficult time right now, and I have been feeling like curling up in bed and ignoring the world around me, which I definitely still do. However, on those days where I finally have enough energy to be productive, to-do lists have been a lifesaver for me.

I have a lot of goals for the rest of 2020, and finding small things like this have helped me find those goals a little more manageable. Hopefully, you can find some motivation and usefulness in to-do lists as well!

Have any other tips for achieving goals? Let me know in the comments below! I would love to hear them.