“To Do” List Characteristics
“To do” lists are staples in modern life. If “to do” lists are not done and used properly, they are useless. Too often, people create lists that they never come close to completing. There are characteristics that effective “to do” lists share. If your “to do” list includes these basic characteristics, you will find it easier to accomplish the tasks that you established.
Focus on the Important
The main mistake that people make when creating to do lists is making them too long. It is not possible to place every little task on a “to do” list. For a list to be effective, you must focus on the important tasks. The best method for making a “to do” list is to create a list of everything you want to accomplish and then cut that list down to a manageable size. You may want to use the urgent/important matrix to determine which tasks should make your list. Remember that an important task will align with your goals. If a task is not important enough to make the list, do not attempt to squeeze it in later. You do not want to split your attention. Focusing only on the important tasks will help you complete your to do list and reach your goals.
Chunk, Block, Tackle
When creating a “to do” list, you should keep “chunk, block, and tackle” in mind. The first part of this strategy should be familiar. You need to break up a large task into smaller ones.
- Chunk: Break projects into tasks that are 15 minutes or fewer.
- Block: Block out time to complete each chunk.
- Tackle: Tackle each specific task individually rather than looking at the entire project.
Implementing “chunk, block, tackle”, will motivate you to complete the project because you will feel a sense of accomplishment as you complete each chunk. When creating your to do list, include the project chunks that you have created rather than listing the project as a whole. You should also include the time estimate for each task.
Make It a Habit
You need to make “to do” lists regularly for them to be effective. Creating “to do” lists should become a habit for you. They should become second nature; you should not need to think about them. The best way to accomplish this is by creating your “to do” list at the same time each day. If you are an early riser, you may want to create your list first thing in the morning. On the other hand, many people prefer creating their lists at the end of the day so that it is ready in the morning. When you create a new “to do” list, you should transfer any unfinished tasks from your current list to the list for the next day. If you create your list at the same time each day, it will become a habit over time. Once creating the list becomes a habit, it will become faster and easier to revise your “to do” list every day.
Plan Ahead
“To do” lists will not help you reach your goals unless you implement them. Until they are executed, lists are just reminders of what you still need to accomplish. The key to using lists is to plan ahead. Take the time to prioritize and schedule your list each day. Place time estimates next to each task, so you can place them in your schedule.
How to complete the list:
Make a schedule: Schedule the tasks on your “to do” list each day.
Set a timer: Set a timer or an alarm for each task into your smartphone.
Stay focused: Do not be sidetracked by unimportant tasks.
If you plan your day around your “to do” list, you will find yourself completing more of the tasks that you have assigned yourself and getting things done, while creating more “free” time.
Dr. Eric J. Nach, Ph.D., M.Ed., A.S.D.C., is a Developmental and Behavioral Specialist who specializes in Autism, ADHD and related disorders. Dr. Nach is the founder of the College Life Skills Program where he and his team of professional’s help develop the Emotional Maturity, Executive Functioning, Life Skill and Social Abilities of college students and those high school students preparing for college. The CollegeLSP is a subsidiary program of the Support For Students Growth Center, in Boca Raton, FL.
