If you're finding it hard to get stuff done,
you probably don't have a good checklist system...yet.
In this video, we’ll share several list-making styles as well as general tips on making productive ones that work for you.
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What’s Your Checklist Style? Checklists aren’t one-size-fits-all.
Ask yourself what you want to get out of your list. Do you need a comprehensive
ingredient list for grocery shopping, or do you prefer quick reminders on sticky notes?
Or maybe you enjoy creating neat task lists in a planner or notebook.
Let’s take a look at the different checklist styles and see what suits you best.
If you’re often on-the-go and like having travel-size lists handy,
reach for sturdy pocket notebooks like these Word Notebooks. Roomy enough for jotting down tasks and
extra details or thoughts, they’re the perfect way to keep reminders at hand.
Memo pads might be more your style if you need to make quick lists of tasks.
For example, perhaps you need to jot down what to do after a group meeting,
or write a to-do list for the day. Memo pads have limited space and are meant to be used sheet by
sheet. They’re great, perfect for those who plan on completing tasks within a short time period.
The Midori To Do Memo Pad comes in several different checklist styles so you can pick
the one that’s most helpful for you.
If you prefer simple, concise reminders that can be strategically placed to catch your attention,
try using Suatelier Planner Sticky Notes.
Sticky notes are a bit like memo pads, but with the added convenience of an adhesive backing!
Once you’ve written down your to-dos, you can stick them where it’s most convenient for you.
For those who enjoy customizing their own checklists in a notebook or planner,
stamps and washi tapes might be for you. With stamps like these from BGM,
you can easily make neat lists by hand. Washi tape provides a little more flexibility than stamps
since it can be removed if your plans change.
Now that you’ve figured out what checklist style best matches your needs,
here are some general tips to consider:
Categorize and make multiple lists.
Some people might be able to work with a huge checklist of all the things they need to do,
but for the sake of organization, we recommend breaking down your tasks into categories. This
doesn’t mean you can’t have a masterlist of every task, goal, or project you want to accomplish over
time, but grouping your responsibilities will make it easier to prioritize them.
Consider basing your checklist on time, for example due dates or work deadlines for the week.
Or, you can group your tasks by theme, such as school, work, personal projects, and so on.
If you find it helpful, consider color coding your tasks.
Assigning a color can aid memory retention:
for example, using red for urgent items and yellow for lower priority items. Or you can
color by category, such as blue for school assignments/meetings and green for chores.
Assign due dates.
Once you’ve written down your tasks, the next step is to assign due dates.
If you don’t have a timeline for getting things done, you may be tempted to procrastinate.
Due dates will help you prioritize your tasks and get the ball rolling.
They’ll also help you plan things in advance, as you’ll get a sense of how your next few days or weeks will look.
Simplify your lists. You might be tempted to write down every
possible task or goal you want to accomplish, but there’s nothing more intimidating than a
mile-long to-do list. Not to mention, if your list has over thirty items, it’ll be difficult to
remember everything on it. Try to limit yourself to ten items per list.
You can even implement shorthand abbreviations to make navigating
your lists easier. What you want is to stay motivated, not create more work for yourself.
If a task doesn’t fit, move it to your master list.
Although your lists should stay simple, make sure that your tasks are specific and informative. You
want tasks that are achievable, rather than vague goals that are difficult to quantify.
If your goal is to complete a research paper, break it down into actionable steps,
such as “find five sources”, “create an outline”, and “finish the first draft by next week”.
Keep checklists in plain sight. Having a checklist in plain
sight can keep you accountable since you’re less likely to forget about it.
Propping up a list on your desk is a great option, since you probably spend much of your time there.
If your list is always in view, you’ll be reminded to check off tasks as you complete them.
Revise lists if needed.
You might feel guilty if you don’t follow your to-do list to a tee, but remember that your
lists can be revised based on the circumstances. Don’t be afraid to make adjustments if something
unexpected comes up, or you realize you just don’t have enough time. A to-do list
is meant to provide guidance in improving your life; it isn’t a rigid set of rules.
Did you find these tips helpful? If you have pointers of your own, let us know in
the comments! You can find all these products and more on JetPens.com.