How to Effectively Tackle Your To Do List

Has your weekend become one big chaotic to-do list? Not enough time for Home Depot? Here are 8 tips to get things done more efficiently and spend more time on things you enjoy.

1. Figure out whether you want to write your lists on paper or digital. I’ve gone back and forth between using iPhone’s notes but tend to be more productive writing things down on paper. Old school wins, sometimes.

2. Follow the two-minute rule. If it takes less than two minutes, just do it right away.

3. Automate things that are frequently on your list (specific groceries like paper towels or detergent, cat litter, dog food, diapers, etc.)

4. Hire someone. Save yourself the time and your back the pain. If you have extra cash there are thousands of individuals who work on sites like TaskRabbit willing to take that chore off your hands for a reasonable rate.

5. Break bigger tasks into smaller chunks. For example, “Renovate the kitchen” changes to “Pick out 5 samples of backsplash from Floor and Decor.” Specificity matters.

6. Include a wish list. Make sure your day includes things that make you happy.

Grabbing a coffee, taking a nap, watching a movie, going to the gym, calling your family, watching trashy, reality TV, etc. These can be in a separate column.

7. Decide what’s important. I usually use an “urgent” and “important” scale. Decide what’s most urgent and important for your well-being. If you put something off, will it be worse for you a week from now? Who else does it impact?

8. Pick out your outfit the night before. For those of us who work remotely, this may be another work casual outfit, jogging suit, or maybe it’s your weekend warrior college hoodie or that farmer flannel (shoutout to Eddie Vedder and Al Borlin). Bottom line – don’t waste time being indecisive in the morning.

This post was influenced by: 7 small things you can do to improve your to-do list : Life Kit : NPR