If you’re like most people, you probably have a never-ending to-do list. You’re constantly adding new tasks and never seem to be able to complete everything on your list. Sound familiar?
“Today is the day you’re going to slay your to-do list and bring home a major win.”
— Michael Hyatt
Don’t worry; you’re not alone. We’ve all been there—staring at our ever-growing to-do list, feeling like we’ll never get it all done. But what if we told you there’s a way to finish your to-do list in less time? It may sound impossible, but it’s actually pretty simple.
There are proven tactics to help you finish your to-do list in less time.
Read on to learn how you can get it all done—and feel phenomenal about it!
Today is the day that you begin taking steps towards your dreams. It’s time to start making things happen!
What goals will you use your to-do list to accomplish?
“Rename your “To-Do” list to your “Opportunities” list. Each day is a treasure chest filled with limitless opportunities; take joy in checking many off your list.”
— Steve Maraboli
There are many different types of goals that people set for themselves. Some are small and easily achievable, while others are much larger and may take years to accomplish. No matter what type of goal you set, it’s essential to have a clear plan for how you’ll achieve it.
Here are a few examples of what you can achieve with a to-do list:
- Personal goals: These could be things like quitting smoking, losing weight, or saving money.
- Career achievements: Getting a promotion, changing careers, or starting your own business.
- Learning valuable skills: These could include getting a degree, learning a new skill, or improving your grades.
- Relationship goals: Being a better listener or spending more time with family and friends.
Whatever your endeavor is, remember to be realistic.
There’s always something we can do to move closer to our goals. Sometimes it’s a big task, and sometimes it’s a small one, but every action we take gets us closer to where we want to be.
You may not be able to get everything done today, but you can make progress on your goals one step at a time. So get started and see how far you can go.
1. Write your to-do list the night before
“I’ve always made lists of things I want to achieve — it helps me track my progress. But to-do lists are only useful if you do the things on your list.”
— Richard Branson
There’s no need to waste time every morning trying to remember what you need to do that day. Instead, take some time the night before to write down everything you need to do the next day.
Ask yourself, what would be the most impactful things you could do today? Make a list of everything you can think of to reach your goals. Then prioritize that list and pick the one task that you’ll focus on today. Once you’ve accomplished that task, you can move on to the next one.
Be sure to include deadlines so you don’t drag things on forever. You could even use a timer to keep yourself on track.
2. Get your head in the game
“One of the most important things I do daily that truly helps me make the most of my day is my daily “To-Do List” for both my business and personal life!”
— Barbara Corcoran
Your emotions can significantly impact your results. Sometimes, your attitude about a task can be more pivotal than the work itself. A beginner will start drudging along, floundering around for hours until they finish. However, the pros get their head in the game first. They clarify exactly what they’ll accomplish before they start.
If you want to succeed, you must believe in your ability to do the project. Otherwise, you’ll almost certainly fail. So, it’s imperative to prepare in advance.
Rather than wasting a ton of effort, toiling away at a glacial speed, take a minute to get in the right mindset. Build your enthusiasm to tackle the challenge. Clarify and understand your goal for each step. Then go for it!
3. Prioritize your to-do list
“The trick to getting things done is to list things to do in doable order.”
— Robert Breault
First, it’s crucial to prioritize your tasks. Not everything on your to-do list is equally important, so start with the most vital tasks and work your way down.
Include both big and small tasks. Then, prioritize your activities so you know which ones need attention first. As you complete each step, check it off your list. That will help you stay on track and boost your excitement and ambition throughout the day.
Don’t forget to schedule time for breaks! Make sure you take time to relax and recharge to stay productive.
4. Bundle similar tasks together
“If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else.”
― Yogi Berra
When trying to be productive, it can be helpful to bundle similar tasks together. The best way to get things done is by bundling similar jobs together. This way, you can focus your energy on one process and move on to the next without meandering back and forth, constantly switching gears.
By bundling similar tasks together, you can ensure that you’re using your time in the most efficient way possible. Having all those related tasks in one place will help you complete them more quickly and efficiently.
5. Don’t overwhelm yourself
Trying to do everything at once is tempting when you’re feeling overwhelmed. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to do everything at once. It’s usually better to focus on one thing at a time. So take a deep breath, give yourself a break, and focus on one thing at a time. You’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish when you’re not trying to do everything simultaneously.
6. Finish each step before moving to the next
“One of the secrets of getting more done is to make a TO-DO List every day, keep it visible, and use it as a guide to action as you go through the day.”
— Jean de La Fontaine
It can be tempting to jump from task to task. But do your best to stay focused on one thing at a time until it’s 100% finished. Then take a break and get back to the next step on your to-do list.
7. Eliminate all distractions
“Make a rule for yourself to never do anything that isn’t on your list. If a new task or project comes up, write it down on your list and set a priority for it before you start work on it.”
— Brain Tracy
We live in a world full of distractions. Whether it’s our phones, work, or personal lives, there always seems to be something vying for our attention. And while it’s important to stay connected and be productive, sometimes we need to take a step back and eliminate all distractions.
That’s why it’s paramount that you have moments or even whole days where we eliminate all distractions and focus on what’s important to you. We can tell our loved ones not to interrupt us, put our phones on silent, and focus on the task at hand. It’s not always easy, but eliminating distractions can help us be more productive, creative, and present.
8. Track your progress
“Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes; but no plans.”
― Peter F. Drucker
As you might know, progress is motivating. So, of course, you should emphasize even little steps forward. Regardless of your goal, tracking your progress along the way is key. Seeing how far you’ve come helps you stay motivated and on track.
There are a lot of different ways you can track your progress. You can keep a journal, create a chart, or make a list of your goals. You can also track your progress by taking pictures or videos of yourself.
Whatever method you choose, make sure you are consistent with it. The more you track your progress, the more likely you are to achieve your goal.
9. Have a friend keep you on track
Finding an accountability partner is one of the most important things you can do to stay on track with your goals. When you have someone to check in with regularly, you’re more likely to stay motivated and focused on what you’re trying to achieve.
They can offer support and encouragement when you’re feeling down, help you stay accountable to your goals, and give you honest feedback on your progress. Finding an accountability partner should be at the top of your list if you’re serious about achieving your goals.
10. Use to-do list apps
“Every minute you spend in planning saves 10 minutes in execution; this gives you a 1,000 percent return on energy!”
― Brian Tracy
There are a variety of ways you can create your to-do list. You could use a to-do list app to remind you about your start times and deadlines. Or even just a simple piece of paper. Whatever method you choose, the important thing is to take the time to sit down and figure out what you need to do that day.
Remember, take your to-do list seriously!
Once you have your plan, it’s essential to stick to it as much as possible. Don’t blow it off like it doesn’t matter. It does matter to you!
To sum up, the next time you feel overwhelmed by your to-do list, try bundling similar tasks together and focus on one step at a time.
Wake up each morning with a clear plan for the day ahead. Know what you need to accomplish and when you need to do it. Soon, you’ll make the most of your time and get things done rather than stressing about everything.
Time management is a skill that anyone can learn, and it’s one that will pay off in both your personal and professional life.
You now know how to slaughter your to-do list in less time. So what are you waiting for? Start following these tips and get more done today!
Also, don’t forget to subscribe below to get free printable to-do lists!
This is such a great post Sheryl! It reminds me that I need to do a better job of staying focused on my goals, and tracking my progress 😉
Thanks for starting the week with this inspiration!!
Trent
Thanks, Trent! I’m glad to help!