Accomplishing your things-to-do list starts first with a plan of where and how to document; and maintain your workday list. It’s equally important to focus on how to prioritize your list. 

Here are 3 ideas to get you started managing your life with careful flexibility:

1st 💡 Use what you have near you most of the day. If it’s your smartphone, use the notes section on that device. If it’s your computer, type it in a note-taking application that stays parked on your desktop, or use a reasonably-sized sticky note or two or three (my absolute favorite!) and place it wherever you’re positioned the majority of the day.  If you keep a small journal readily by your side, use that for daily lists. The key is using what’s always close to you in your daily, hourly activities. 

2nd 💡 Okay, now I’d like you to write everything down that’s in your mind to do that day. Not your plans for the week; this is meant to become a daily TTD list. Don’t get caught up being concerned whether or not you can complete your day’s list. For now, just write down all you have in your heart to accomplish. Don’t categorize it or get bogged down in the details of the task.  Envisioning the details of your task should be completed when your walking out your project in your mind which is another exercise. Right now, you’re doing a brain dump. A brain dump is described as “simply the act of dumping all the contents of your mind onto paper.” Trust me, your mind will thank you. Let it all come out of your mind. Your head will feel lighter. You may find yourself writing, “schedule a massage”, which isn’t a bad idea. This activity should take no more than 3-5 minutes.

3rd 💡 Now if my list pertains to one project (rarely but it happens), then I let the order of completing my tasks correspond to my route to work and any client appointments. I feel less stressed doing the tasks as they naturally flow from point A to B. For example, if I need to pick up writing supplies for a retreat, I get the supplies depending on my driving route as I leave my house and head to my office or a meeting. I continue doing my tasks following the same travel flow until I return home that evening. If any task is time sensitive, for instance an order has to be made in person and can’t be completed online or by phone, then I do that task first to relieve my mind of scenario mishaps or communication errors. 

If my list pertains to different projects, then I determine if one project has more priority. If it does, then my tasks are completed with that project’s task always first on the route I take to the office and and back home. If the other tasks don’t get completed, I’m relieved knowing the most urgent project gets attended to first.

At the end of my work day and errands, I spend time with my husband and family, and relax for at least 20-30 minutes. I relax and center myself. Then before I read a book, article or watch a video, I look at my list and assess the day. Sort of like grading myself, I think of whether I could’ve been more efficient in completing any of the tasks and how I can do that with tomorrow’s tasks. I don’t update my list in the evening because I want to give myself time to really think whether any priorities have changed. I also value dreams and visions I might have while I’m asleep. However, if I remember something that wasn’t on the list I type it on there immediately because I know the chance of forgetting is realistically high. It’s high because I have a lot on my mind, not because I’m forgetful or incompetent. It’s important for me to say that to you because we beat ourselves up over our memory all the time and everyone is overloaded and overstimulated in this digital age. We just have to get over it and write it down.

The final step to accomplishing your things-to-do list is being committed to do it every day until it becomes a daily habit. I promise you this disciplined plan will help you order your dutiful thoughts. This is not intended to be a plan for shared work lists and project tasks. I would recommend using real-time project management software and tools; or a web-based Kanban-style application. The plan I’m sharing is a hands-on personal plan to take care of you - your way; and on your terms.

Now on to make room for your dreamy bucket lists Living Life Today with no regrets! 

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