These are not only clear, but the structure and clarity of the list allows for success and completion to come more regularly. For example put away items on the drying rack, take out the bins, clean the counter tops.

Instead, sub categorise this task into simpler, clearer jobs. For example, ‘clean the kitchen’ could encompass a whole host of things. Vagueness helps nobody, as it doesn’t have a clear beginning or ending. SimplicityĮach item on your list should be a clear and simply job. This also means that you can avoid having similarly themed, or timed jobs backing on to each other three or four lengthy tasks in succession will be no fun at all. For example, if the list looks like it will take more time than you have, you can eliminate a few of the less urgent items. Once this has been done, the list becomes much clearer and is easier to edit and structure.

Usually they will all have been jobs that you have done before, so this shouldn’t be too tricky. Time EstimatesĪ great way to gauge how ambitious, or not, your list is, is to allot time estimates to each task. The first thing to do is be mindful of your mood and your energy levels how long are you likely to be able to sustain productivity for? A short list of jobs that has been completed is much better for the self and for your motivation to continue being productive than a half finished, over ambitious one.

Don’t Overstretch YourselfĪ long list of bog tasks is very hard to get through. Resonate with anyone? Well, no more! Here is a guide on how to compose a mindful and successful ‘to-do’ list. In fact, sometimes, even when I had finished the majority, I could still have been found slumped on the sofa bummed out that I hadn’t finished the whole lot. I would then get frustrated when I didn’t get to the end of them. For years all I did was write down all the things I needed to do with no particular regard for their achievability and in no particular order. In order to create a quality ‘to-do’ list, you must be mindful of your habits and how you feel about the tasks at hand. However, making a to do list that is both achievable and leaves one with a sense of achievement is not necessarily as easy as it seems. “The secret of getting ahead is getting started” – Mark TwainĪh, ‘to-do’ lists the pillar of any productive day.

Make do list