Juggling all the tasks that you have to do is a chore. Heck, even remembering half of them is an accomplishment. Little notes scribbled here, an email there, a post it under your keyboard. If you’re keeping track of tasks this way, then you’re really not keeping track of them at all. Chances are pretty good you’re not getting all of them done. You need a to-do list.
Go ahead, write a list
I won’t lie and say that it’s more fun than a barrel full of monkeys, because it isn’t. That’s not saying too much, because there aren’t many things more fun than an actual barrel full of monkeys. But I digress. You need to gather all of your “to-dos” and write them in a list. Use good old fashioned pencil and paper for now. Got it? Good.
Select your To-Do list tool
You aren’t too attached to that pad of paper are you? That’s great, because you’re not going to carry it around with you. Instead, you’re going to use a web-based to do list manager. The one that you choose is up to you – two of the most popular are:
I currently use Google Tasks. It’s *very* simple, like extremely simple. No fancy layout, no advanced features. Just basic to-do list management. And there’s a great iPhone web app, which means I can add and complete items easily from my iPhone. It’s also free, which is a big plus.
Remember the Milk is a much more robust to-do list manager, and runs $25 per year for the pro version. That’s hardly going to break the bank, but it is there, so I wanted to mention it. The pro version is necessary so that you can use the iPhone app and sync your lists. Without a mobile app, a to-do list is fairly limited in usefulness.
Split your list
Currently I’m using 3 lists – though 2 will work for most of you. My lists are:
- To-Do’s
- Someday
- Article Ideas
For items that I know won’t happen in the near future, I use the Someday list. Any ideas I have for Simple Llama articles make their way onto list #3. All regular to-do’s are on the 1st, and most important list. Once you’ve made the 2 or 3 lists, separate your items, and you’re good to go. Now you have a clear, organized plan to accomplish your tasks. Be sure to complete items regularly, and not just add them. If you end up with hundreds of to-do’s, you probably won’t be very motivated to complete them.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
The post-it note gal would be me. I’ve never actually tried Google Tasks, so will check it out. Thanks! But spending $25/yr for the pleasure of making a list… no thanks:)
I’m a reformed ( reforming ? ) post-it note addict. My desk used to be covered in the little guys – now I can’t stand seeing them.
You’re right about the $25 / yr – that’s why I stick with Google Tasks. Not super feature-filled, but hey, it’s only a to-do list, right?