While a simple sticky note of scribbles may help you decide what to focus on, here are some tips to step up your to-do list game.
If you receive an email or a text with action steps you can’t complete immediately, either write down the task somewhere you’ll see it or mark the email as unread. For texts, you can also pin the conversation. That way, next time you check your phone you’ll remember what you need to do.
If you’re a student, or just someone with a lot of deadlines, I highly recommend a due/do list. I’ve found this to be immensely helpful for planning out my weekly workload. First, write down all the days in a week (or month, etc.). Next, write all of your due dates down. In a new column, plan out what day you want to do each task. This helps a lot if you have several things due on one day so that you don’t end up forgetting about them until the day they’re due. This also helps you look ahead to plan out larger projects.
With virtual school, I’ve also found a lot of my classes tend to have assignments and/or discussions due the same day every week. Making a template of your typical weekly workload makes it easy to reference so you can remember what’s due each week.
Additionally, if you use any form of scheduled to-do list method, I recommend keeping a “pending to-do” list as well. This list compiles all of the things you don’t need to do right now, but you’d like to get done at some point. Keeping them all in one place makes it easy to quickly pick a task to complete when you find yourself with some free time.
If you often find small chores piling up, don’t be afraid to schedule dedicated time to getting them done. I write down my laundry day every week, just so I know to plan on being home for a few hours that day. No shame in being over-organized if it keeps your life simpler!
Finally, and this one isn’t exactly a to-do list tip, but if you need to remember to bring something with you the next day and you’re scared you’ll forget it, put it on the floor right in front of your door. You won’t be able to leave your room without confronting it so you’ll be sure to remember to bring it.
Keep tackling your tasks, you got this!