How To-Do Lists Changed My Productivity

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To do lists not only increased my productivity, I’m healthier and have better boundaries because of them.

I’ve been self-employed for the last 11 years of my life, as a massage therapist until March of this year, as a blogger since 2017, and now as a virtual assistant. 

There’s often so many tasks, and things to remember that it can be overwhelming and easy to lose something in the shuffle!

With several clients, plus my own tasks, I started writing down my to do lists in my Rocketbook, and it changed my productivity! I don’t spend a lot of time wondering what I should be working on, I’m reminded to take care of myself, and to take breaks!

Here are some of my best tips for using to-do lists to uplevel your work and your life.

Mix Personal & Business Tasks

When I first chatted with the amazing Naturopath Dr. Ashley Margeson about how I was struggling to keep myself hydrated, she told me something that literally changed my life – PUT DRINK WATER ON YOUR TO-DO LIST. Actually writing it down makes you so much more likely to do it.

Seeing that on my list reminds me to fill my bottle, and drink throughout the day.

I also put other personal tasks on there like washing my face, brushing my teeth, exercising, any appointments, etc. It reminds me to take care of myself first.

Have An “Everyday” List

I keep a Google Doc of my “everyday tasks” so that I can reference it when I write my daily to do lists.

My everyday tasks include:

• Drink water
• Wash face
• Brush teeth
• Exercise at least 30 minutes
• Eat fruit/vegetables

Assign Certain Tasks To Certain Days

In the same Google Doc as my “everyday” list, I have tasks listed for Monday through Friday. Some of these are business tasks like recording social media stats for myself and my clients, some are personal like washing towels and cleaning the bathroom.

Sometimes things don’t get done on their assigned day, and that’s okay! It’s more of a guideline for me to remember that it needs to be done. 

Give Each Task A Ranking

I often end up with a lot of tasks on my to-do list, which can look overwhelming. Assigning a 1-3 ranking to each task helps me prioritize.

#1: Needs to be done today

#2: Should be done today, but no worries if not

#3: Would be nice to do today if there’s time

Don’t Beat Yourself Up Over Unfinished Tasks

The purpose of the list isn’t to make you feel bad about yourself if you don’t complete a task. In fact it’s pretty rare that I actually get everything done.

In the famous words of Captain Barbossa: “it’s more what you’d call “guidelines” than actual rules.”

Make Your List The Night Before

Making your list the night before will set you up for success in the morning. My last task of my work day is to make my list for the next day. 

I consult my master Google Doc, add any unfinished tasks from the day before, assign a ranking and walk away for the day!

It’s great to sit down in the morning and start working, instead of trying to figure out what I need to do.

Final Thoughts

Structuring my days with to-do lists has changed how much I can get done in a day! I feel less stressed and am able to keep all of my various tasks and clients organized.

I hope it helps you too!