Conquering the Never-Ending To-Do List

 

If there’s something about me that you should know, it is that I am a To-Do List fanatic!

It all started when I was homeschooled as a little girl. Each day, my dad would give me chores to do by the time he got home, but everyday I would end up forgetting to do them.  It wasn’t that I was purposefully not doing them, but truly, I was absent-minded at even a young age (Just think of the Absent-Minded Professor). It drove my dad crazy (even as it drives me crazy!). To help me with my absent-mindedness, my dad would have me write a to-do list everyday before he left for work and show it to him. Then, we would check that list later in the evening. And wouldn’t ya know it? That to-do list helped me remember all of the things my dad wanted me to do.

And so thus my love of To Do Lists was born. Almost every day, I write a to do list and see how much of it I can accomplish by the end of the day. Somedays I succeed, and other days, it seems as if nothing on my list gets done. After many years of writing to-do lists, I have learned a few things that will help you conquer the never-ending to-do list.

1. Remember that To-Do Lists are tools-not masters.

   This is something I have had to learn the hard way. Before having my baby, I had grand schemes of being able to always have the laundry done, always have a clean house, always have dinner on the table, and still be able to list 20 items on eBay once I was a stay at home mom. Once baby was born though, the harsh reality set in. I was lucky if even one of my things on my to-do list was completely accomplished! I would end the day depressed because the things that my to-do list said had to be done, were not done. I felt as if I were the worst mom and wife in the world! But then, my husband reminded me of a profound, yet simple fact. It truly doesn’t matter if the house isn’t sparkling or dinner isn’t a five course meal. What matters is that I took care of our daughter when she was crying for three straight hours. If circumstances get in the way of you accomplishing a to- do list, then don’t stress out about it. The work will wait, but your children will not.

2. Set priorities:

   My hint for this is to make three separate categories: Most important, semi-important, and would be nice. Write down things in each category and accomplish them in that order. This way, you can focus on the most important things getting accomplished instead of switching from one task to another without anything really getting done.

3. Set a timer!

   Studies show that setting a timer leads to greater productivity. I know that when I set a timer, I get much more done and stay focused better than if I just work without it. Usually, I set my timer to 10 to 15 minute intervals. After I have finished the first set, I will usually do another set of 10 to 15 minutes on a completely different task. After that, take a break! Taking breaks also helps productivity even if it seems counteractive. Breaks help you regain energy and focus that you need to continue the task at hand.

4. Set a weekly cleaning schedule.

   If you set a weekly cleaning schedule, you’re more likely to have a clean house that will help cut back on your daily to-do list. (This is one I’m still working on! Maybe you’ve mastered having a clean house! Comment below your hacks!) The Spruce has a very detailed weekly cleaning schedule that will help you scrub every nook and cranny. For a less detailed weekly cleaning schedule, Apartment Therapy will guide you to a clean house!

5. Enlist Help!

   If you have children, enlist them to help you! Younger children especially love to help when given a chance. It will take work initially to train them how you want the job done, however, as you train them, they will begin to be a very big help to you. Chores do not have to be a drudgery but can be fun if you make them. (Do you have a way to make chores fun? Contact us! We’d love to hear about it!) Also, children who have chores are more likely to succeed in school and succeed in adult life Time says.

6.  Enjoy yourself.

   Find a way to make conquering your to-do list fun. Whether that be listening to music or dancing around the room while mopping, find ways that will make chores more enjoyable!

7.  Lastly, remember you are not Wonder Woman.

   Make sure to only write what you are  physically capable of accomplishing in one day.  I simply cannot do the laundry, mow the lawn, dust the furniture, workout, sweep and mop the floors, clean the kitchen, straighten the library, cook dinner, and be a full time mom. It’s simply just not possible!

To help you out, I’ve found some very helpful and fun planners! This Floral Planner from Amazon has daily tearable to-do lists that will help you to be eager about starting the day. This Amazon List will help you to set different priorities to your tasks.  While this list will help you organize appointments, to-do lists, and other things that will help you to be less absent-minded. This last planner, Attack for the Day, is a fun way to conquer your to-do list.

So whether you are absent-minded like me or just want to get a little more organized, follow these tips to help you conquer the never ending to-do list. If you have any hacks for conquering a to-do list that we didn’t mention, let us know in the comments below!