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What Are Your To-Do Lists Supposed To Accomplish?

Here’s what a solid to-do list strategy will do for you:

First, it will give you control over your workday. You’ll know what you need to work on and what can be put on the back burner. A good task management system will make your workday less chaotic.

Second, you’ll be able to meet your deadlines. A solid to-do list will reveal the day’s top priorities based on their importance and urgency. It will show you instantly where you should devote your time and attention.

Third, your to-do list will ensure you’re working on the right tasks at the right time. Accordingly, you’ll get urgent items done and be able to focus on less-urgent items as time permits. Rather than feeling overwhelmed, you’ll feel like you’re ahead of the curve.

Fourth, you’ll avoid wasting valuable time putting out fires. Remember, your task list will show you what you need to work on based on each item’s urgency. You’ll learn to rely on it to manage your time. A proper list will prevent you from reacting to events that seem like crises. Instead, you’ll assess each situation based on your current workload, and make rational decisions regarding where you should spend your limited time.

It’s worth noting that few “crises” are true emergencies. They only seem so when we react to them emotionally. You probably know this from experience. Your task list removes the emotion so you can make good decisions that maximize your productivity.

Speaking of productivity, a proper to-do list will help you to get more done in less time. Importantly, you’ll get the right things done. Remember, being productive isn’t about completing a long list of tasks. It’s not about staying busy. It’s about focusing on high-value activities that help you to accomplish your goals.

Sixth, your task list will greatly reduce your stress. You’ll be able to meet your deadlines, and thus won’t experience the constant, unpleasant, creativity-killing pressure that accompanies completing tasks late. You’ll avoid being distracted by supposed crises, which will make you feel more in control of your workday. You’ll concentrate on high-value tasks, which ensures you’ll spend your time in the most efficient manner possible.

Seventh, a properly designed to-do list will improve your focus. When it comes to getting things done, focus is where the battle is won. As noted above, your list will show you where to spend your time. You’ll know which tasks carry a higher priority than others, and thus deserve your immediate time and attention. Focus is what allows you to get important work done rather than waste time on minor or trivial activities.

Lastly, a good task list will eliminate the frustration and guilt you feel when you fall behind on projects. It will help you to work more smartly and with greater purpose. You’ll focus on items that move you closer to your goals, giving you a real sense of accomplishment at the end of each day.

In the next section, we’ll talk about how your current to-do lists are preventing you from getting things done. I call this the Productivity Paradox.