3 Ways to Organize your To-do List

To-do lists are normally do what you can with whatever you have and where you are. Most of us do our to-do list in a particular order with a certain order or no order at all. 

1. Energy-based

This works incredibly well, because how we feel, in terms of energy, is something we can recognize no matter where or what we are doing. Using this context allows you to move things forward even when you are not feeling up to certain things.

I assign more energy to anything that is going to take a lot of my mental energy, less energy to anything that is fairly easy to complete and some energy to everything else. Using this method requires honesty. 

"I assign more energy to anything that is going to take a lot of my mental energy, less energy to anything that is fairly easy to complete and some energy to everything else."

One of the greatest benefits of using this is that if you are not feeling well (even when you are sick), you can still make some progress with tasks that require less energy. Do the opposite when you feel great. Even small steps forward are progress and it gives you momentum to carry on to finish up the bigger tasks.

2. Time-based

Your day is limited to only 24-hours and if you are trying to manage your tasks for different parts of the day, then you are using time-based would be a good option.

Let's say you check email every morning, so don't just write down email, but instead write down check email in the morning. For some of us once isn't enough, so write down check email 3 times today. When you find yourself feeling "lost" you can just look at the appropriate column on your list and get right back on track.

Time-based can be easy for anyone to lose track in being accurate. The key is to be accurate in your task descriptions so that when you encounter a situation that proves that tasks seem too overwhelming accurate descriptions help push you back on the right track. Just as you are running off the road you wouldn't want more clutter to make you go into a spin!

"Time-based can be easy for anyone to lose track in being accurate."

3. Priority-based

What is considered urgent/important, not urgent/important, important/urgent, and not important/urgent should be the "matrix" work well, because it allows you to quickly decide whether or not it is something that needs to be done now, later, or perhaps not at all. You will get better awareness with tasks and projects that are more important as well as more urgent, which allows you to finish your task list.

A deadline that is due today is more important and requires more attention and energy at this moment more than fixing a problem isn't really a problem right now. Take into careful consideration what you consider to be urgent/important or important/urgent. Both directions seem strangely similar, but do not be fooled, because what is considered urgent may not be considered important, and as for some it may be very important but not urgent. Take time to categorize your items carefully to avoid future issues.

"Take time to categorize your items carefully to avoid future issues."

---

Keep these combinations in mind. You can use a combination of these types of context. No matter which way you decide to go, or in what order you use them, it is important to add meaning to your tasks in a way that uniquely suits your working habits.

photoby Peter Blanchard

Posted in: Organize, Task, Tasks, Tips, To-Do List