To-do lists aren’t at all sexy. But all the sexiest jobs require them. I rely on mine as much as I rely on my laptop.
To-do lists help me dump all the tasks out of my brain, onto digital paper, and focus completely on the task at hand. It’s my only sanity while I deal with over seven websites, simultaneous book projects, and dozens of advertisers/contributors.
It’s pretty obvious what a to-do list is good for. But I think there are a few things I use mine for you that you might have no considered before. I thought I’d share those give things. I think it just might streamline and simplify your life a bit if you start incorporating these things into your work life. Here they are:
1. Getting rid of emails.
Not all emails require an immediate response. But I hate leaving unread emails in my inbox. So I’ll frequently create a “reply to” item in my to-do list then file the email. I usually include the subject line so I know which email it is. Then I schedule the item for the day I’d like to reply. I love zero emails in my inbox.
2. Remembering to love my wife.
I schedule things like “buy a gift for my wife” or “get her car washed” into my to-do list. I even make recurring items so I can “randomly” show her I love her.
3. Tickler files.
Every month I need to start brainstorming the next issue of Sunday| Mag. I simply create a “brainstorm about_____” item on my list and schedule it. If it’s weekly, monthly, or annually…I make it a recurring event.
4. Reminding you to think or pray about something.
Sometimes there’s nothing you even need to do, but you just need your mind to go a certain place. Schedule your prayer requests. Schedule your wife’s smile. Schedule your kids. Make your to-do list help you put your mind in the place it needs to be.
5. Planning the rhythm of your week.
Instead of making each day of the week equally busy, I schedule my week front-heavy. I put all my repetitive, bulk tasks in the front of the week and leave creative, fun stuff at the end. Once I get through all the gross stuff, I can use two days for full inspiration.
Those are my five tips. Have you used to-do lists in a unique way? I’d love if you shared in a comment.
