Writing a todo list template allows you to steer the direction of your day. The simple act of writing down what you anticipate doing will allow you to focus on the most important tasks and get actually get them done. Going without a todo list template will leave your days amorphous and unproductive in most cases because you have no idea what you should be doing. The primary benefit of a good todo list template is that you will have a format that works and helps you accomplish your goals. In this article I am going to show you how to write an effective todo list template that you can reuse for anything you like. Also I have made for you a simple blank one to just print and use if that is what you are looking for.
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Writing a Todo List Template
Much of your success with a todo list is based on the actual todo list template. Here is what you should do when creating a todo list template.
– It helps you take control over your life
Many people feel as if they lack control over their own lives due to the fact that they cannot control how they spend their time. If you can learn how to control your time, then you will know how to control your life and use every moment effectively.
– You can accomplish your goals faster
Goals are accomplished in small nudges in the right direction rather than leaps and bounds forward. It is difficult to complete the small changes that will lead to the big results without having a daily routine. Just having a plan will make you much more likely to accomplish your goals, but chances are that you will complete them even faster because you have a todo list template.
How to Write an Effective To Do List Template
– Use a planner, software, or write a simple list
The first thing you should do is decide which format works best for your todo list template. Some people prefer to use a planner while others prefer to write everything down in a small notepad. There are also a lot of great programs online that let you create a todo list as well. All of the formats are effective and selecting one or the other is just a matter of personal preference.
– Use numbers to write everything in order of priority
The first thing you should do is list everything in order of their priority on your todo list template. Write numbers next to each task in order of what must be done first. The most important tasks come first while the least important tasks go last. Listing each task in this way will ensure that the key items on the list will get done if nothing else got done during the day.
– Have no more than 10-20 tasks
The ideal todo list template is to have roughly 10-20 tasks on the list. Most people will have at least 10 items to start, but there should definitely be no more than 20 tasks because there is very little chance of doing that much in a day. The idea is to give yourself a todo list that is feasible and not too much of a burden for you to accomplish.
– The todo list as a living document
You should consider your todo list template as a living document that breathes and changes along with you. Static todo lists are rarely effective because different things happen during the day that can change your schedule. Following a format is helpful, but it should still allow room for changes.
– Measure your results
As the saying goes, what gets measured, gets done. It is not enough to simply say that you want to do something, but you must quantify the task by saying you want to exercise for 30 minutes as opposed to just writing exercise on your todo list. Think about how long you want to spend on a certain task or exactly how much you should get done like a quota for writing a certain amount of pages for your novel each day.
– Use color coding
Color coding is effective in creating priorities that you will stick with. Use a highlighter to add color to the most important items on the list and perhaps even use other colors for certain types of tasks. Highlighting is optional, but some people have mentioned that the colors brings more attention to what is important.
– Break each task down to the bare essentials
Any type of complex task should be broken down into manageable bits and pieces. A broad, insurmountable task seems like it can never be done in one day, but it is possible if you tackle a piece at a time. Try to leave a few spaces underneath each task so you can list the individual facets of the task.
– Leave room for the who, what, where, why, and how
Leave a few spaces for notes about the who, what, where, why, and how of the tasks at hand on your todo list template. Sometimes further explanation is necessary certain tasks, so you should leave a few areas where you can address those issues without comprising the organization of the list.
– Keep trying
The key to success is never giving up regardless of what happens. It is impossible to do everything the way you intended because life happens and you have to embrace the changes as they come along. If a day does not go as planned despite the todo list template, you still need to learn from your mistakes and keep trying.
– Focus on one task at a time
Try to look at one task at a time as opposed to seeing everything at once and getting overwhelmed. Sometimes it may be effective to use a sticky note cover the rest of the list while you slowly uncover each task throughout the day.