Tips 'n' Tricks: To Do Lists

Hi Y'all,

Tuesday posts are going to be all about tips 'n' tricks! I absolutely love learning new ways to do something or little hacks to get something done faster.

To do lists are basically how I get everything done, especially daily tasks and blog tasks for with southern grace! I've learned over time that the better my to do lists are, the more grace I have during the day (aka I'm calmer and not running around like a chicken with my head cut off).

1. Write down everything you have to do. It can be as small as "eat breakfast" or "start car".

If you've already started the day, write down something you accomplished so you can check it off. I know this sounds dumb, but it really does help! You start off your day on the right foot, and it makes your day that much better.

2. Use fun colors. Use colors that make you excited to look at your to do list. If you don't look at it, you probably aren't getting much done. To go along with using fun colors, make sure it's legible. If you can't read it, you can't do the task!

3. Make it accomplishable. Make your to do list accomplishable. Don't write down "cure cancer" because chances are you can't accomplish that in one day. However, say you have a 10 page paper due. You can write down "write 2 pages" or "edit yesterday's writing".

4. Always check your list. Make sure you check your list throughout the day. Whether this means changing the wallpaper on your phone everyday to your current to do list, or putting a sticky note on your computer, make sure you're looking at it.

5. Reward yourself. Do something fun/reward yourself. Make sure you have time to do something you enjoy or treat yourself for accomplishing everything on your list. Remember, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy!

6. Task importance. Put your tasks in order from "must do" to "can do" to "can wait". That way, the tasks of the most importance get done first.

7. Consider the time. Take into consideration the amount of time it can take you to do a task. You probably don't want to start a homework assignment at 10 pm that is going to take you 3 hours. 

8. Use a method. Use a method that works for you. For instance, I write down everything and make check boxes by each task. When I've accomplished the task, I physically check the box. Other people, like to scribble out their task so they don't even have to look at it.

9. Use multiple lists. Especially in college, I would have multiple lists. One for the day, one for the week, and one for the semester. This way, I constantly knew I was making progress toward the end goal with lots of little goals!

10. Remember, it's ok if you don't accomplish everything. There are going to be some days that you just won't accomplish everything on your list. Sometimes, you won't even accomplish one task. That's ok. Just remember, you will have tomorrow.

with southern grace,

Lindsey

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