How to Actually Get Stuff Done With a To-Do List (3 Tips)

Simply reading this blog post won't do the work for you.

Just like how writing down your to-dos doesn't actually mean that you'll do them.

But, if you're serious about taking action, I've got 3 tips to help you beat procrastination and actually get shit done with a to-do list.

These are the things that works for me.

//1. Go Digital

You're reading this online, which means that you have digital privilege... which then means that you can upgrade your written to-do list so that it's not as prone to mistakes and not as easy to lose.

So, I say take advantage of your privilege and make the upgrade. It will just make your process a lot more flexible and convenient.

With a digital to-do list app:

• you can't really lose it (you have access to it through different devices)
• you get features that help you actually get things done (day streaks, task monitoring, notifications, etc)
• adding or changing things won’t mean rewriting your list (most apps let you easily update your list)

The only challenge is that a lot of apps (I find) tend to make to-do lists more complicated than it actually is as well.

To-do lists are simple. It literally is just a list of things that you have to do.

Find an app that keeps that essence of simply just listing tasks and then crossing them off when they're complete.

That's partly why I made Doaily. A gamified to-do list app that respects the basic and simple nature of what a to-do list is.

The gamified elements are designed to help you keep going, but not at the cost of adding complication to a simple task management system.

Try Doaily out!

//2. Write Actionable Tasks

When you brain dump tasks onto your list so that you don't forget them, write them down in a way that it's actionable.

That way, you don't just overwhelm your list (and really yourself) with items that still leave you guessing about what needs to be done. I get that sometimes you just need to write something down, but I'm not talking about that.

Keep it a to-do list, not a to-decide list as much as you can to give yourself the best chance of actually crossing things off of your list.

Here's an example of how I would make the goal of waking up at 6am actionable:

1. Start each task with a verb (lay down in bed by 11:45pm)
2. Use a sub-task to get you going on the main task (setup an alarm for 6am across the room)
3. Write down a sub-task of what not to do (do not hit snooze or lay back down when you get up to turn the alarm off)

//3. Remember That Your Time Is Finite

Your time is finite and the number of items that you can add in a to-do list is infinite.

That can get overwhelming quickly.

And for me when I feel overwhelmed, I sometimes just want to forget my to-do list and do anything else other than the things on my list. But, I also think about how I would take away the growth opportunity for myself if I let it win.

That's why I like to keep just a single list because I know that being overwhelmed is a sign that my mind is stretching... that I'm asking myself for more.

BUT, that's just me. You may work better with multiple lists.

With a single list, I focus on what I can realistically do each day. If I can check off these three categories, it's a win and I can sleep well at night:

1. The most important task
2. Something that I should probably do
3. Something that would be nice to do

Anything else is just a bonus or can be carried over to the next day.

This is how I challenge myself while keeping my overwhelm in check.

//Outro

As you complete tasks, you get closer to your goals.

As you reach those goals, you become more disciplined with how you spend your time.

And with that discipline that you're building, you start to actually get shit done.

Mark "Read How to Actually Get Stuff Done with a To-Do List" complete.

Renz

//Supporters

Special thank you shout out to the following ongoing generous supporters of my work, making a difference in the world and mine.

• Laura Milligan
• Andrew Abrook
• Armaigne Rivero
• Fritz Rivero