Using "To Do" lists to manage your time

Bizland Journalist

"To Do" are lists of tasks that you need to do in order to achieve your goal, be it something specific or just daily administration tasks. By placing these tasks in order of importance, you prioritise what needs to be done and manage your time more efficiently.

While the whole concept of a To Do list sounds very simple and even archaic, it is a powerful tool to organise yourself and keep stress levels down. A large, intimidating problem may seem more managable if broken down into managable tasks, which will make you feel more in control and less burdened.

Start by writing down all your tasks, breaking larger ones down into sections, until everything that you need to do is listed. Rate each task by importance, and if you have too many on the importance list, rate these again, so that you have two levels. Once done, rewrite the list in order of priority. You will now have a simple yet ordered plan to tackle each task in order, leaving less important ones till last. This control will serve to reduce your stress levels in a big way.

Even if you are not so busy, a To Do list will also serve to motivate you to complete your tasks efficiently, as well as making sure that you remember everything on your list, from important phone calls to office memo's.

Prepare your To Do list when it suits you, be it first thing in the morning or last thing before you go home - but don't let the preparation of the list become part of the list!

Give it a try and see the difference!

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