Getting your to-do list done

[sampa]

For those of you that have to do list, how do you go about your day or weeks getting things knocked out?

I figured I would create a thread because there is more than one way or style it getting things done. I get so distracted and lost and thought. It's a continual process in figuring how to accomplish things but also to taper back and relax.

 

[Niels]

I use the calendar that's included with my email, as it's conveniently accessible on my phone. Sometimes, I also email lists and reminders to myself.

 

[public hermit]

I have a paper, appointment calendar, and then I use the calendar on my phone to give me alerts, sometimes days in advance.
It works, and it frees up mental space for more important matters like lurking around CF.

 

[peaceful-forest]

I have a paper to-do list for the weekends (I usually don't do important tasks during the work week). It involves the same old tasks like laundry, but at times when I'm very stressed out I put something fun to do on the list like "Play the Sims".

 

[bèlla]

I divided my day into blocks and created routines based on biorhythm, energy level, and mental expense. I work with my body and arrange tasks accordingly. Those that require greater energy and focus are assigned to the period when they’re highest. I set objectives each month and make adjustments as required. I don’t have a to-do list in the traditional sense. I prioritize structure and flow and put things on auto pilot to minimize checklists. It conserves energy and brain power.

I have four routines at present: morning, afternoon, evening and Shabbat. I have several planners but I never use them. I like the concept but it seems tedious.

~bella

 

[High Fidelity]

If it isn’t in my notebook then it doesn’t exist.

Whenever I write a task down I guesstimate a completion time and write that next to it, so if I need an easy win to get the ball rolling or want to get something done but don’t have much time then I know what I can tick off the list.

 

[Lost4words]

I cross off the scratch marks on the gate post.

 

[sampa]

divided my day into blocks and created routines based on biorhythm, energy level, and mental expense. I work with my body and arrange tasks accordingly. Those that require greater energy and focus are assigned to the period when

That's a great plan. Same here as far as energy level. I have sticky notes that I shuffle to other places if I can't get it done that day. Reprioritizing according to deadlines.

set objectives each month and make adjustments as required

It's great to have objectives each month. I have an excel spreadsheet that has my budget and above each month I write objectives. And I try to tweak whatever I had difficulties with that month to put a note for the following year.

I have four routines at present: morning, afternoon, evening and Shabbat

It's good to divide things up. I have something similar which is morning and afternoon and after 5 pm is wind down. Lights get dimmed near 8pm. If I can I try to get home by 5:00 p.m. I stay much healthier since I get up at 4:20 a.m.

 

[linux.poet]

Everyone here is probably better at it than me. My system is to write tasks down on sticky notes that I affix to my bulletin board when I think of them. Some tasks get done, some don't. Some of them linger for weeks and months.

One particular task has been stuck on the board for years.

 

[sampa]

Everyone here is probably better at it than me. My system is to write tasks down on sticky notes that I affix to my bulletin board when I think of them. Some tasks get done, some don't. Some of them linger for weeks and months.

One particular task has been stuck on the board for years.

I did a version of this this year. Sticky notes on a bulletin board, colors by category. After a month or so I took down some or layered by priority behind another sticky note. Simplifying into 3 category columns. Felt good to toss away a sticky note once a complete. I use sticky notes when I'm at work. Drives my bosses boss crazy as he tries to do everything paper free and electronic. I think he tries to be as environmentally friendly as possible.

 

[linux.poet]

I use sticky notes when I'm at work. Drives my bosses boss crazy as he tries to do everything paper free and electronic.

The electronic equivalent of sticky notes on bulletin board is Trello.

However, I have issues with anything electronic. My brain is non-dopaminergic and views turning on a computer to be an optional activity in my day. Relying on it for my to-do list ensures that said to-do list will be entirely forgotten and never get done.

After a month or so I took down some or layered by priority behind another sticky note. Simplifying into 3 category columns.

Frankly, my brain identifies itself as chaotic. The more order I (or anyone else) tries to impose on it, the more chaotic it becomes. So no categories for me. Sometimes I even refuse to write tasks down to force my brain to do them immediately. Unfortunately, my brain thinks of new tasks to accomplish in the middle of tasks that it is doing, and thus it is essential to offload them by writing them down to avoid endless diversions.

 

[sampa]

However, I have issues with anything electronic. My brain is non-dopaminergic and views turning on a computer to be an optional activity in my day. Relying on it for my to-do list ensures that said to-do list will be entirely forgotten and never get done.

Agreed!!! I don't even have internet at home. I have to have paper to organize my thoughts. I am trying to find ways to conserve on paper and have been finding ways to create work orders for crews by email and screenshots of locations and ground view photos.