"My family thinks I'm chaotic, but I would be much more so without my lists – they've kept me in line for years." - as psychologist and to-do list huge fan Dr David Cohen once said. This quote inspired us to delve into the research. It shows that to-do lists can have a positive impact on our lives. So, if you're looking for a way to get more organized, we have some practical tips to help you make the most of this simple tool.
Your brain loves ordered tasks
Studies show that people work better when they clearly know what they need to do. To make things easier, it's best to create categories. You can use a pre-made list or customize one according to your needs.
It's important to cover all areas of your life, such as personal life, household, finances, family, work, and pets. When creating titles and items, be specific. For instance, "household chores" can be a straightforward category name or list title. However, it's obscure if talking of checklist items, so you can try "google breakfast meal preps," "clean the dishes," and "vacuum the kitchen."
Delegating is a key
Boost your focus by welcoming assistance from your loved ones. Sharing household tasks promotes a sense of collaboration and joint responsibility. Research shows it strengthens the emotional bond between partners and promotes mutual support and equality.
Delegating should be a simple and fast process. The hubmee app offers a tool that fits this description. By clicking on the plus button, you can share a checklist with your network or invite people you know to sign up for the app.
Pick dates
Everything in your planning lists needs to have a specific deadline. Due dates create a sense of urgency and help ensure you and your "team" complete essential tasks on time. Having a clear timeline also helps prevent the stress and guilt that comes with forgetting a task, such as buying a birthday present for Steve or paying a water bill.
Deadlines can also be a source of stress and anxiety if there isn't enough time to complete the work before they approach. To help you manage deadlines more effectively, we've included an article in the sources below.
Put it on your calendar
Combining your to-do list and calendar in one place lets you see all your tasks and appointments in a single view. This consolidated planning helps you avoid overlooking tasks and ensures that your schedule remains organized. Wondering how to add your to-do list to your calendar? It's simple! Just convert your checklist to a task, which will automatically appear in your calendar. You can find this feature in the Hubmee app.
Using time blocking to schedule specific time slots for each task in the calendar is a great way to stay on track. This technique allows you to focus on individual tasks without the distraction of multitasking.
To-do lists provide structure, which is essential for maintaining focus and accomplishments. They help you prioritize tasks, share responsibilities and manage time efficiently with less distraction and stress.