5 Proven Methods to Get Things Checked Off of Your To-Do List

in Lifestyle

You would love to get more done in a day … but you’re having a hard time making it happen.

Does that sound like you?

We all live busy lives, and sometimes it’s hard to check everything off your to-do list. Sometimes, there just aren’t enough hours in the day!

I can help. There are a few techniques that you can use to be more productive.

With these secrets, you’ll be able to get more done. Before you know it, you’ll have checked off every item on your to-do list.

Take a look:

1. Find an Accountability Partner

Is there someone else who would be a good cheerleader and help you stay on task? Ask them to be your accountability partner.

Essentially, this is someone that checks in with you to make sure you’re getting stuff done. It can be a friend, family member, co-worker, or even a random stranger (you might be able to hire someone on Fiverr).

If your accountability buddy isn’t local, you could always FaceTime!

When you find a willing partner, let them know about your goals. They might have a few goals that they want you to help them with, too.

Agree on the best ways to keep each other accountable. For example, you might ask them to text you once a week for an update. Having a deadline to meet will help you avoid procrastination.

With the support of a friend, working on your most important tasks will keep you on target.

2. Keep Your To-Do List Short

Any successful person will tell you that you have to think in the short-term. Even if you know your long-term goals, you have to work towards them incrementally.

If your to-do list is several pages long and includes only the loftiest aspirations, you’ll never get anything done!

So each day, make a shortlist of things that you can accomplish that day. And only include the things that are most important.

For example, maybe you have a work deadline coming up at the end of the week. That’s an important task, so make sure you get it done ASAP. If you have some extra time to do chores like grocery shopping or cleaning, those might go on your list too.

Do you need help deciding which tasks are the most important? If it’s work-related, think about what your boss would need first. You can also ask them.

Or, if it’s a home task, tackle only one to two jobs a day. If you limit the number of items on your to-do list, you’ll find that it’s a lot easier to get things done.

3. Take Breaks

Sometimes, a quick break is all it takes to get you back on track.

Obviously, you shouldn’t take too many breaks or you’ll never get anything done. But a short break every now and then can do wonders.

So set small goals, and after you complete a task, take a step away.

You can read a few chapters from a book, go on a walk, or meditate for a few moments. Whatever you do, the point is to take some time to disconnect.

After your break, you’ll be ready to get back to work get things done!

4. Write Down a To-Don’t List

Every day, we’re bombarded with distractions. From text messages and emails to Facebook, YouTube, and Netflix, it’s no wonder things don’t get done.

So if you have a heavy list of things to get done, take some time to write down what you shouldn’t be doing.

Here are a few things that might go on your to-don’t list:

  • Don’t check your email more than three times a day
  • Don’t respond to every single text you get right away
  • Don’t social media during the workday (except on breaks)
  • Don’t allow your pets to distract you (even when they want to play)
  • Don’t eat a lot of sugar when you need to concentrate — you’ll crash!

By having a to-don’t list, it’ll be easier for you to stay on task.

If it helps, print your list out and laminate it. Put it somewhere on your desk to serve as a reminder.

Oftentimes, it’s hard to eliminate distractions. But as long as you work hard toward it, you’ll find that you’re far more productive.

5. Don’t Multitask

Multitasking isn’t always a bad thing. Yet, more often than not, it pulls you away from getting quality work done.

When you’re trying to focus on several tasks at once, you’re more likely to make mistakes. That means you won’t be doing your best work.

Do yourself a favor and hone in on one task at a time. After you’ve completed that task, move on to the next.

Saying no to multitasking will help you stay focused and get things done. You’re in charge of your to-do list and not the other way around!

Now that you’ve got a grasp on how to complete your to-do list, how will you start?

Don’t think about it too much. Take baby steps as you begin to follow these methods.

Keep in mind that some of these tips will work better for you than others. And, you’ll likely come up with some of your own ideas along the way.

While applying them, observe how they do or don’t improve your productivity. Since the aim is to get more done, figure out what works best for you.

Before you know it, you’ll have checked off everything on your list!

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