3 Steps To Make And Complete TO DO List

3 steps to make and complete To Do List

Have you ever come across these questions?

How to make and complete the To-Do list?

Do you not believe in making a To-Do List? Do you understand the power of the To-Do list?

This Blog will answer all the questions to your queries. But first, let us understand what is a To-Do List.

A To-Do list is a list of all the important and other tasks which need to be accomplished. It is generally written on a piece of paper so that we do not miss anything. You can use the various options available in old school methods like diaries, organizers, or new school methods like smartphones, apps like Microsoft To-Do, Toddle do, etc.

The To-Do list has to be made in a way that you complete all your tasks which helps you in achieving your goals in a designated time.

“3 secrets to making and complete your To-Do list ” which are formed after working with thousands of students and working professionals will help you in doing so. Let us start with our secrets.

Secret no 1 is CSIW MATRIX– It is a matrix according to which the tasks are divided into 4 quadrants Urgent important, Important not urgent, Not important urgent, and Not important not urgent. When tasks are placed in this matrix according to the following specifications it helps us identify High, Medium, Easy and Unwanted tasks. 

C stands for Crisis & pressing problems related task placed in the first quadrant called Urgent Important tasks which need to be managed as they are deadlines or pressing problems. These tasks require immediate attention and referred to as Medium Tasks. Examples can visit a doctor as you are ill or some mail to be sent as there is some change in the government rule.

1. S stands for Strategies and values related task placed in the second quadrant called as important, not urgent tasks which need to be focused as they are related to long term goals. It provides immense satisfaction once finished, but can be done later and referred to as High Tasks. You need to be proactive, plan well, and spend maximum time on these so that the first quadrant has fewer items to be done urgently. Examples can be chapter writing for an author or reviewing team members if you are a manager.

2. I stand for Interruptions & busy work-related tasks placed in the third quadrant called not important urgent tasks which either need to be delegated or rescheduled. They do not contribute towards your long-term goals, but we tend to spend maximum time and are referred to as Easy Tasks. You need to learn to say no to these. Examples can be a friend visit in your office when you have a meeting or your colleague needing help when your own work needs to be completed.

3. W stands for wasteful activities related to task placed in the last quadrant called as not important not an urgent task which should not be allocated any or very less time. They need not be part of your To-Do list. You have to stop doing it. Examples can be binging on T.V, Netflix, etc.

Remember “Be proactive, say no when needed, be effective”

Secret no 2 is 135 Formula which says a To-Do list consists of limited tasks that too aligned according to your energy level in a day. The items according to this formula are explained below:

1. 1 means 1 Big Task which should be the first thing on your To-Do list and the time assigned should be when you are high on energy. In general, the morning time, but can vary from person to person. It will not only assure that a big task is completed, but will also make sure that it is done in the best possible way.

2. 3 means 3 Medium Tasks which should be after 1 high task on your To-Do list and the time assigned should be when you have medium energy. In general the afternoon time.

3. 5 means 5 Easy Tasks which should be last on your To-Do list and the time assigned should be when you are low on your energy. In general the evening time. It makes sure that if some task into your To-Do is left out it will be an easy or small task.

Secret no 3 is a weekly plan which means that you need to plan your To-Do list weekly. If you plan less than 1 week you may loose on some tasks and if planned for more than it may result in over-planning. The components should be as follows:

1. Daily Focus which should be the first thing into your Weekly schedule which means what will be the main focus of the day so that full attention is given to it as people are engaged in multiple things which may result in less attention in long-term goals. For example, if a person is a teacher and doing business simultaneously what should be taken care of in a day should be mentioned as a daily focus on the top of your daily schedule.

2. Tasks which should be according to 135 Formula and tasks should be planned as per daily focus. The sample weekly schedule is below.

Now, You know the three secrets, but few more points need to be considered which are:

1. Do it with the help of diaries, organizers, Mobile applications so, that you do not forget.

2. Keep it in a place where it is in front of you so, that you are reminded of it every time.

3. Do one task at a time and avoid multitasking for proper focus.

NOW YOU KNOW ALL SO GO ON DO YOUR STUFFS

REMEMBER TO “Analyze and re-plan if needed”