Posted by Courtney
Overwhelmed, forgetful, stressed, not sure where to begin. Does that sound like you? If so, I have a solution that might help you out or at least take some of the stress off your shoulders. Write a to-do list. I know that might seem like an old-fashioned way of doing things, but I have found that it has helped me in my professional and personal life to stay on track and get the things done that I need to without forgetting anything. I have listed out a few benefits of creating a to-do list.
Creates Order or Structure in Your Day
I have found that I work best when I have a setlist of things that I know I need to get done, instead of just winging it and doing things when they arise or get thrown into the mix. Writing a to-do list is literally just that. It’s a list of everything you need or want to accomplish within that day. One of the best things about a to-do list is it isn’t set in stone either, so even if something does arise during the day that needs to be done add it to the list! I find it best to create my list at the end of every day for the next day. This way when I start my day the list of things I need to do is already started.
Prioritize
My favorite thing about my to-do list is that I can see all of my tasks for the day directly written out in front of me. This helps me decide what I need to do first depending on the amount of time it’s going to take me to get it done or the importance of it being due. You can tackle your to-do list in 2 ways, by either starting with all the easiest tasks first or start with the tasks that are going to take you the most time. I recommend tackling the big tasks first and save the easiest tasks for the end of the day. This way you can make sure to get the bigger ones done instead of running out of time at the end of the day to finish them.
Accountability
Having your to-do list written down keeps you accountable. The act of just physically writing it down brings it to life and you can see it. It is now your goal to complete that task and get it done. Studies show that writing something down also helps us remember it better.
Reduces Stress or Sense Of Accomplishment
A to-do list also can help you relieve stress. The action of just crossing off a task that you completed makes you feel good and accomplished. That feeling or happy sensation is a substance that is released in your brain called Dopamine. When you see your long list of tasks it can be daunting, but as you complete tasks your list will begin to get smaller and you won’t feel so overwhelmed and stressed because work is getting done and you can see that you are getting closer and closer to the end.
Creating a to-do list for your personal or professional life can provide you with many benefits including structure in your day, reducing stress, holding you accountable, or helping you prioritize what needs to be done first. Do you create a to-do list every day? If so let us know in the comments below the benefits you receive from it!