The Benefits of Making a To-do List

It's become fashionable to make a to-do list. When you read the benefits that this entails, you'll want to join this initiative too.
The Benefits of Making a To-do List

Last update: 12 May, 2021

Making a to-do list is an indispensable habit for most people. Thanks to this simple exercise, you can become more productive while raising your self-esteem.

However, there are many people who, despite trying, fail to make this habit a part of their routine. If this is your case, once you know how beneficial it can be for you, these key tips will help you to get started.

Why a to-do list is important

These are the benefits of making a to-do list

A to-do list will help you to organize your life better and, consequently, manage stress. When you make this part of your life, it helps you to achieve your goals and reduce your mental load. That’s why to-do lists have become so fashionable, particularly with the current fast pace of life.

The approach you choose is important. For some people, seeing a lot of things to do can be overwhelming. However, it should be seen as a way to visualize the steps to follow to achieve a final objective and, from there, work on the methodology that best suits you. It’ll ultimately give you a lot of peace of mind.

We guarantee that you’ll be much more organized and productive, which will greatly reduce your stress and anxiety. Another consideration is that it minimizes the unforeseen. For example, if you know in advance that the house insurance must be paid in January, you can save the money and have it ready for when you need it.

You can keep several types of lists: a more general one for visits to the doctor, payments, and vacations. And one that covers your daily needs and includes, for example, job deliveries, purchases, work activities, and your children.

How to make a to-do list

The first thing you should consider is that the to-do list should be real and easy to understand. Don’t load yourself with more jobs than you can cover (no more than seven each day). Otherwise, you won’t be able to meet your objectives and you’ll generate the opposite effect. Also set aside time for each task, so you feel less pressured.

Something that can help you to fulfill your to-do list is to make the most of the first two hours in the morning. They say that’s when you’re most active, so the rest of your day will become easier.

Experts recommend that easy and mechanical actions, such as making the bed, should be planned first. Afterward, you should continue with the more difficult jobs and finally with those simple and pleasant ones. On the other hand, it’s also beneficial to leave free time to do nothing. Your mind does need to relax too.

If you make your lists the night before, when you wake up you’ll already know what the day holds for you and how to optimize your energy and resources.

Considerations:

  • Learn to identify priorities.
  • Be as realistic and honest as possible when writing tasks. Make them positive.
  • Keep a flexible attitude. If for any reason you need to modify the list, do so. You can’t control everything one-hundred percent.
  • Beware of distractions. Use your mobile if you need to be more productive, but avoid procrastination. Avoid looking at social media or emails unless it’s absolutely necessary.

Apps that can help you with your to-do list

These are the benefits of making a to-do list

There are also different methods you can use. Some people prefer to use a traditional agenda and a pen. If you belong to this group, a diary may help you to better organize your life.

Other people are more digitally minded and prefer their computers and mobiles. For the latter, there are several applications that can be very useful.

  1. Any. do: you can organize your tasks by date or by category. It allows you to make lists for today, tomorrow, soon, and divide them by categories such as work, business, or personal.
  2. Asana: a simple app that helps you better manage your time.
  3. Carrot: if you’re one of those people who need encouragement, this is your application, since it gives you rewards when you finish your tasks.
  4. Evernote: goes for everything. It allows you to manage projects, ideas or personal issues.

These are the benefits you’ll experience when you make a to-do list. As you can see, everything focuses on reducing stress and gaining more control of your tasks.

Mental overload especially affects women and to a greater extent those who are parents. So if you’re in this group, start delegating. There’s nothing better than clearly seeing everything you have to do in writing.