• Business

    Business Ideas

    ALL
    • In-Demand Businesses
    • Businesses That Never Fail
    • Best Passive Income Ideas for Increasing Cash Flow
    • Essential Tips To Start An Online Business
    • Best Websites To Buy Or Sell An Online Business For Free
    • Everything You Need to Know About Online Selling 
    • Current Business Trends: 9 Things to Keep in Mind
    • How to Open a Coffee Shop Business: A Comprehensive Guide
    • Effective Ways to Start your Business from Scratch 
    • The Main Types And Advantages Of Online Business
    Menu
    • In-Demand Businesses
    • Businesses That Never Fail
    • Best Passive Income Ideas for Increasing Cash Flow
    • Essential Tips To Start An Online Business
    • Best Websites To Buy Or Sell An Online Business For Free
    • Everything You Need to Know About Online Selling 
    • Current Business Trends: 9 Things to Keep in Mind
    • How to Open a Coffee Shop Business: A Comprehensive Guide
    • Effective Ways to Start your Business from Scratch 
    • The Main Types And Advantages Of Online Business

    Tips For A Successful Business

    ALL
    • Creative Business Proposal Ideas for Better Sales
    • Easy Digital Marketing Strategies for Small Business
    • Easy Steps to Develop Effective Time Management Skills
    • ClickUp, Trello or Hive?
    • Best SEO Tips for Small Businesses
    • Lessons Every Business Can Learn From Coworking Spaces
    • The Best Digital Marketing Strategies for a Real Estate Business
    • Useful Tips to Make Your E-Commerce Business Successful.
    • Why Do You Need to Track Your Spending
    Menu
    • Creative Business Proposal Ideas for Better Sales
    • Easy Digital Marketing Strategies for Small Business
    • Easy Steps to Develop Effective Time Management Skills
    • ClickUp, Trello or Hive?
    • Best SEO Tips for Small Businesses
    • Lessons Every Business Can Learn From Coworking Spaces
    • The Best Digital Marketing Strategies for a Real Estate Business
    • Useful Tips to Make Your E-Commerce Business Successful.
    • Why Do You Need to Track Your Spending
  • Money

    Invest Money

    ALL
    • Best Safe Investments
    • Investing In Real Estate
    • How To Invest: Are Your Investment Right Your Age
    • Best Alternative Investments
    • Best Investments To Beat Inflation
    • How To Invest In Collectibles
    Menu
    • Best Safe Investments
    • Investing In Real Estate
    • How To Invest: Are Your Investment Right Your Age
    • Best Alternative Investments
    • Best Investments To Beat Inflation
    • How To Invest In Collectibles

    Banking

    ALL
    • Best Savings Account
    • Best High Yield Savings Account
    • Best CD Rates
    • Best Money Market Accounts
    • Best Online Checking Account
    • Best Banking Apps
    Menu
    • Best Savings Account
    • Best High Yield Savings Account
    • Best CD Rates
    • Best Money Market Accounts
    • Best Online Checking Account
    • Best Banking Apps

    Loan

    ALL
    • Best Personal Loan
    • Best Low-Interest Personal Loans
    • Best Personal Loans for Bad Credit
    • Best Personal Loans for Excellent Credit
    • Best Debt Consolidation Loans
    • Best Student Loans
    Menu
    • Best Personal Loan
    • Best Low-Interest Personal Loans
    • Best Personal Loans for Bad Credit
    • Best Personal Loans for Excellent Credit
    • Best Debt Consolidation Loans
    • Best Student Loans

    Insurance

    ALL
    • Sproutt Life Insurance Reviews
    • eHealth Insurance Reviews
    • Cheap Car Insurance Reviews
    • Embrace Pet Insurance Reviews
    • Best Rideshare Insurance Reviews
    Menu
    • Sproutt Life Insurance Reviews
    • eHealth Insurance Reviews
    • Cheap Car Insurance Reviews
    • Embrace Pet Insurance Reviews
    • Best Rideshare Insurance Reviews
  • Forex

    Featured

    ALL
    • Best Forex Trading Courses
    • Best Forex Academy
    • Best Forex Trading Coaches
    • Best Forex Mentors
    Menu
    • Best Forex Trading Courses
    • Best Forex Academy
    • Best Forex Trading Coaches
    • Best Forex Mentors

    Learn To Trade Forex With Dumb Little Man

    ALL
    • Best Forex Brokers Review
    • Best Forex Trading Software
    • How To Trade Forex
    • How to Read Forex Charts
    • Best Forex Indicators
    • Best Forex Screeners
    • Best Time To Trade Forex
    • Best Forex Trading Tools
    • AvaTrade Review
    • CedarFX Review
    • Forex.com Review
    • Interactive Brokers Review
    Menu
    • Best Forex Brokers Review
    • Best Forex Trading Software
    • How To Trade Forex
    • How to Read Forex Charts
    • Best Forex Indicators
    • Best Forex Screeners
    • Best Time To Trade Forex
    • Best Forex Trading Tools
    • AvaTrade Review
    • CedarFX Review
    • Forex.com Review
    • Interactive Brokers Review
  • Stocks & Crypto

    Stocks

    ALL
    • Best Stock Brokers
    • Best Online Brokers for Stocks Under $100
    • Best Online Brokers for ETF Investing
    • Best Brokers for Mutual Funds
    • Best Online Brokers for Bonds
    • Best Blue Chip Stocks
    • Best Swing Trade Stocks
    • Stages of a Stock Market Bubble
    • Best Stock Investing and Trading Podcasts
    • Best Defensive Stocks to Invest
    Menu
    • Best Stock Brokers
    • Best Online Brokers for Stocks Under $100
    • Best Online Brokers for ETF Investing
    • Best Brokers for Mutual Funds
    • Best Online Brokers for Bonds
    • Best Blue Chip Stocks
    • Best Swing Trade Stocks
    • Stages of a Stock Market Bubble
    • Best Stock Investing and Trading Podcasts
    • Best Defensive Stocks to Invest

    Cryptocurrency

    ALL
    • Best Cryptocurrency Trading Courses
    • Best Cryptocurrency Brokers
    • Best Cryptocurrency Exchanges
    • Best Cryptocurrency Apps
    • Learn about Cryptocurrency
    • How To Earn Cryptocurrency
    • How to Trade Cryptocurrency
    • Best Cryptocurrencies
    • Best Crypto Trading Bots
    • Best Crypto Portfolio Trackers
    Menu
    • Best Cryptocurrency Trading Courses
    • Best Cryptocurrency Brokers
    • Best Cryptocurrency Exchanges
    • Best Cryptocurrency Apps
    • Learn about Cryptocurrency
    • How To Earn Cryptocurrency
    • How to Trade Cryptocurrency
    • Best Cryptocurrencies
    • Best Crypto Trading Bots
    • Best Crypto Portfolio Trackers
  • Health

    Health Conditions

    ALL
    • Macular Degeneration
    • Testosterone
    • Constipation
    • Hormonal Imbalance
    • Stomach Bloating
    • Sleeping Problems
    • Baldness
    • Lower Back Pain
    • Toenail Fungus
    • Mouth Sores
    • Eye Dark Circles
    • Stomach Bloating
    • Headaches
    • Face Acne
    Menu
    • Macular Degeneration
    • Testosterone
    • Constipation
    • Hormonal Imbalance
    • Stomach Bloating
    • Sleeping Problems
    • Baldness
    • Lower Back Pain
    • Toenail Fungus
    • Mouth Sores
    • Eye Dark Circles
    • Stomach Bloating
    • Headaches
    • Face Acne

    Product Reviews

    ALL
    • Diet & Weightloss
    • Exercise and Fitness
    • Beauty and Skin
    • Hair and Nails
    • Strength Training
    • Yoga
    • Dietary Supplements
    • Over-40 Supplements
    • Sexual Health
    • Dental Health
    • Men’s Health
    • Women’s Health
    • Sleep and Dreams
    • Best Weight loss Supplements
    • Best Fat Burner Supplements
    • Best Hair Growth Supplements
    • Best Vision Supplements
    • Best Memory Supplements
    • Best Natural Testosterone Supplements
    Menu
    • Diet & Weightloss
    • Exercise and Fitness
    • Beauty and Skin
    • Hair and Nails
    • Strength Training
    • Yoga
    • Dietary Supplements
    • Over-40 Supplements
    • Sexual Health
    • Dental Health
    • Men’s Health
    • Women’s Health
    • Sleep and Dreams
    • Best Weight loss Supplements
    • Best Fat Burner Supplements
    • Best Hair Growth Supplements
    • Best Vision Supplements
    • Best Memory Supplements
    • Best Natural Testosterone Supplements
  • Relationship

    Blogs and Tips

    ALL
    • Females in Relationship
    • Men in Relationship
    • Dating Tips
    • Finding yourself
    • Marriage Tips
    • Love
    Menu
    • Females in Relationship
    • Men in Relationship
    • Dating Tips
    • Finding yourself
    • Marriage Tips
    • Love

    Dating Guides

    ALL
    • Best Catholic Dating Sites and Apps
    • Best Christian Dating Sites
    • Best Pagan Dating Sites and Apps
    • Best Teen Dating Sites and Apps
    • Best Dating Apps for College Students
    • Asian Dating Guide
    • Japanese Dating Guide
    • Filipina Dating Guide
    • Indian Dating Guide
    • Black Dating Guide
    • Russian Dating Guide
    • Best Free Trucker Dating Sites and Apps
    • Best Dating Sites and Apps for Marriage
    • Best Free Crossdresser Dating Sites and Apps
    • Best German Dating Sites
    Menu
    • Best Catholic Dating Sites and Apps
    • Best Christian Dating Sites
    • Best Pagan Dating Sites and Apps
    • Best Teen Dating Sites and Apps
    • Best Dating Apps for College Students
    • Asian Dating Guide
    • Japanese Dating Guide
    • Filipina Dating Guide
    • Indian Dating Guide
    • Black Dating Guide
    • Russian Dating Guide
    • Best Free Trucker Dating Sites and Apps
    • Best Dating Sites and Apps for Marriage
    • Best Free Crossdresser Dating Sites and Apps
    • Best German Dating Sites

How to Write a Great To-Do List (And Why You Need To)

By Ali Luke on July 5, 2011 - Fact checked by Dumb Little Man

 How to Write a Great To-Do List (And Why You Need To)
How To Productivity
by Ali Luke July 5, 2011

Do you have so much to do that you just don’t know where to begin?

We all feel like that sometimes – maybe most of the time. When there’s a whole bunch of different commitments and responsibilities pressing on is, it’s easy to freeze up and do nothing at all.

That’s why you need a to-do list and more importantly perhaps, you have to execute on it. Listing things simply to clear your mind isn’t good enough. It is however a start so let’s begin there.

It helps you:

    • Beat overwhelm – it’s easier to get a grip when you can see what you really need to do, in black and white 
  • Remember everything – you can get all those little things off your mind and onto paper, so that you don’t forget anything crucial 
  • Stay on track – so that you don’t end up wasting time doing the wrong things 

Now, if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably had plenty of experience with to-do lists during your life. Maybe you’ve written out a list every January of things you really want to accomplish that year – only to find that you’ve accomplished precisely none of them by December. Or perhaps every Monday morning, you write a list for the week – only to find it falling apart by lunchtime.

So, here’s how to create a to-do list that will actually work for you.

  1. Write Down Everything That’s On Your Mind
    You’ve probably got a whole bunch of stuff in your head right now: tasks to do, projects to complete, things you need to buy, phone calls to make, and so on.

Grab a piece of paper or fire up an app, and write it all down. This might take 10-15 minutes and you may end up with a horribly long list. Don’t worry – we’re not going to tackle it all!

  • Find the Important Tasks
    Look through your list and highlight anything that’s important. That might be mission-critical tasks at work, promises that you’ve made at home, or anything that’s going to cause you a lot of inconvenience if it doesn’t get done (like paying your bills).

It’s up to you to decide what counts as “important” – it’s not just about work tasks. If you’d really love to start a blog, take a pottery class or go skydiving, those can go on your important list too.

  • Find the Urgent Tasks
    Go through your list again, ideally with a different colored highlighter. This time, pick out anything that’s urgent. These might not be especially important tasks – but they need to be completed within the next few days. 

Urgent tasks might be taking back your library books, making a phone call, sending out an email, or similar. Again, it’s up to you to decide what counts as urgent – you might want to focus on tasks for the next day or for the next week.

  • Pick Two Important Tasks
    Now, look at your important tasks. Choose:

      • One small task to do today (like “finish that report and send it to the boss”) 
  • One medium-sized task to do some time this week (like “write the first chapter of my novel”)
  • Depending on your schedule and the size of the tasks, you might want to pick two or three tasks in each category. Make sure that you phrase your to-do list items as actual tasks. “Report” is not a task; “Write the conclusion to the report” is. 
  • Add in Urgent Tasks
    Hopefully, you won’t have too many urgent tasks … but even if you feel overwhelmed by them, it’s still a good idea to get your important tasks in place first. (That way, you avoid building up a backlog of tasks that keeps you chasing urgent things rather than important ones.)

If you can, ditch any urgent-but-unimportant tasks, or get someone else to give you a hand to get through them.

Again, make sure that you break the items down into specific actions (especially if you’re going to be delegating).

  • Make a To-Do List Every Morning
    Now that you’ve got a big list of tasks, it’s easy to look through each morning and decide what needs to be done. Every day, pick one – three important tasks, and make these a real priority. Jot down any urgent tasks too, so that you don’t forget them. 

Your to-do list is a powerful tool to help you avoid procrastination: if you have a clearly-defined list of tasks, it’s easy to work through them.

Do you write out regular to-do lists? What has – or hasn’t – worked for you?

Written on 7/5/2011 by Ali Luke. Ali writes a blog, Aliventures, about leading a productive and purposeful life (get the RSS feed here). As well as blogging, she writes fiction, and is studying for an MA in Creative Writing. Photo Credit: Florian

Like this Article? Subscribe to Our Feed!

Share This:

  • 0
    Facebook
  • 0
    Twitter
  • 0
    Linkedin
  • 0
    Email
Previous post
Next post

By Ali Luke on July 5, 2011 - Fact checked by Dumb Little Man

FOREX REVIEWS

Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home.
Follow us :
Instagram Pinterest Facebook Twitter
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Become a Contributor
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
Menu
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Become a Contributor
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Become a Contributor
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
Menu
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Become a Contributor
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Become a Contributor
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
Menu
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Become a Contributor
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
Get daily tips and tricks from Dumblittleman!
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Success! You are now a Dumb Little Man! :)
Follow us :
Instagram Pinterest Facebook Twitter
Browse
  • Business
  • Money
  • Relationships
  • Health
  • Happiness
  • Languages
  • Lifehacks
About
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Become a Contributor
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

Legal

The content on Dumblittleman is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as professional financial advice. Should you need such advice, consult a licensed financial or tax advisor. References to products, offers, and rates from third party sites often change. While we do our best to keep these updated, numbers stated on this site may differ from actual numbers. We may have financial relationships with some of the companies mentioned on this website. Among other things, we may receive free products, services, and/or monetary compensation in exchange for featured placement of sponsored products or services. We strive to write accurate and genuine reviews and articles, and all views and opinions expressed are solely those of the authors.
© 2021 Dumb Little Man. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy · Terms · Advertiser Disclosure

Health and Wellness


View all

 

 

Health and Wellness

View all
headache pressure points (1)
Health

5 Effective Headache Pressure Points: Complete Guide 2023

by Vanessa Richards January 17, 2023
lower right abdominal pain
Health

8 Common Causes Of Lower Right Abdominal Pain:

by Vanessa Richards January 17, 2023
how to heal your gut
Gut Health

How to Heal Your Gut In 9 Easy

by Vanessa Richards January 17, 2023
Types of Magnesium
Dietary Supplements

11 Types of Magnesium You Need To Know:

by Vanessa Richards January 17, 2023
Gum Abscess
Dental Health

7 Gum Abscess Symptoms To Look Out For:

by Vanessa Richards January 12, 2023
gerd diet plan
Diet & Weightloss

7 Day Gerd Diet Plan For Long-Term Relief:

by Vanessa Richards January 12, 2023
high protein low carb
Diet & Weightloss

15 Foods To Eat On A High Protein

by Vanessa Richards January 11, 2023
right upper quadrant pain
Health

7 Common Causes Of Right Upper Quadrant Pain:

by Vanessa Richards January 11, 2023
Diet & Weightloss

9 Ways On How To Get Rid of

by Vanessa Richards January 10, 2023
Dental Health

How to Get Rid of Gingivitis: 15 Home

by Vanessa Richards January 10, 2023
inner knee pain
Bone and Posture

11 Causes of Inner (Medial) Knee Pain: Complete

by Vanessa Richards January 9, 2023
healthy smoothie recipes
Diet & Weightloss

8 Healthy Smoothie Recipes to Energize your Mornings:

by Vanessa Richards January 6, 2023
Weight Loss Tips for Women (1)
Diet & Weightloss

25 Weight Loss Tips for Women (That Actually

by Vanessa Richards January 6, 2023
what causes joint pain
Bone and Posture

What Causes Joint Pain and How To Get

by Vanessa Richards January 5, 2023
Why is My Period Late
Health

Why Is My Period Late? 9 Most Common

by Vanessa Richards January 5, 2023
Tricks to lower blood pressure instantly
Blood Pressure Level

21 Effective Tricks To Lower Blood Pressure Instantly

by Vanessa Richards January 5, 2023
how to last longer in bed
Health

12 Ways On How to Last Longer In

by Vanessa Richards January 5, 2023
how to lose face fat
Diet & Weightloss

10 Ways On How to Lose Face Fat:

by Vanessa Richards January 5, 2023
Carb Cycling
Diet & Weightloss

Carb Cycling For Beginners: Complete Guide 2023

by Vanessa Richards January 5, 2023
Best Turmeric Supplements
Best of

13 Best Turmeric Supplements of 2023 According To

by Vanessa Richards January 5, 2023
Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin

Investing

Stocks

Best Stock Brokers Review

Best Online Brokers for Stocks Under $100

Best Online Brokers for ETF Investing

Best Brokers for Mutual Funds

Best Online Brokers for Bonds

Stocks Blogs: Complete Guides

Forex

Best Forex Trading Course

Best Forex Brokers Review

Best Forex Trading Software

Best Forex Indicators

Best Forex Screeners

Forex Blogs: Complete Guides

Crypto

Best Cryptocurrency Brokers 

Best Cryptocurrency Exchange

Best Cryptocurrency Apps

Best Cryptocurrency Trading Course

Best Cryptocurrencies

Crypto Blogs: Complete Guides

Futures

Best Futures Brokers

How to Trade Futures

Best Futures Trading Software

Best Futures Trading Strategies

Best Futures Brokers

Options

Best Options Trading Course

Best Options Trading Strategy

Best Options Online Brokers

Best Options to Buy

Best Binary Options Brokers

Health

Best Supplements

Best Weight Loss Supplements

Best Fat-Burning Supplements

Best Hair Supplements

Best Vision Supplements

Best Memory Supplements

Best Natural Testosterone Boosters

Best Joint-Pain Relief Supplements

Supplement Reviews

Divine Locks Reviews

Keravita Pro Reviews

LeanBiome Reviews

Juvenon Bloodflow-7 Reviews

RockHard Formula Reviews

ProstaStream Reviews

NitriLean Reviews

Hyperbolic Stretching Review

Dentitox Pro Reviews

Revision Reviews

Relationships

Religious Dating Guides

Best Catholic Dating Sites and Apps 

Best Christian Dating Sites

Best Pagan Dating Sites and Apps

Ethnic Dating Guides

Asian Dating

Japanese Dating

Filipina Dating

Indian Dating

Black Dating

Russian Dating

Other Dating Guide

Best Free Trucker Dating Sites and Apps 

Best Dating Sites and Apps for Marriage

Best Free Crossdresser Dating Sites and Apps

Best Teen Dating Sites and Apps

Best German Dating Sites

Best Tall People Dating Sites and Apps

Money

Banking

Best Savings Account

Best High Yield Savings Account

Best CD Rates 

Best Money Market Accounts

Best Online Checking Accounts

Best Banking Apps

Loans

Best Personal Loan

Best Low-Interest Personal Loans

Best Personal Loans for Bad Credit

Best Personal Loans for Excellent Credit

Best Debt Consolidation Loans

Best Student Loans

Credit Cards

Best Buy Credit Card

First Credit Card Guide

How to Get Out of Credit Card Debt Fast

Best Chase Credit Cards

Indigo Platinum Mastercard Review

Insurance 

Sproutt Life Insurance Reviews

eHealth Insurance Reviews

Cheap Car Insurance Reviews

Embrace Pet Insurance Reviews

Best Rideshare Insurance Reviews

Follow us 
Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Become a Contributor
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
Menu
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Become a Contributor
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

The content on Dumblittleman is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as professional financial advice. Should you need such advice, consult a licensed financial or tax advisor. References to products, offers, and rates from third party sites often change. While we do our best to keep these updated, numbers stated on this site may differ from actual numbers. We may have financial relationships with some of the companies mentioned on this website. Among other things, we may receive free products, services, and/or monetary compensation in exchange for featured placement of sponsored products or services. We strive to write accurate and genuine reviews and articles, and all views and opinions expressed are solely those of the authors.

© 2023 Dumb Little Man. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy · Terms · Advertiser Disclosure

You’re our first priority. Every time.

ECG Pte Ltd (www.dumblittleman.com) is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment or financial advisor. Its articles, interactive tools, and other content are provided to you for free, as self-help tools and for informational purposes only. They are not intended to provide investment or financial advice. Dumblittleman does not and cannot guarantee the accuracy or applicability of any information in regard to your individual circumstances. Examples are hypothetical, and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific investment or financial issues. Our estimates are based on past market performance, and past performance is not a guarantee of future performance.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services.

Our Spring Sale Has Started

You can see how this popup was set up in our step-by-step guide: https://wppopupmaker.com/guides/auto-opening-announcement-popups/