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Make To-Do Lists Work for You

The practical to-do list is a well-planned document that itemizes what you need to and when you should do it. To make your to-do list work for you, try improving them with the following tricks.

1. Write down the urgent and vital tasks first

Determine which items from your plan need your urgent attention and schedule them first. This may seem obvious, but it's still worth mentioning because it can sometimes be tempting to start an activity that seems more fascinating or straightforward. Don't fall for it!

2. Focus on one things at a time

If you have a long to-do list, it's easy to get flustered by worrying if you'll have time to do everything. But keep in mind that multitasking usually isn't the answer. On the contrary, it can make you even more flustered. Do one task after another instead. Mark each one as completed as you go, and you'll feel productive and satisfied with your work.

3. Ask for help

We're not all superheroes, and sometimes our workload and tasks can become overwhelming. In this case, advice or support from others can help. If you find yourself stumped or overloaded, ask someone for help. Many hands make light work!
a woman ran a marathon as an example how it's important to stop being lazy

4. Respect others' time

Remember the golden rule: treat others as you want to be treated. If you're an expert in a particular topic, you probably don't mind the occasional question. But that doesn't mean that you enjoy being interrupted by constant emails and calls while you're working. Bear in mind your own wishes when communicating with other people. That way, you can expect that they will respect your time as well.

5. Learn to say no

Being sympathetic and responsive doesn't mean sacrificing your own interests. It's fine if you cannot agree to every request. Let others know that you're focusing on other needs. Learn to say no to things that contradict your schedule, mood, and values.

6. Create a theme for each day

Spice up your daily life by working on a specific topic every day. It's a great way to stay motivated and be highly efficient, especially if you're working on a big project. For instance, if you're developing an online shop, you can plan your Mondays for budgeting, Tuesdays for communication with your providers, Wednesdays for advertising, etc.
a woman in sportswear putting her boxing bandages and thinking how to stop being lazy

7. Reflect on your weekly progress

Think about what you want to achieve in your life most of all. In each to-do list, make space and dedicate time for your biggest goal. Don't delay tasks for your grand purpose in favor of urgent routines. On Sundays, make a summary of the progress that you've made over the past week.
Regularly assess your progress to keep moving forward successfully.
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