{"id":11634,"date":"2024-03-01T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-03-01T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.theorderexpert.com\/?p=11634"},"modified":"2024-03-19T16:27:59","modified_gmt":"2024-03-19T20:27:59","slug":"how-to-actually-finish-your-to-do-list","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theorderexpert.com\/how-to-actually-finish-your-to-do-list\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Actually Finish Your To Do List"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Woman<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Do you use a to do list to keep track of your daily tasks<\/a> and errands?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does it seem as if the list is constantly spiraling out of control each and every day?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having a to do list is a great way to capture and store tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This list isn\u2019t of much use, however, if you don\u2019t actually finish tasks you\u2019ve set out for yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can cause a whole lot of frustration, anxiety, and lots of information clutter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this post, you’ll find several ways to help you create and tame that to do list\u2026so that you can actually finish it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready? Let’s get started!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep a brutally short list.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To do lists are notorious for having dozens and dozens of items on them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One more task to complete today?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sure, just add it to the list…right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, while it\u2019s incredibly easy to add items to your list, you do need to exert some restraint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More items on a to do list means more items to think about, plan, and complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The solution? Cut back on the total amount of tasks on your to do lists. Instead of creating a list with thirty-odd items, create one with only three to four items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While you\u2019re at it, make sure your list only contains to dos. Miscellaneous information, such as your thoughts<\/a>, observations, comments, ideas and the like should be kept elsewhere, such as in a diary, notebook, journal, or app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure list items are succinct.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The wording of tasks in a to do list can have a big impact on your ability to get things done.<\/a> Poorly worded tasks can easily leave you puzzled, confused, and seriously mess up your workflow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not convinced? Take this phrase for example: \u201cClean kitchen.\u201d Now, that is an awfully general to do! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That phrase could mean anything, from decluttering the kitchen cabinets, to sweeping and mopping the floor, to defrosting the freezer and cleaning the interior of the refrigerator. Why make things more difficult for yourself?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When creating your to do lists, be as specific as possible by writing clear and concise tasks. Use action verbs and break large tasks into smaller doable tasks. So, in our kitchen example, you might rewrite \u201cClean kitchen\u201d as any one of the following tasks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n