The "Two" Do List

In our head, on post it notes, on our phones, on random sheets of paper, just a few places where you may find our To-Do Lists.  It inevitable, it cant be avoided, we will always have something to do in the future, how To-Do Lists are born.  Often times, we need to prioritize the things that we want to get done, some things now, some later.  It feels so good to actually check something off of your list, done, completed.  

About a year ago, I started brainstorming, doing little trial and error experiments in an attempt to not be overwhelmed with everything I had “to-do”.  I found it be extremely beneficial, productive and less stressful to have TWO, yes two To-Do Lists. The first list will be those immediate things that you want to complete, based on your load, this can be a daily list or weekly list.  Date it and put everything that you want to finish that day/week. Make sure that it is realistic and can fit within your current typical day/week. Here is an example of my First list:

To-Do Week of 6-7-15

Add slogan under Blog Header

Create listings for Ebay Items

Order Business Cards

Call to make Doctor’s appointment

Verify Blog URL for Pinterest

If you are unable to complete something on your list, you keep it on the list and it will become a part of your next day/week list.  

The second list will be those things that you still would like to complete but dont need to be done right away, typically those things that you would like to complete within the next month or so.

Here is an example of my Second List:

To-Do Non-Urgent

Create Memory Book for Wedding photos

Clean out Filing Cabinet

Move and store outgrown 12month baby clothes

Research professional cameras

Make list of books I have enjoyed reading

Sometimes it helps to have specific lists as well.  Most often, these are projects or new endeavors.  For example, I also have a To-Do: Blog list, these are things centered around my blog that I would like to complete but are not necessarily a priority at the moment.  

For the past year, I have found that by using two or more, to-do lists, I have been more productive, less stressed and more organized.  Whether you use your phone/device, calendar or good old fashioned pen and paper try creating two or more lists of things you need to get done for improved time management and organization.    

Thanks for Reading!