Why Your To-Do Lists May Be Failing You
Did you make a master to-do list for the day or week? If so, how far have you gone, or did you completely forget about it already? Well, don't worry too much. As roughly 41% of items on most people's to-do lists never get done, you are not alone. Most people are not creating the right kind of to-do lists either. The best way to fix it and have it work for you and not against you is first to understand the common reasons why they may be failing you in the first place.
Here are five common reasons to-do lists fail and how you can do better:
AN INSURMOUNTABLE AMOUNT OF TASKS
To-do lists should never be pages long or used for the long term. Instead, they’re more functional as a short-term tool and should focus on daily tasks within a certain period. This means you should have multiple to-do lists specifying tasks for a designated objective or goal; not one overwhelmingly endless list that increases your chances of getting lost.
NO TIME CONSTRAINTS OR DEADLINES SET
You must set hard deadlines and have the discipline to follow through. A to-do list without time constraints only gives you the permission to take your time or not do it at all. Understand how long it really takes to do each activity, including prep work, and clean up, and never assume you can do double the amount of work. Stick to your time boundaries and you’ll notice a jump in your efficiency.
YOU FORGET TO ACCOUNT FOR THE UNEXPECTED
No one’s schedule is perfect, so don't plan it that way. Account for flexibility and always include an extra fifteen minutes each day for the unexpected. These buffer zones in your time will cushion the blow of abrupt occurrences. You may end up in the bathroom, waiting room, your kid’s game, or in traffic a little longer than you realized, for example. So, don't schedule important meetings or errands back-to-back with the idea that everything will go smoothly. This only increases your chances of time bleeds and it’ll also do a number on your mental stamina. Just think you’re caught in traffic and you’re supposed to be sitting in a client session or at an important meeting and you’re watching the clock. You’re already running 15 minutes behind schedule because your previous appointment ran longer than you thought. Now you’re stressed and weaving in and out of traffic trying desperately to get where you need to be…only to look down and realize you forgot your briefcase, purse, or meeting files! Yikes! It happens.
IT WAS CREATED WITH A LONG-TERM MINDSET
In other words, you are allowing yourself too much time to complete tasks or are creating to-do lists for more than one day. Your to-do lists are supposed to guide and maintain your 90-day action plan. They are not meant to replace it. Be sure the lists are to the point and a direct path for achieving your primary objective for that day or even a 90-minute period.
UNORGANIZED + UNCLEAR MAIN OBJECTIVES
Objectives should be aligned with intent and actions. They clearly articulate one’s aims. Taking the time to dissect and pinpoint what you want to achieve is crucial to accomplishing them. If you can't have a firm grip on what you want, you can't be sure you will have the right plan either. Unclear objectives lead to confusion, and unorganized plans, ideas, and actions. Learn to understand what you need and want to achieve and prioritize to get things done in a timely and orderly fashion.
CONCLUSION:
Don't let your to-do lists fail you anymore. To-do lists are great tools to implement and utilize. They should guide your day to ensure you are on the right trajectory to long-term success.
WELCOME TO ALISSA AVENUE®
Hey There! I’m Alissa, CEO of this hive. We help busy humans free themselves from being overwhelmed and stuck living and thinking and reignite their passion and ambition. We provide you with the tools to transition and transform confidently.
