Keeping Your Daily To-Do List Manageable

Introduction: The Struggle of To-Do Lists

My running joke with a previous co-worker, who had many stickies on her computer screen, was that as soon as you hit three sticky notes you should make a list. And to me, as soon as your list is longer than a sheet of paper, you should be using a simple (free) project management app, to keep yourself sane.

Traditionally I love a paper and pen for any sort of writing, but in the chaos of homesteading life I've found transitioning to digital has been a lifesaver. I was letting to do list items drop off the to do list (not transferring it before losing the paper) or spending too much time writing up lists or figuring out my schedule (especially when I switched to working very part time and started creating my own schedule), or didn't have it on me when I needed it most.

Does your to do list work for you? Well, are you getting the items you need to get done done? Are you not too overwhelmed just looking at your list? Are you able to find your list when you need it? Are you able to fairly quickly create your to do list, prioritize your projects, and update as needed? If yes, then you're golden, so don't change it! If not, try to switch things up to see what's better.

So like I said, I like physically writing things down so when I'm brainstorming that's what I do (such as when I was originally creating the template for my to do list; more on that later). As a side note, if you've heard of Rocket notebooks, I tried one for a while and really liked it, but also ran into the same issues as just using a pen and paper (except for the digital backup and it was a little easier to update on the fly) except frequently my friction pens stopped working much quicker than they should have (even when I paid extra for the "better" pens), so I eventually moved on. Plus, when you accidentally pick up a non-friction pen (which is likely every other pen you have in your house) then you permanently mark your erasable notebook. Here I'm going to focus on a digital systems, and if you need a physical copy, you can print one.

Why Google Docs Became My Go-To

I tried various online systems (Trello, Asana, Reminders app, Cozy, Maple, etc.) before discovering the best system for me: Google Docs. What I love about Google Docs is its simplicity and accessibility (I can set it up however I'd like, versus using their organizational system/template). I can create a template for my daily tasks, allowing me to quickly copy and adjust it for each new day. The digital format means I can access my to-do list from anywhere (and digitally check it off or add an item), provided I have internet access. Or I can simply print it off (unlike many other apps).

The checklist is on the top of my toolbar on docs.google.com (once you open a document) so I can just highlight the section I want to turn into a checklist, and it'll format it for me. Or if you already have a checklist set up and just hit enter/return on your keyboard below a listed item, it'll automatically create another checklist line.

My other favorite set up tool is to insert a table for rotational items through the week (on my template that I copy forward from). Garden tasks, Animal chores, Decluttering / deep cleaning by room, homeschool subjects, meal plan, etc. That way I can select from the day and copy and paste it onto my checklist (Tuesday weeding the garden beds, for example) and delete the table from that day's list (or it'll be long and cluttered). This makes it easy to track what needs to be done while also being flexible (maybe I have time for Wednesdays task but not Tuesdays, so I pull from Wednesdays task instead and will remember the next day to swap.

When I have a whole section done (which I do by hour) or just need to declutter (I've crossed off most of the items but have a few from different hours of the day left), I delete everything crossed off, to shorten and declutter my list.

I also type up my schedule at the top for easy reference. I personally use google calendar, shared with my husband, but any calendar that works for you is great.

Tips for Keeping Your To-Do List Manageable

Based on my trial and error, here are some tips to keep your daily to-do list manageable:

• Choose a Method that Suits You: Whether it's paper, an app, or a digital document, pick a system you’re comfortable with.

• Prioritize Tasks: Focus on high-priority tasks first to ensure important items get done.

• Keep it Simple: Overloading your list can be overwhelming. Don't put items you'll effortlessly remember without the list (for early morning I have feeding the fish and putting laundry away so I don't forget but don't list getting dressed or brushing my teeth so I'll do that anyway).

• Review and Adjust: At the end of each day, review what you’ve accomplished and adjust your list for the next day. Don't forget to check the calendar and create your next days to do list!

Conclusion

Finding the perfect to-do list system may require some experimentation, but when you discover what works for you, it can really help keep you on track and help keeping items from slipping through the cracks. For me, Google Docs has been a game-changer. I hope my journey and tips help make your quest for a manageable to-do list a bit easier.