The Evolution of To Do Lists

Sarah & Chris · March 2014

Hi all,

So, I have tried many different ways of keeping a to-do list, but the thing I keep coming back to is I always feel overwhelmed no matter what medium I use to write it out (i.e. iPad, notebook paper, an app, etc.). Just wondering if I'm the only one that often feels completely overwhelmed when I do make the effort to write out a to-do list. Sometimes I think it's better off just staying in my head than having to see it in black and white.

Maybe mine is different because I have twins?

What is the most painful thing on your to-do list?

Thanks!

Cherryblossoms07 · March 2014

I love my to-do lists so I am not sure I am the right one to respond. Do you not get any satisfaction from crossing things off your lists? That is the best thing about keeping a black and white list IMO. With kids, especially young ones, I have come to realize that you don't always accomplish what you want every day. I have found that making a daily to do list and a list of weekly goals/tasks I want to accomplish works best. I may not get everything I want done every single day, but there are few weeks where I don't have it all accomplished by the end of the week. Some days are just more productive than others. Oh, I work on my lists on the weekend and take into account the family calendar (how busy we will be, etc) - what needs to be done that week is put on the list first, things I want to accomplish and I probably have time for goes on next, and finally things I would like to get a head start on and might have time for goes on last (if we are not too busy). Then I break it down by day. It is really not as complicated or as time consuming as it sounds, especially the more you do it.

Most painful thing on my to-do list right now is Spring cleaning, it's on my long term to-do list. I just keep breaking it down into smaller tasks on my weekly and daily lists and makes it much more bearable.

nonoemily · March 2014

I agree with pp! I have a to do list during weekdays only, and I have a section for chores, and another for long term goals, and ongoing stuff that isn't critical. I also make a daily list of my plans for the next few days, and I keep my lists so I can look back over them later, in case I need to know what day I last did something.

This has helped me stay on a regular daily schedule with my son, too. I'm not naturally inclined to want to do that, but it's made him easier to handle now that's he's two.

I find it relaxing. Drinking coffee and getting organized is my favorite part of the day. My completion rate is probably only 50% but having lists helps me remember things I might put off for a week or two.

jen39171 · March 2014

I downloaded the wunderlist app on my iPad about a month ago, and I love it! You can keep different lists, assign people to tasks, make due dates and make lists within lists (ex: I teach so I wanted to make smart board lessons for the next unit, inside that task I listed lesson 1, 2, 3 etc so I could cross them all off). Best part- it's free!

janinekrause · April 2014

I am not a list person- everything unfortunately is in my head- not always the best way with 2 kids and a full-time job, but somehow I manage to remember 95% of things. Lists stress me out- always all these things I want to do but don't get done.

rodiesmum · April 2014

i have a list for everything. As in everything, and i feel so happy crossing down / killing my list. I do that first minute of my work day for my work duties etc

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