As your own boss, it’s important that you make each day count. The key to doing this is to create an effective daily to-do list.
It seems simple enough, but there’s a right way and a wrong way to do it. The key to is create your own process that’s simple and effective.
It all starts with the medium that you choose. There are apps and fancy software programs, but what often works best is a memo file or even a pen and paper.
When making your list, pare it down as much as possible. For each item, ask yourself whether it’s going to produce results or get you closer to a goal.
You can also trim your to-do list by delegating or automating tasks. Make sure anything that’s not work-related isn’t on your list.
You may want to create multiple to-do lists in addition to your daily work list. There are several ways to do this.
One method is to create weekly or monthly lists. The longer-term lists are for ongoing issues that may or may not have tasks today.
You can make an additional list for things you’re studying. Once you finish your list of essential tasks, you can spend some time studying and start with the highest priority item.
It may be helpful to also have a list for off-work time. You can put items here such as housework, paperwork, or other things to do so you don’t forget them while you’re absorbed in work (and so you have the proper time set aside for them).
Remember that your to-do list exists to serve you, not the other way around.
Create a system that helps you get things done and isn’t overwhelming or counterproductive and make changes whenever you need to.
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