the to-do list
01.18.2010 
13h17A year ago today, I started using a 'to-do list' system that has allowed me to visualize my progress and keep track of things. Now that I've fully integrated this system into my life, I'd like to share it with you.
But first, a little background. As you probably already know, I have a terrible memory. My family likes to play "do you remember ..." games with me, because more often than not, the answer is no. Unless it's something that stood out in my mind (like when I got in trouble), it's been forgotten. Having a terrible memory does not make it easy to remember all the things I need to do.
Over the years, I have also learned that I am a visual learner. I need things to be written down in order to learn them. I used to write things down on random bits of scrap paper, but those would get lost in the shuffle, and then I'd forget.
A few years ago, a couple of friends laughed when I said I was going to add something to my to-do list. When I asked them why they laughed, they told me that I was always talking about putting stuff on this imaginary list, but that I never seemed to get anything done. This hurt my feelings, as I thought that I was doing my best to stay on top of things, but apparently not. I used this as motivation to figure out how to improve my productivity.
And that's how my 'to-do list' system was born. It's very simple: a Word document with "To Do - [DATE]" at the top. I've listed everything that I have to do, even the simplest of things, on a separate line. Some things are grouped together, like website work or thesis work. I have a subtitle header for things like appointments (when there's a specific date/time to remember, like train travel or coffee with a friends), emails, etc.
As I do things, I used the "strikethrough" setting to put a line through it, and i move it to the top under the "To Do" heading. As the day goes by, I can look at the list for what needs to be done, and I can cross things off as they get done.
At the end of the day, I copy and paste the header and everything that got done to the bottom of the document (so that I have a reference of what got done on what day), and then I go back to the top to rearrange for the following day. I copy all appointments to the top of the list (today's list has Monday Jan 18 - 17h15 teach CLES 1) and then I prioritize the other items underneath.
There have been times when I've not used the list for a week or two, but I always feel like I don't have things under control. The list gives me a visual representation of my day (especially helpful when my day is pretty open, given what little teaching I'm doing), which helps me get things done instead of being all over the place.
|
i always have a to do list. i just use a pen and paper but still i have the same kinda system. and a diary as well(i really need it for work as i'm freelance).
it's not because i can't remember but because when there's way too much things going on in my head because of work, friends, personal stuff like bank, post, shopping to do etc, i just start stressing out. as soon as i write everything down i can let it go and i feel more relaxed straight away.
|
- Edith
|
