Did you ever wake up on a sunny glorifying day, looked out the window with that commercial smile and perfect hair (like in those movies), and told yourself, "I'm going to get a lot done today!" As you begin to start your day... You notice something is a little off... You don't know where to start. You get discouraged. You loose faith in yourself. And then... You get back in bed, make a conscious decision to let the day control you, instead of you controlling IT.
You're not alone. I've had a lot of those days.
But one day.... On a very low depressing and stressful day. I sat there and thought to myself all the tasks that I wanted to get done, and instead of just sitting there dreading my life. I grabbed a pen and paper, and wrote all the tasks I had to get done. As I visually looked at my to-do list I sensed a feeling of release, and a jolt of excitement. What was once on my mind, is now written on paper where I can see it at any given moment throughout the day.
This is when I witnessed the power of To-Do Lists.
Let's face it. To-do lists are extremely important in our lives. Without it we'll be unstable, jumping from one thing to another, and most of all confused without a direct plan or motive to get tasks done and checked off the list.
So What is a To-Do List?
noun. A list of tasks that need to be completed, typically organized in order priority. (Wikipedia.org)
The 5 Reasons Why To-Do Lists are Powerful:
1. Overcome Procrastination
When you write down the tasks that need to get completed, and carry it with you everywhere you go, it will help you overcome procrastination. You see it at all given times, and it reminds you that those tasks must to completed.
2. Keeps You Focused/Productive
When you solely rely on your mind and instinct to get the list of things done, there is a likely chance that you'll stress yourself out and you'll go crazy. Having a written to-do list will help you stay focused and productive as you complete them one by one throughout your day.
3. Keeps You Organized
This is one of the most powerful reasons why to-do lists are powerful. Organized, Organized, Organized! It takes so much stress, and anxiety out of your life. And trust me, you'll feel it!
4. Helps Manage Your Time
When writing down your tasks on your to-do list, and completing them one by one, you'll not only be organized, focused and productive. You are actually managing your time! People who don't believe in to-do lists, often times sit there for hours, if not DAYS, just trying to make a mental list of things to get done, and eventually give up.
5. Encourages Your Efficiency
There is no doubt that making to-do lists will increase your efficiency at work and in life. You'll have more time to enjoy your life, and when you're ready to get things done, all you have to do is look at that to-do list, and efficiently complete them!
To-Do lists are powerful tools to be organized and efficient in your life. I use them in a variety of ways from my photography business and to my personal life. I use them daily, weekly, monthly and even yearly!
If you're feeling a little out of balance, but want to get things done. Then I recommend incorporating to-do lists into your life, and you'll see how powerful they are... It can truly change your life!