Writing a 'to do' list before bed each night

I organize each day around my 'to do' list. If I don't have a list I tend to cruise through the day aimlessly, but armed when armed with my list I am a woman on a mission. I have been doing this for a few years now and it is very apparent that the times I have slacked off with my daily list, my success in life has also taken a dip. Now I religiously write out my list each night and I am achieving more in life than ever before. Grab a cheap notebook or use notepad on your computer, this really is a powerful tool. With that being said, I will stop raving as I still have 3 things left to complete for the day

A good tip is to organize the 5 things in order of importance. Do the most urgent or important thing first, then the next and next. If you don't get to all five then make the next most important one #1 for the next day.

I have been writing priority to do lists every evening for years and it works well for me!

I always write a list when I set out to work, then check them off one by one. It really does keep me sane.

Sleep? You all manage to sleep?

Lists do come in handy.

I heard a good tip on dealing with procrastination not too long ago.
It was to create and prioritize a list of items that we often procrastinate at.
Next set a 1 minute time limit to work on an item .... one per day.
In our minds we figure 1 minute is easy enough to do and shouldn't hurt too much.

What we find is we often complete the project or work much longer at it than the 1 minute as we all know the hardest part is getting started.

Well, it sounds like you are definitely on the right track. I, too write my next day's goals the night before. Since I've organized my day that way, I've noticed that I get much more done throughout the day.

Writing my goals the night before has helped my online business as well, because one thing I always write down is to accept payment from a successful, gracious, spiritual, high- paying client. You wouldn't believe the difference just 3 minutes of writing in my daily organizer has done for my life.

Ha, I was just writing down my to-do list, I do this every night!! I write it out on a small piece of note paper and slip it on my keyboard before closing the lid on my laptop. Nighty night....

"To do" list for the following day is OK! BUT you should also write down in your pad things you've succed this day, in other words each day you should write something you are proud with, your achievements... Aand if you happen to be in a bad mood just open your pad and take pleasure.

i agree with pre planning thing.some thing i also indulge in the only difference is that i set aims for the day in the morning.And yes there is no fixed number of objectives like 5 in your case.it could be 4,5,6 and some times even 10. and on the week ends i review my objectives list and see how many of them i achieved.if my record is 100% then i reward myself by taking my family out or meeting friends over beer.This makes the goal setting and achieving them all the more enjoyable.

Good idea to keep a list. I pretty much do the same thing everyday so not so important in my case. Its tough to maintain a list when your extremely busy and have those situations that arise that are important and aren't on the list.

Well i do something different. I make a list of all the important things i need to do and keep on adding the new things and deleting the ones i already did so it helps me alot in reminding all of my work and important tasks so i keep on doing it whenever i get time as i hardly get time when i go to sleep or something
Hope this will help you out as well
Thanks
Webmatic

The recipe for disaster.

You get up... you plan about your day and what you have to do... most of it doesn't get done, because either you were too busy, spent too much time planning how you would do it, or indulged in guilty pleasures telling yourself "only 5 more minutes of this forum and then I will work..." Suddenly, you get worried, you stress, because you know you have to do it. Then you try to avoid thinking about it, because thinking about it too much makes it negative, and spins your head down this spiral of doubt.

Suddenly you have done nothing. So then you think... what if i make a plan. So you write down what you are doing to do tomorrow, just before you go to bed. You are so happy, thinking you are going to wake up tomorrow and get things done...But, instead you spend the rest of the night tossing and turning, in anticipation, excitement and even more stress wondering just how you will get all of that done.

The next day, the sun comes up, everything repeats.

The end.

I like this. I have tried it once with an Excel schedule for my next day, I had trouble doing it past two days after. However, continually thinking about things like these, even if they never fully become implemented, are extremely positive steps-forward and will help us be more conscious in our everyday decision-making.

How about a "To-Do List" on steroids :confused:

I keep a daily journal and in it I write the items I completed
today and the items I want/need to complete tomorrow.

As well as a number of other random thoughts I come up with
while the pen is in my hand.

I have to agree with Global Greg that the hand recorder is one
of the best investments I've made. I take my dog for a 2 mile
walk each morning and some of my better ideas hit me during
the walk.

So the mp3 hand recorder and the daily journal are the 2 main
tools that have helped keep me organized and moving my online
business in a forward motion.

Now if I can just convince my dog that a 1 mile walk is just as
good as the 2 mile..

I use "to do" lists as well. At least for me, their primary virtue is that they give me an immediate list of things I can do as soon as I realize I'm distracted. Rather than wasting time on something that is semi-productive, I can quickly refer back to a list of things that will certainly bring in new clients and allow me to improve my products.

It's amazing I've been writing a "to do" list for years, but the list keeps growing! I know what I was doing wrong, I need to force myself to do at least 5 or more and then this list might go down!

Honestly, I don't know how to do any other way. It helps clears my mind and be a step ahead before the next day. It is very effective. Being prepared is priceless.

Stick with it!

I'm a "to do" list junkie.. the problem is, I end up with so many to do lists, that it takes me hours to go through them

They do work though, if you actually follow through each day and get it done.. I print mine out and stick it up on my board here, as a constant reminder that when I'm spending time on forums and squashing hours of prime creativity time, that I need to get back to work =)

this is always a good way to finish the day and get organized for your next day... clears your head and helps you sleep too




Elena Petrova


*WF Newbie*

This is a nice post and I would like to suggest an added twist to it.

In addition to having a to do list, I think we should also have a "must do" list.

This list comprises of things that we must do each day rather than just have to do.

Such as:

1) Say I love you to someone
2) Show gratitude to someone
3) Tell yourself you are wonderful
4) Spend an hour with your kids, wife, husband, etc
5) Help one of your friends.

There is something very different about this list. It is important in my opinion to do both, but the "must do" list should always be completed.

Tim

I know the value of the To-Do list. It helps me keep focused.... I have posted this about the To-Do list on my blog too.

I had been doing this for a while, but then stopped. But I really think it's a terrific idea and I'm going to start it up again.

Thanks for bringing it up!

Hey Guys!

Crubalo gave an excellent simple tip that works!

But I've got to put this sign up :

***WARNING!!!***

When I first started working with this I was amazed at how
I actually got the things done the next day!

However, one day I was exhausted and decided to take a break
so my previous nights commitment weren't done!

Here's the result I want you to avoid :

I went into a deep pit of procrastination for almost 2 weeks and
I felt really depressed in that time.

Let me explain what happened :

When you write down a commitment, you MUST complete it the
next day or else you're planting a seed of failure which says that
it's okay NOT to complete what I planned to do.

It becomes a habit and trust me you don't want that to happen!

I lost so much time and momentum in that time!

Here's what I decide to do now when doing something like this :

1) Make sure I complete my list of commitments. I just told you the consequences of not doing this.

2) Make sure that you have your life's vision / short-term goal / long-term goal next to you when you're writing it. This is very very very important.

You need to ask yourself if taking that action will move you forward towards that life vision or goal.

I realized after a while of using the technique mentioned by Crubalo alone does not cut it!

I was taking actions that did not progress me!

I don't want you to go through the same agony!

So ask yourself the question after writing it down, "Will doing this help me achieve my life vision or goal?"

If not, then throw it out! You don't want to be busy just for the sake of bein busy! You don't need to do it.

BONUS TIP:

One thing I learnt from Mike Litman is to move only 1% everyday.

So I've begun asking myself, "What can I do tomorrow that will move my business and life forward by a quantum leap?"

That one question alone has increased the returns on my actions by at least 300%!

Always Say ICAN!

SaiF

Like you said very basic but works very well, If you have a plan same with anything whether long term or short your more likely to stick with it and see more results come from it.

Have this on and off for several years.
Also make a week plan too.

I cannot function without my lists. (I have three -- two different websites, and personal.) It's been this way for years. I do, however, carry forward things if they don't get done. "Getting Things Done" by David Allen is a terrific resource for, well, getting things done.

hmm having a to do list can make things really easier and really well organized life

Thanks I thinks that one good management skills, it"s like creating so schedule for the next day. successful people does these.

First, take a bath
eat well
try to analyze you did the whole day
PRAY TO GOD before you sleep.

Me too. Going to start my tonight. Let me know how it goes wit you.

I've found that the list is a good start. If that's all you do, you're well on your way to accomplishing far more than you would otherwise.

But there are several additional elements you might want to think about.

First, make sure you're as specific as possible about the tasks. If your task is to go for a walk, make sure you know what the precise distance will be, the route you'll take, what the weather will be so you can dress accordingly, and so on. You can't really complete a task until you know precisely what that task is.

Write 26 pages of that ebook, get three JVs contacted for this product, write the P.S. section of the sales letter.

So don't think your first task is to 'work on' a particular project. You must know when that task has been completed.

Next, (right after you prioritize the five tasks) time script the tasks. You're going to work on, and complete, the first task in 60 minutes. If you don't complete the task in that time, you screwed up in defining the task and estimating the time required. and, yes, everyone screws up that 'time required' part the first few times. Each day you'll get better and better at it. But today, after the 60 minutes, you're moving on to task #2.

This creates a deadline, the most powerful tool ever devised for productivity.

Task #1 drops down to #6. Shame on you! You'll do better tomorrow.

Next, while you're working on a task, disturbances are forbidden, no exceptions. No telephone calls, no checking email, no knocks on the door, no additional cups of coffee, nothing! You and your task are the only things that exist in that world.

Finally, the bottom part of your to-do list. This is just a random list of thinks you'd like to accomplish, eventually, and as situations arise, one or more of these may find themselves placed in the glorious top five section.

Just a thought.

Steve Manning

Absolutely! I also find this method workable!! Only when you write it down can you ''stick'' to your action and achieve your goals!! Useful tips dude!!

putting your thoughts on paper is the easiest way to get every problems out of your mind. at least, u will be able to live long if you do that!

May I suggest why it's so important to write a 'To do' list
before we go to bed, rather than write it in the morning?

When we write it before we sleep, the subconscious mind
sets to work on the tasks ahead whilst we're asleep and
therefore with nothing consciously going on in our mind
it has maybe 6-8 hours to plan how best it sees the tasks
should be done before we start them.

If we wait until morning, we just do them, but without the
benefit of the prior thinking of our mind.

Now, if you want to do something during your day that
will help make you feel really good... write a "Did" list!

I've been doing this for the past month or so, it's amazing how powerful such a small action like that is. I even allot a certain amount of time for each task, and work to a countdown timer. It really works, I'm so productive these days I'm like a different person.

I also about to go even further and plan my next 90 days soon, I've only been planning each week so far. Time to move on to planning months in advance now.

Paul.

Sometimes I will slack and not write a to-do list. It is usually during those times that things go haywire and I get stressed out.

A to-do list should have up to 30 items on it... then I put the 5 quickest things to accomplish things on top, the 5 most important things to do just under it, and try to make it a point to accomplish at least the first 10 of the 30 before going to sleep.

Oh, and I'm going to add something... for some reason why I try to put this list on my iphone... i never look at it again. For some reason a notebook, always left face open next to me while working is the best solution.

Theres some great advice here, And I see saif above touches on a point that is often overlooked in the area of goal setting and time management.... thats is we are most productive and enjoy the greatest sense of fulfillmeent when we are activley engaged in what we determine is our highest and best use of our time.

This can only occur when you have lined up what you personal values and beliefs are in terms of what it is you REALLY want to be doing.... not having this is a major cause of procratstation, frustrtaion or even worse, a lack of fulfillment and happieness because even though you are "getting stuff done" - its not actually what you want to be doing....

My business has spent the last 20 years studying this stuff and teaching how to get people to line up their belief systems with their tasks and goals.

Not here to be self promoting but if anyone is interested there is a free copy of a goal getting template that helps people to achieve this on the mindset link below... go to that link and then go back to the root directory - not the sales page - that's as transparent and as fair as I can be... :-)

It sounds simple, but I wonder why I feel affected by this!

I'm going to try it tonight!

That's a really better idea for a better tomorrow because it's already kinda settle on what you want to do at that day. Very cool and you should have a good memory for that....

I agree that a list is extremely important. I always try to place my most pressing items at the top just in case I am unable to complete it.

Well, I guess for me, "to do" lists are good, but sometimes what I assume my day will be meant for, doesn't always turn out the way I plan it. Especially in my line of work where multitasking is necessary. I am a night-owl though, so I do make up for lost time while everyone is sleeping. I make sure to remind myself to do all I can for today and if ordered, I will see another one to continue on.

yes..i m doing so too..but normally i will write it in my handphone because i will always bring along my handphone,so i can always check my to do list.

I should write more to do lists. One of my biggest problems is having 10000 concurrent ideas and never getting around to implementing them. Clear lists of thing sto do and the order of their importance can be a great help and something everyone involved in intenet marketing should do.

I agree totally about making a to do list. I usually do mine either last thing in the afternoon before I leave my desk or first thing in the morning before I start the day. It doesn't always work, I still often get to the end of the day without completing every thing but at least it's a track to run on. I also tie a knot in the sock I am going to use the following day last thing at night to remind me of very important things. The only problem with that is remembering the reason you tied the know after a nights sleep. A to do list though is a must.

It seems simple but putting your plans on paper really helps you to take action so your thoughts become reality.

I find it more useful to write the to-dos down in the morning because at night my head is usually full of information overflow from the day.

In any case, whether its night or day, i think its crucial to write that to-do list in order to stay focused!

This worked for me too. I used to do this when I was in college, especially when things got hectic. Sometimes, I would even make a schedule as to what time I should have each item finished. I dont know why I stopped doing this after graduating. I should get back to this habit.

Also, 1 tip I can give which worked for me is to put the to do list on your bedroom door or mirror. That way, you'll be reminded of the things you need to do before you leave the room.

Ya it definitely helps free the mind and allows you to stress less about things you need to do. I actually just started using evernote to organize all my to-do lists. It's complicated at first but I think will be very beneficial.

i usually write a to-do list every morning. the one thing i have not been doing is prioritising it in terms of the importance of each task. there is a sense of achievement every time you tick off one of the tasks of the day as achieved!

I wholeheartedly recommend writing your to do list before bed every night. That way when you get up in the morning you already know exactly what you need to get accomplished, you don't try to scramble and figure it out over breakfast. I try to set out 10 tasks of varying difficulties that I absolutely need to get finished, and then prioritize them accordingly.

Along with a set daily schedule that I have created for myself, a to do list has prevented me from falling behind in my work for months now.

It is a great tip.

Also the tasks in the list must be prioritize in terms of their importance, and checked off when they are completed the next day.

Interesting thread

I have specific offline experience in helping people with such issues from a medical perspective (treating morbidly obese, fibromyalgia, clinical depression and so on)

I often give them daily list building as part of their healing. We decide how long the list should be and they have to complete the list every day. When they are regularly completing their list with ease, we then add another task and repeat the process.

Using this method they find themselves taking action, getting things done and enhancing their self image. In fact, once they get going they start actively looking for tasks to be added.

The list is written no later than 5pm every day, in their own hand writing which connects the thought and the unconscious and they have to complete the list every day.

So, the OP has a good method and if you would like to become even more productive start adding one extra task to the list when you are ready