5 Ways for Effective List Making

My name is Zoe and I am a chocoholic and a list making addict. I have  always lived an organized life with a list in hand. My lists vary from the obvious work and personal to do lists and grocery lists to lists of ideas for my blog, restaurants I want to try, books to read, packing lists, shopping lists, make up wish lists and the list of lists goes on… However, there were times that I would end up feeling overwhelmed and ineffective by my endless lists. Here are 5 tips for getting the most of list making and getting stuff done!

Be realistic
Be realistic on how much you can accomplish and set yourself manageable tasks. Prioritize the most important and urgent tasks/items and then move on to the tasks that are not that urgent, but still need to be done. Re-evaluate tasks you have repeatedly putting off.

Be strategic
Write different lists for different tasks. Do not mix personal to do lists with professional to do lists, in order to stay focused. Also, be aware that to do lists are different from wish lists. Otherwise, you will end up with a compilation of things you never get done. 

Create a system
Create a system that works for you. Assign time estimates, use bullets, sections, columns, chronological order, what suits you best. Also, having the right tools close to hand is a crucial part of the list making process.  I always carry my Moleskin diary for to do lists, I use my mobile for grocery lists and the Evernote application for  personal to do lists, as well as wish lists.

Remember to consult your lists
Writing a list and neglecting or avoiding it, is an important habit to break. Remember people that your list is your daily playbook to follow!

Celebrate your successes
Apart from chocolate, I find a few things more satisfying than ticking off completed tasks/items from my lists. What a thrilling sense of accomplishment! However, remember to celebrate your successes before you start making a new list!

Photo from here