An easy tweak to level up your to-do list

Today I am sharing a simple tweak to a daily to-do list that can help you prioritise when you are feeling overwhelmed.

I use this when my “could do” list is extremely long, and I need some clarity about what I’m actually going to do on a particular day.

It’s very simple. You choose what you’re going to do, and you allocate a realistic time estimate to each task. When you hit your intended daily hours limit (and I strongly recommend you have one), that’s your to-do list done.

You are one person and there is an actual limit to how much you can do in one day.

Allocating the time in advance forces you to face this reality and make informed choices about what you will prioritise. Much as you might like to get more done – if you have say 6, 9 or even 12 hours available, you can only work for those hours… so what are you going to fill them with?

It’s great to do this the night before, so you are prepared and don’t get waylaid when you log on in the morning.

As an example, here’s mine for today:

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Today’s not particularly overloaded, so I have the luxury of being able to add a full one-hour buffer. It’s also a Friday, so if the full buffer doesn’t get used, I’ll clock off early.

However, even or especially if you are very overloaded, forcing some unallocated time into your day to act as a buffer is even more important. Unplanned things always come up, and when you have no space for them it only makes them all the more stressful.

What do you think? Give it a go and let me know how you find it – or share your own time management tips!

Until next week,

Take care of yourself and others

Madeleine

PS If you’d like to work with me as you get your days under control, let me know. Send me a message to enquire, and please share with anyone you think may benefit.

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