The 'To-Do' List!!!
Many people grapple with ‘to-do’ lists when having ADHD. You’ll be all too familiar with the constant stream of tasks vying for your attention.
With a few tweaks and some smart planning, you can turn your ‘to-do’ lists from chaos to clarity.
Here are 7 common mistakes to avoid when you’re putting your ‘to-do’ list together.
1: Overloading Your 'To-Do' List
Ever felt overwhelmed by a never-ending ‘to-do’ list?
When you add everything that you need to do to your ‘to-do’ list, it can become too much. It’s difficult to prioritise, and you end up avoiding using it.
Streamline your list by focusing on tasks with deadlines and manageable timeframes. So things that you can get done today or this week.
Save daily chores and quick tasks for on-the-spot action. Anything that takes 2 minutes or less, you should do straight away. Do not put them on your ‘to-do’ list!
It’s a great idea to keep all your big projects organised in a project file! Divide each project into smaller, bite-sized tasks for simplicity. Try to set a deadline for each step to help keep you on track. Each week, you can take these tasks and add them to your schedule. This will help you stay focused and make steady progress until your project is complete. Happy planning!
There are always other things to do, but you can’t find the time to do them, so have a separate list for these too. I like to call this my ‘wish list.’ You can revisit it and pick things from it to get started when you’re ready. Avoid doing too many things at once, or you’ll just end up failing.
2: Out of Sight, Out of Mind
A ‘to-do’ list only works if you use it! Check your list throughout the day. Set goals for the morning, afternoon, and evening.
Pick a time each week to review your project folder. Then, choose any tasks you want to complete from it. Also, check your diary. Work around any planned appointments or holidays, and adjust your priorities.
3: Juggling Too Many ‘To-Do’ Lists
It can be hard to be organised when you have ADHD, but it’s important when creating a ‘to-do’ list system that works for you.
Most of us these days have a phone with us so syncing your ‘list’ with your calendar and project folders is simple to do. There are ADHD-friendly apps and software to help do this.
Remember, simplicity is the key to staying organised.
4: Dwelling on the Not Done
Celebrate your wins, no matter how small! Instead of fixating on what’s unfinished, take a moment each day to appreciate your achievements. It’s great to look back and see how much you’ve actually done.
5: Vague Task Descriptions
Clearly define each task to prevent confusion. This ensures you will know exactly what you need to do when you revisit your list.
A couple of words probably won’t be enough to jog your memory.
6: Ignoring Big Tasks On Your 'To-Do' List
Adding a big project to your list will guarantee it won’t get done, as it will most likely be too overwhelming.
Break big projects into small, manageable tasks. Schedule time to tackle them.
Estimate the time you think it will take to do the task and multiply it by 3! By setting aside focused time, you’ll make progress bit by bit.
7: Falling Down the Rabbit Hole of Distractions
We all experience distractions from time to time! Whether it’s your phone, email alerts, or other interruptions, they can really take us off course from our tasks.
Think about what distracts you and find ways to lessen those interruptions. You might turn off notifications on your laptop or silence your phone and keep it out of reach. Staying focused is important. With a few changes, you can get through your to-do list more easily! Keep going; you can do it!
All in all, having a ‘to-do’ list is a great way to ensure you get stuff done. Set your goals based on what you value. Then, you’ll have a meaningful, manageable ‘to-do’ list.
If you need help with prioritising and planning your tasks, please get in touch.
Email me jules@purplevioletva.com
Purple Violet – “giving you time to focus on the important stuff”
