The scary To-do lists

To-do lists are a very good way of keeping a record of everything that needs to be done in day. They keep you on target and in control.  I use them everyday. Of course, mine aren't always on paper.

The biggest problem with To-do list is that the list can become slightly formidable.  There's so much to do and so little time to actually do it.  There is a really quick way to combat this, I believe it was in my earlier post regarding organisation; be reasonable about what you put on your list.  If it is something that can't be reasonably achieve in that day, leave it off for another day.

This seems like a good alternative, doesn't it?  You would think so, but sometimes it's not an option.  There are things that must be done on that day that cannot wait.  My way of dealing with this is to get that damn pressing problem over with.  It's the only way.  Then you can go on with getting everything else done.  Simple enough, isn't it.  But it doesn't necessarily make the list seem less formidable.

The other option is to begin adding items to the list that you know you are going to be doing anyway - such as having a shower.  This will create the effect of having done more on the list then it actually seems like. Using this tactic will double the length of your list, but it will mean that the majority of the list will contain things you have already done. That makes the list look a whole lot less scary.

And final tip: Don't be afraid to take items off you list.  There are a lot of little jobs that it won't hurt to be left off for another day or another week.  This is my favourite way of beating the list.