The saying goes: Plan your work, then work your plan. A daily to-do list focuses on working your plan step-by-step, day by day, as you move toward your goals.
Step 1: Add Meaning to Your List
If you want to add meaning to your life and work, the first step is to choose an ideal that you want to reflect in your life. People of faith often choose teaching or a person to emulate. Those without formal belief systems may choose aspirational concepts such as “Be the change you want to see.” They may adopt an idea from organized religion, such as a practice of stewardship that expands from the local to include the world.
At least one item on your list should express your ideal.
Step 2: Improve Your Time Management
Consider how you manage your time during the day. Keep a journal for a few days or a week. Record what you do, not what you would like to have done. In addition, record the times of days when you feel most energetic and when your energy lags or you feel less focused.
Seek ways to reduce interruptions and delegate authority. Also, schedule demanding or complicated tasks when you are most focused and energetic.
Include one or two of the same time management goals on your list until they become a habit, then change to one or two others.
Step 3: Distinguish Between Vital and Urgent
Vital items move you toward what you want to achieve in your life. Rank those as A-list items. They take precedence over urgent, B-list items. Add C-list items that must be done, like cleaning an oven or reading business emails, as time allows.
Carry uncompleted items to the next day. Accept that that can happen.
