Time Management Tip 5: Daily To Do Lists
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In order to use your small windows and large windows of time each day effectively you need a plan. You need a To Do list.
To write an effectively to do list you must first know how long various tasks take.
I want to remind you to carry your timer every where this month and log how long it takes you to perform everything from dusting end tables, to emptying out your e-mail box.
Each morning, write a To Do List before life takes over. You might even want to write it the night before, so that you awaken with a plan.
You can keep your list simple like I do and just write down a list of things on a yellow note pad
Update: I recently gave my yellow pad up for a clip board filled with simple grid style lists that keep me on track both with my daily goals and my weekly goals
One thing I learned from Simple Mom is to star three things on my list. These things are my top priorities for the day. If I get nothing else done but my star items I am okay with that. If I get more than those three things I am thrilled.
I circle those things that have to happen at a certain time, like appointments and kids soccer games.
I included my daily cleaning tasks, my workout for the day, what lessons the kids need my help with and what to cook for lunch and dinner.
Then I see what windows of time I have left and fill them in with work tasks.
Looking for time management tips? Follow the Goal Setting & Time Management Tips Community Board on Pinterest.
This post is part of my series on Time Saving Tips For Work At Home Moms
Dig Into The Time Management Series Using The Links Below
Introduction: 31 Days Of Time Saving Tips For The Work-At-Home Mom
Day One: Perform a Time Audit
Day Two: Night Owl Or Morning Bird?
Day Three: Where are Your Largest Windows?
Day Four: Making the Most of Small Windows
Day Five: Daily To Do Lists (you are here)
Day Six: Maximizing The To Do List
Day Seven: Say No
Day Eight: Eliminate Poor Yes Choices
Day Nine: Put Your Time Offenders On a Budget
Day Ten: Combine Joy
Day Eleven: Making Effective Use of Waiting Time
Day Twelve: Making Use of Travel Time
Day Thirteen: Making The Most of Mom Taxi in Waiting Time
Day Fourteen: Take Time to Rest a Few Moments Each Day
Day Fifteen: Tag-Team
Day Sixteen: Involve the Kids
Day Seventeen: Mechanical Slaves
Day Eighteen: Outside Help
Day Nineteen: Timer Magic
Day Twenty: Take a Rest Day
Day Twenty One: Less Stuff, Less Mess, More Time
Day Twenty Two: Hold A Family Work Bee
Day Twenty Three: Keep Gatherings Simple
Day Twenty Four: Saving Time in The Kitchen
Day Twenty Five: The Self Cleaning Home
Day Twenty Six: Streamlining Your Homeschooling day
Day Twenty Seven: Create an I Did It List
Day Twenty Eight: Create a Simple Cleaning Routine
Day Twenty Nine: Create To Go Bags
Day Thirty: Making Minimum Standards
Day Thirty One: Treat Life Like a Marathon Not a Sprint