How To Manage The Little To-Dos On Your List

Many of us can prioritize tasks throughout the day, so one way or another, the most important stuff gets done. But what about the less-important duties that get ignored, despite the fact they need to get finished, too? It can certainly be a struggle to find the time and motivation for things deemed not very important, but there are several things you can do to make progress in finishing those to-dos.

Get Familiar With the Eisenhower Matrix

The Eisenhower Matrix is a visual diagram used to prioritize tasks into four quadrants. Those that are both urgent and important, not urgent but important, urgent but not important and, neither urgent nor important. Going on scrolling on social media is an example of a task that would fall into the last category. On the other hand, building relationships with others is important, but not urgent, because it’s usually not time-sensitive.

Experiment by visualizing your tasks with this matrix and see if that helps you prioritize your life better. It may make it easier to waste less time and tackle less important tasks.

Use the 1-3-5 List-Building Tool

Perhaps you’re overwhelmed with the amount you have to do so it’s hard to get smaller to-dos checked off. In that case, the 1-3-5 list-builder can help. It’s a tool that works on mobile devices and web browsers and helps you break down big lists into a total of nine tasks per day: One large task, three medium ones and five small ones.

Some people get so caught up in analyzing their lists of priorities they don’t take enough action to accomplish much. It’s a common problem, so you’re not alone if you can relate. However, the 1-3-5 list-making tool offers a practical way to turn your to-dos into results.

Set Aside Small, Dedicated Blocks of Time Towards Undesirable Duties

It can be especially challenging if a not-important task is also mundane, unpleasant or otherwise causes you to feel upset. When trying to take care of tasks that have such bad associations linked with them, decide you’ll only devote small segments of time towards getting them done. However, it’s important to schedule those blocks of time frequently enough so they’re effective in helping you get everything done. Plus, you’ll need to focus solely on such tasks during the time you’ve set aside.

For example, maybe you hate cleaning out your inbox but have noticed that it’s hard to find things sent to you a few weeks ago. Set a timeframe for making your inbox more manageable, and then stick to it.

When it’s really hard to get motivated, try doing the task in 10-minute blocks. Listening to music or challenging yourself to turn the responsibility into a game and see how many emails you can categorize or delete within that time frame are just two of several strategies you could try to take your mind off the perceived drudgery and get the duty done instead.

Be Thoughtful About Your To-Dos

Besides using the practical tips described above, it’s worthwhile to do some soul-searching and determine whether there are sources of internal conflict that make it so you’re unable to carry certain tasks out completely, or even get started on them. Fear of failing, feelings of ineptitude and an unwillingness to delegate things to others or accept help when needed could all be preventing you from being maximally productive.

However, it’s always possible to make positive changes that last. Showing a desire to grow is the first meaningful step towards better prioritizing. Use these suggestions to help you work through to-dos quickly.