Colour coding according to subject, numbering based on due date/importance.
By “prioritize a to-do list” I think you mean prioritizing the items on the list, not making one. I put myself in a situation where I can focus, if my to-do list is course work. If it’s Chores I turn on a show I’ve seen a thousand times and I clean while it’s on. It helps me not feel bored. It can be difficult for me to prioritize, since I am disabled and my symptoms make it hard to garauntee plans in advance. Making it so I can only do the thing I need to do, like going to the library
Put priorities first to get important things out of the way. Follow the to-do list almost religously if you can. Have the list always visible for a quick reminder.
I do Tony Robbins RPM method to build a goal of how I want my day to look them design task around my goals.
My way is first creating priority groups (for example A, B and C) and then prioritize only inside priority groups (assign numbers for them for example). This way I will have a list like that: A1 Talk with X A2 Buy bread A3 Call Y B1 Buy Presents B2 Clean up C1 Watch Avengers C2 Practice chess C3 Go shopping This is a fast and easy way for me.
I’d suggest to make a "To do Master list" first where you write all the things you need to do in the next few days and pick items from that list to put on your regular to do list (or as I like to call it, the "To-day list"). You should make the decision of what to put on your to do list considering the importance and urgency of the tasks first. For example some tasks are very important but they don’t have a deadline attached so you might find yourself postponing them indefinitely. Make sure to put these on your list as well and try to deal with them as early as you can in the day so as to prevent overfocusing on the time-bounded tasks later on in the day.
I try to pick the three things that are most important, most urgent, and most efficient if done today. Don’t get tricked by deadlines- if today is the last chance to do something, but it’s not actually important, you don’t have to do it at all. If something is important, I love to get it done early, but see if there’s anything else that is important and needs to be done first. And if it just doesn’t make sense to work on it today- my homework is due in a few days but I’m too tired to do it well, or I need groceries but I can stop on the way home from work tomorrow- pick a different day.
Highest priority are items with deadlines coming shortly, things I may have avoided or put off, and things with dire consequences for not being done. Lowest priority are things that would be nice to get done but not really important, or things I don’t want to forget about. The piece of this answer that tends to be overlooked or skipped, probably because it’s assumed to already done, is your personal values. This is where the middle variances of priority come into play for me. I’ll use myself as an example. I value my family above all. I’m going to school to improve my situation. This is my secondary priority. Work is a tertiary priority in this case. A family item that’s not crucial might be a step above the lowest level. School deadlines are probably going above most family items... except family deadlines or work deadlines that could cost me my job. I currently work with four levels of priority. Items can fluctuate priority based on the above criteria. Hope this helps. Good luck!
According to your most valuable priorities. Then filter through: Delete->Automate->Delegate->do it or purposefully procrastinate
Don’t think "should"...just focus on the 3 that must be done today, then schedule your other days so all you have to think about is TODAY. It can get overwhelming so keep it simple and be proud of yourself for every little thing you check off.
Answers reflect the personal experiences of Fabulous community members. They are not medical or professional advice — for guidance about your health, talk to a qualified professional.
