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TN23 How to do 'To Do' lists

First published on this website in July 2005 and last updated in March 2023

Words: 1600
Size: 142 kB
Categories: Administration , Leadership

Synopsis

Many Christian leaders who use a 'To Do' list struggle with the guilt of never completing it. What they are using fails to differentiate tasks by

  • how long they are likely to take
  • by when they need to do them, and
  • by how important they are.

They also never, or very rarely, complete their list.

Hence the idea of a 'To Do Diary', a simple tool that takes the idea a bit further. It is based on a standard page-to-a-day diary (by all means use a digital system if you prefer) with each page divided into four sections:

  1. Timed Engagements - what a diary is normally used for 
  2. Main Tasks - things to do that day that will probably take more than an hour, say
  3. Quick Actions - reminders of those 10 minute jobs that you must not forget
  4. Personal tasks

You also need an engagement diary or something similar for monthly planning. But the point is that by listing work to be done for a specified day, you can get to the end of your list on a regular basis. Then, no guilt! You feel better, you work better.

Note that there is now a more detailed explanation at Article A51, The 'To Do Diary' guide.

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Author's notes

These notes have been updated in March 2023 with additional text and some layout changes.