A bullet journal is a way to keep track of tasks around the house, for your business, or even for school and university. You can create one with all sorts of different goals in mind and it’s often more effective than using an app on your phone because you have control over what you put down. This blog post will teach you how to create bullet journal to-do lists that will help improve productivity in every aspect of your life!
Why the bullet journal beats to-do lists
There are plenty of ways to create to-do lists but there are solid reasons that creating a bullet journal to-do list can be more effective. These include the fact you are in complete control of what goes on the list, how it looks, and how you use it. Another big benefit is that you can have as complicated or simple a process as you want for yours.
I thought I was being productive by writing down tasks that needed to get done, but it just meant more time wasted. The constant barrage of new things popping up on my radar every day and not prioritizing them in any way made me feel like a hamster running around his wheel without ever getting anywhere.
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How to create your own bullet journal to do list
Because bullet journals are so flexible, you can do it pretty much any way you want. But I know it helps sometimes to have a few starting points for inspiration. So let’s dive into a few steps to follow to create your own.
Work Out Your Personal List Making Style
Working hard to become more organized and productive can seem overwhelming at times. There is no one size fits all method for organization, rather it depends on what works best with your lifestyle. Take a moment or two to assess how you operate throughout the day-what motivates you? What stresses do you have? Do want habits that are going to keep up with this year’s resolutions?
Consider Having More Than One List
You don’t have just to have one huge list. An easy system is to create a master list and then move tasks from it to weekly or daily lists to help keep things manageable.
When you suddenly think of something, instead of adding it to your master list as an item that needs attention at a later date, add the task directly onto your daily or weekly agenda. This way when planning time comes around for said event and/or deadline you can see what tasks need completing so they don’t fall through the cracks!
You might also want separate lists that complement these such as a grocery list for food shopping or a packing list for a vacation. You could even have a bad habits list to help you make it your job to avoid doing these things!
Keep things simple
Remember that lists are meant to be simple. There is nothing wrong with writing down what needs to get done, but don’t create a list where you constantly fail at the task because it will only stress and demotivate you instead of motivating you. Keep your lists short enough so they can actually be completed in one day.
Create a ‘Most Important Task’ system
An MIT is a “Most Important Task”. Learning to prioritize your daily task list can be an excellent hack for productivity. A good number of MIT’s to pick each day should be 3-5, as these are the items that MUST get done.
Having tasks you must complete will help ensure one doesn’t procrastinate or waste time doing other things not important in order to accomplish what you really need to accomplish and make sure you don’t miss anything from your life.
Create tasks that are easy to get done
There are two elements to this concept.
I am going to make a list of the tasks I need to do and then break them down into quick steps so that they are really easy for me. For example, when I finish working one day this week there is something on my mind: clean out the garage!
But it’s such an overwhelming task – how will you ever manage? The key here is breaking things up into small pieces. So first off take some time after dinner today (or tomorrow) and write down all your thoughts about what needs to be taken care of outside or inside before you even head over with boxes.
The next part of this is to include easy tasks on your list and do them first as a morale booster. You can then head into the bigger tasks with more energy and determination since you know that these small things are done! Easy chores could be making your bed or pre-preparing dinner so all you have left for later in the day is easier work-related items.
Make the tasks very specific
Making lists is a fantastic way to stop all those time-wasting searches…that can sometimes lead to distractions. But it’s even better when you customize your list, adding as much information about the task that will make completing it easier and faster than ever before!
For example, if there are phone numbers for electricians in your area, add his number right onto the list so you don’t have to go through any more steps just looking around for him.
Schedule your day with your tasks
Planning tasks around your available time helps you to schedule a day that’s productive and not overwhelming. Group tasks together where it makes sense and doesn’t underestimate how long things can take to get done. And remember to have a system to carry over unfinished tasks to the following page near the end of the day.
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Other approaches to help plan your system
There are also a few other approaches to bear in mind that might help you create your own system.
Must Do, Should Do & If I Have Time
This must do, should do and if I have a time system is great if you have a bit more time in your day as I do. You can start with 3 must-do tasks and then have 4-5 should-do tasks. After that have a space for up to 6 other tasks that might do if you have the time. You could make this into weekly spreads or even a monthly to-do list if it isn’t overwhelming.
Time based list
A page every bullet journal should have – a time-based tasks list. How many times has it happened that you’ve been ready to leave before heading out somewhere? Instead of mindlessly scrolling through Instagram, why not knock off some “I’ll get around to them eventually” things from your agenda?
Project planning
Another way to approach to-do lists is by project rather than just by random things. Then you can note the progress of the project along the top.
Going through a project list to get it all in one place is always helpful. Draw up an organized and color-coded plan for any size job, from the small stuff with just two columns on the page to projects that require their own planning pages. With this step done, you’ll be able to share your thoughts about what needs doing with others involved or simply have them fresh at hand when needed next.
Finding the right approach
Like anything with a bullet journal spread, the important thing is to find the right approach for you. Test systems until you find a to-do list approach that helps you get things done without feeling overwhelmed. Then just keep it going!
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