3 Productivity Tactics To Get Your Todo List Done Everyday

Summary

The article outlines three key productivity tactics: limiting your daily to-do list to three items, setting deadlines for each task, and tackling the hardest task first.

Abstract

The author of the article emphasizes the importance of productivity by sharing three effective tactics from a larger database of strategies. The first tactic is to limit the daily to-do list to only three tasks, suggesting that even one task might be the most crucial. This approach helps in prioritizing and focusing on what truly matters. The second tactic involves setting deadlines for each task to harness the power of Parkinson's law, which states that work expands to fill the time available for its completion. Deadlines create a sense of urgency and keep procrastination at bay. The third tactic is to start the day with the hardest task, as overcoming the most challenging job can provide momentum for the rest of the day's activities. The article concludes with an invitation to follow the author's work and access the free productivity database, as well as a mention of a book for those seeking further guidance on managing life's decisions.

Opinions

The author believes that having fewer tasks on the to-do list leads to better focus and prioritization.
Deadlines are seen as a tool for self-discipline and a way to combat the natural tendency to procrastinate.
Completing the most daunting task first is likened to ripping off a bandaid, suggesting it's initially uncomfortable but ultimately relieving.
The author suggests that completing a difficult task first can alter one's perspective on the day's work, making subsequent tasks feel easier.
There is an underlying opinion that readers may be doing more than necessary in their daily routines and could benefit from a more streamlined approach to productivity.
The author implies that readers should consider themselves as their own boss when it comes to managing tasks and time.

1 | Only Have 3 Things On Your Todo List.

If you’ve got four, you’ve got too many.

Sure we do a lot more than three things every day, but I’d argue that even three tasks are stretching it, and maybe there’s only one that matters. Less is more when getting things done—restricting your list forces you to prioritize.

Starting the day with three things or less on your mind is the way to go.

2 | Put A Deadline Next To Each Item

We all know some version of Parkinson’s law.

Work expands to fill the time available, and we see this in action living the 9 to 5; we don’t need to be there most of the time. We can do things at record speeds if we have to. Schedules add constraints to tasks and keep procrastination in check.

Deadlines are us telling ourselves that we’re the boss.

3 | Do The Hardest Thing First

The bandaid analogy is perfect here.

The task that sucks the most is the peak resistance in your day. Once you push through that task, your perspective on work changes. Everything becomes as easy as sliding downhill into a pool of low-cal-high-taste ice cream.

Change “this task is difficult” to “this task will give me infinite momentum.”

That’s it, ladies and gents. I hope you enjoyed that one. Keep up with my shenanigans here; I post maybe 2–3 times a week. And here’s another link to the free database — don’t forget to rate it. 😉

If you want something more, I’ve written a small book on sorting the mess that life-decision pressure can cause.

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✌ Sah

3 Productivity Tactics To Get Your Todo List Done Everyday

Rule 39, 15, and 2 out of my productivity database.

1 | Only Have 3 Things On Your Todo List.

2 | Put A Deadline Next To Each Item

3 | Do The Hardest Thing First