I have always loved lists. A recurring stocking stuffer of mine growing up was sticky notes. There’s just something about a list that helps my brain relax, knowing I have a game plan.

Being self employed, I have done different strategies over the years. I organize my folders by numerical order for which need edited first, use a paper planner, and I used to write on sticky notes daily. I was still feeling overwhelmed, always thinking about the next thing, and worried about whether I could get everything done in time. It was super hard for me to clock out.

Until two years ago when I made my Weekly Checklist Google Word Doc. I noticed I had lots of little, repetitive tasks I needed to do every day, but also big ones that needed spread out. When I learned to plan out my entire week, I finally had peace knowing that everything could get executed, one day at at time.

Setting aside time to create an entire week’s checklist has saved me so much time- not only working but also personally. I have finally figured out how to have better boundaries and not worry about tomorrow.

HOW A WEEKLY CHECKLIST CAN HELP YOU:

1. It clears mental clutter

When all your tasks are floating around in your head, it feels overwhelming. Writing it out helps you see the big picture, think more clearly and make sure you remember everything you need to do.

If you have a big project that week, break it down into smaller sections each day, to make it feel more realisticly possible. Shift stress into action.

2. It relieves decision fatigue

Instead of constantly asking “what should I do next?”, your list already decided for you. That saves you mental energy and increases productivity throughout the day, helping you get done with work sooner. Just look at what the day holds, and as my daughter says, “Get to it!”

Instead of reacting to everything as it comes, you’re proactively deciding how your time is spent.

3. It helps you prioritize what matters most

Not everything on your list is equal. Focus on high-impact tasks first.

4. It builds momentum

I don’t know about you but I love a little dopamine boost. Checking items off a to do list gives you that, plus some motivation to keep going. Small wins build momentum throughout the week.

6. It allows you to track your progress

You can see if your daily goals are realistic. Track how much time certain tasks take and plan for future better. Keep track of which tasks you seem to put off the most, and shift things around. Not every person is the same. I love Mondays, so I get a lot done that day. Some people hate Mondays, so if that’s you, maybe schedule in several breaks or littler tasks until you’ve reached your motivated Tuesday.

MY TIPS FOR USING YOUR TO DO LIST:

1. Lists the tasts in the order you’d like to do them

2. Break down each individual task

3. If you don’t get something done, move it to the next day

4. Use a visual timer when you do tasks

5. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Track and improve.

The Weekly Checklist can be helpful for anyone– business owners, students, stay at home moms, employees, home projects, etc.

My husband is in school right now, and once he started using the checklist, he never stopped. He likes to map out his week with all his assignments and projects. It helps him not forget any little thing, and get his work turned in on time.

BONUS TIPS

• If you have a big month, you can copy and paste each week, to create a monthly checklist. This will let you look further ahead and plan more.
  
• I like to label my days sometimes, like “Admin Day” and “Editing Day.” It helps me know generally what is coming each day.
  
• I keep a list of “Future tasks” at the bottom of the doc. Just a catch all of ideas that I haven’t placed yet but can be done anytime. I glance at the list every so often and work them in my checklist where I can.
• You can add times to items if you want to break your day down even further. Sometimes I will do this when it’s crunch time, and I have a ton to get done in a short amount of time. Again, this is where a visual timer comes in clutch.
  

Life is full of to do’s and time doesn’t stop. Using my Weekly checklist for the past two years has been a GAME CHANGER.

I hope the Weekly Checklist and these tips can help you too! BEST OF LUCK!