Why “To Do” Lists Are Vital To Your Success

When you think about what you want from your life, a dream home, sexy car, extensive wardrobe, vacationing in exotic places, or whatever, you probably come up with some sort of plan. You may start with, “I plan to take a vacation this summer with my honey.” So, when someone asks you what you plan to do in the summer, that may be what you say, but ultimately, that may not be what you do.

In this particular example, simply saying “I plan to…” is not really a plan. That’s stating a want. You may want to take a vacation in the summer, but merely wanting it will not make it happen. So, you may take it one step further. You may figure out that you will need $1000 to pay for the vacation and $1000 spending money. Okay, this is better, but still not a plan. Now you take it even further and figure out that you can save $100 from each weekly check to completely pay for your vacation, including spending money.

NOW THAT’S A PLAN. 

BUT, it cannot stop there. You need a daily and/or weekly “to do” list. And on your list, you would need to write the following: “Put $100 in my vacation savings account on Friday.” Then continue to check your “to do” list and make a goal of accomplishing whatever is on the list and checking each item off. Imagine–if you were able to check off 20 weeks of saving $100 each week, you would have successfully paid for your vacation in full!

“To do” lists help you to focus on the steps you need to take or tasks you need to complete in order to move you toward the success you want to achieve.

Now, let’s consider applying this notion of “working your ‘to do’ lists for success” to every area of your life you have dreams for. You may have a desire for a more romantic relationship by Valentine’s Day. Or, you may have a desire for serious weight loss within the next six  months. Or, you may need to see some real growth in your business within 90 days. All of these things are completely doable with proper planning with use of  “to do” lists. Decide what you are willing “to do” each day and each week, right it down, and commit “to do”-ing it, without excuse and without exception.

Find a way to keep your commitment to yourself and your “to do” list. Find a way to make it happen! If you own a home-based business and your goal is to meet 21 new people per week, you know that that averages out to 3 people per day. If it rains Saturday, and you are short 3 people, don’t let yourself off the hook with, “Oh, it’s raining. I can’t go out in the rain.” If you choose not to go out in the rain, fine, but your commitment still calls for those 3 people. So, ask yourself, “How can I make this happen?” Then consider calling people for referrals and connecting with those referrals, or networking online and connecting with 3 new people there. Surely, you’ve heard the saying, “when there’s a will there’s a way”? Find the way.

Now, there are 3 vital tips I must share with you about “to do” lists:

1. Keep your “to do” list short. If it’s a daily “to do” list, keep it to 6 simple items on the list, or less. If it’s a weekly “to do”  list, keep it to 10 items. Having a “to do” list that’s too long may overwhelm you and set you up for frustration and ultimately failure. A short “to do” list sets you up for success, and you will have a feeling of accomplishment.
2. You can include more than one area of your life on the list. For example, on your daily “to do” list, you can have 2 items regarding weight loss, 2 items regarding your business, and 2 items regarding home maintenance. This may help to keep your life in balance so that you are making progress in more than one area of your life at a time.
3. Make sure you have action items on your “to do” lists that you are actually willing to do. You won’t do what you’re not willing to do, whether you like it or not. Set yourself up for success; write down only what you can commit to doing.

Well, that’s all for now. I hope this helps you on your journey to success!  I invite you to leave a comment below or share this with someone who may need it.

To your success,