To do lists often lack this ONE thing

Chances are, you made a to-do list at some point this week (or today even) to stay productive and achieve what needs to be done.

But is your to-do list effective? 

To-do lists are a great way to keep track of your tasks and stay organized. However, if your to-do list is ineffective, it might lack actionable items. 

One simple solution is to use verbs in your to-do list items.


Using verbs transforms your tasks from vague ideas into actionable steps. For example, instead of writing "grocery shopping," you could write "buy milk, eggs, and bread at the grocery store." This makes the task more specific and easier to accomplish.

Another benefit of using verbs is that it helps you prioritize your tasks. Verbs like "complete," "finish," and "submit" indicate that the task should be done soon, while verbs like "plan," "research," and "prepare" suggest that the task is still in the early stages.

(And here’s a pro tip: Once you’ve identified which tasks have the highest priority, number them — and tackle them in numerical order.)

To get started, take a look at your current to-do list and see if you can add verbs to your tasks. Remember to be specific and use verbs that clearly indicate what needs to be done.

With a little practice, you'll find that your to-do lists are more effective, and you're getting more done.

For your growth,

Bill

Bill Cox

Bill is a credentialed and experienced Executive Coach. He has spent the last 20 years coaching thousands of leaders. Bill has a passion for helping leaders get to the next level and live intentional lives of influence. As a speaker, coach, and author, Bill places exceptional value on empowering leaders to thrive professionally and personally. Bill and his wife, Moey, reside in Pennsylvania, where they experience exceeding pleasure watching their son, Joel, grow into a modern-day knight.