{"id":4005,"date":"2022-09-30T13:55:00","date_gmt":"2022-09-30T13:55:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oxfordlearning.com\/how-to-make-a-to-do-list-that-really-works\/"},"modified":"2025-07-02T16:04:29","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T16:04:29","slug":"how-to-make-a-to-do-list-that-really-works","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oxfordlearning.com\/how-to-make-a-to-do-list-that-really-works\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Make a To-Do List That Really Works"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Almost everyone struggles with finishing tasks. However, some of us have trouble with the work that comes before a task: recognizing what we need to accomplish.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The solution? A to-do list! It&#8217;s a tried-and-true technique that is wonderful in its simplicity: first, determine what needs to be done, then determine the sequence the tasks need to follow. It\u2019s a simple process: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>write down each task<\/li><li>work in the task<\/li><li>cross each task off as completed <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Our brains love ordered tasks, and we perform better when we have written down what we need to do. Learn more about the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/lifeandstyle\/2017\/may\/10\/the-psychology-of-the-to-do-list-why-your-brain-loves-ordered-tasks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">psychology of to-do lists here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But be careful! Many to-do lists are actually not very effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most people end up with a list of tasks that are either too long or too vague, which means they don&#8217;t really know where to start and how much time each task will take. This makes it difficult to plan the task effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">You\u2019ve Made A To-Do List. Now What?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you&#8217;ve made your list, it&#8217;s time to get down to business. Avoid to-do lists that are too long or too vague, which makes it difficult to know where to start and how much time each task will take. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are four tips for making an effective to-do list:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Determine what has to be done and in what sequence\u00a0<\/li><li>Write down all the tasks\u00a0<\/li><li>Complete the tasks one by one<\/li><li>Cross them out as completed<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have a lot to do in a day and are starting to feel overwhelmed, create a To-Do List! Simply by creating the list, you will feel more organized, in control, and accomplished, which can reduce your stress levels and help to get the work done. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">To-Do List Pro Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/oxfordlearning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/GettyImages-1220976971-1024x484.jpg\" alt=\"creating a to-do list\n\" class=\"wp-image-27175\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The first task on your to-do list should always be the most important one. Never start with the small stuff; getting the big things out of the way first is better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re going to make a to-do list, it&#8217;s important that you make a list of what needs to be completed. Write down each task on a piece of paper and assign an estimated time frame of when they must be completed\u2014by the hour of the day.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a straightforward tip, but it&#8217;s hard to remember. When you&#8217;re writing down your to-do list, ensure each task has a specific action associated with it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example: &#8220;Finish  English homework&#8221;  is not effective because it&#8217;s vague and doesn&#8217;t tell you what to do. Instead, write <em>Complete Shakespeare&#8217;s impact on world literature unit for English class<\/em>. The more specific the details, the easier accomplishing the task becomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tackle Your To-Do List with Oxford Learning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At Oxford Learning, we\u2019ve built organization tips and study skills into every program.&nbsp;Learn more about how you can create effective to-do lists at one of our learning centres. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/oxfordlearning.com\/locations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Contact us today.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Almost everyone struggles with finishing tasks. However, some of us have trouble with the work that comes before a task: recognizing what we need to accomplish.\u00a0 The solution? A to-do list! It&#8217;s a tried-and-true technique that is wonderful in its simplicity: first, determine what needs to be done, then determine the sequence the tasks need [&hellip;] [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":16481,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1175],"tags":[322,365,364],"class_list":["post-4005","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-organization","tag-beyond-tutoring","tag-high-school","tag-middle-school"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Make a To-Do List That Really Works - Oxford Learning<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Use the advice in this article to make a to-do lists that you can actually cross off the next day. 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