Transcripts
1. Introduction: Making a to-do list is one of the more difficult aspects
of living a creative life. I am a writer who was
self-employed and for a while, I struggled with productivity. I'm surely not an expert on watch videos by gurus
such as Ellie up LDL, and Thomas Frank on YouTube. He seemed to know how to spend
every minute of the day. I watch the idea
of a to-do list. But no matter how hard I tried, things wouldn't get done. Then a few months ago, I changed a few things about
the to-do list itself. Instead of blaming myself
for not getting things done, I began to see the possibilities for a
more productive future. And I believe you can too, because I've been there. This is a short snappy
course on improving your to-do list is for the
frustrated, disorganized. Those will align with
chaos over order. Most importantly, it's a course for those who
want to get things done. All provide my best tips on to-do lists through
micro videos. There's also a class
project at the end. Please note that this course
is for absolute beginners. And it's probably too
simple for those who already have a good grasp
on their to-do lists. With that said, let's begin.
2. Consider The Time-Frame: Thai always matters within
the realm of productivity. A less about the
things jot it down, and more about the time you've allocated to certain tasks. A daily to-do list does add pressure and put a timer or
when to get things done. Whether deadlines are imposed
by others or from yourself. There is no denying
the power of time. It keeps smoothing and so
should weigh one era many make. When making a to-do list is
picking the wrong timeframe. It's easy to fall into a trap where you believe you must have a daily or weekly to-do list. The problem is, well, that's suitable for everyone. Some are better off with a
fortnightly or monthly list. Of those work well
in books or months. For myself, I become
more productive when I started to make fortnightly
lists on most blocks of time. But there are occasions
when I have weekly lists, you must break free of rigid thinking when
planning your time. Another important
suggestion to have multiple to do is you can
have a fortnightly one, but have a list. This is what I do,
but I ensure one list is less rigid and more
flexible than the other one. This allows for
tasks to get done, but it is also a realistic
look at my time. There's nothing wrong with it. Just signal to the list as
long as you are getting important tasks completed on maintaining your overall vision, on what you want to accomplish.
3. The Importance of Realism: My best tip on improving to-do lists is paying realistic
about what you feature. So often, we put things in
our to-do lists that are frankly unrealistic or
take longer than we think. Unfortunately to do is have
a trickle-down effect. If we miss a few tasks, this can result in missing
more and more as we develop excuses and a poor attitude
to the tasks listed. This has certainly
been my experience. First, consider the time and
energy each task requires. You may write down, I need to compose a 200 word blog post that may
take medium level energy, well, maybe 3 h. Secondly, ask yourself, have I done this task in
this timeframe before? If you've never written a
1,200 blog posts within 3 h, perhaps it's best
to break the task up and to spread
it over many days. The strongest to-do
lists made by those who understand their
strengths and weaknesses, but also comprehended
daily lives. If you have children, inquiries, you must consider
external circumstances. In the next video, I will discuss the rigid nature of to-do lists.
I'll see you there.
4. On Rigid Structures & Flexible Thinking: A to-do list will feature tasks that vary in urgency
and priority. Regardless, every
task you put down is a promise to yourself
that you'll accomplish it. However, you must plan for
potential disruptions. Hey, that's life. In the middle of the week. I often find that tusks
I've written down impossible to accomplish
to an excellent level. E.g. I. May plan to film another Skillshare class
on Thursday evening, but an emergency may come up. This is where flexibility helps. I could allocate that
skill share class to the next week or do
it on the weekend. Or third, postponing vital
tasks is irritating. It is sometimes needed
to do lists are important and you must stick with them as
best as you can. But complete rigidly
doesn't work either. It can actually
really restrain you and make things that
ought to be enjoyable. Feel like a chore. When writing one. It's dualist. Give strong consideration
into what you'll do if an emergency comes up or
you can't accomplish a task. Not only will this make
your list more realistic, but it can empower you to
handle emergencies much better. A task postponed
eventually has to be done. Yet I see no reason
why it has to be agonizing or painful
or stressful. Best of luck.
5. Getting Tasks Done: Images & Reasons: There's a powerful method in
making sure tasks get done. And it involves persuasion. As humans. Sometimes we don't
have motivation to do tasks necessary to our lives. Even if we wanted to accomplish everything
on our to-do list. This doesn't always
translate into using our energy and time
into accomplishing it. Here is a great
motivating force. When writing your to-do list. Include one or two reasons why the task must be completed. E.g. you may drop down. Welcome application
for an arts Grant. Underneath, however,
you'll include reasons why you want
to do this task. Maybe you mentioned how the arts funding will
elevate your work. This will help focus on your ID as well as develop
your angles in mind. Not necessary. I like an images and making the to-do list
visually exciting. This may mean quite visuals,
some even sentimental. Remember what I said
earlier about persuasion? You must convince yourself
to complete tasks. When constructing your stylist. Give strong consideration into what visuals and ideas
would persuade you. This task is a helpful way to clarify why you were
doing the tasks listed. There is no right or
wrong method here. It's possible, desirable to persuade yourself to
complete any task listed. I believe you can do that.
6. Adding Tasks During The Week: To Do not set in concrete. Over time. They'll take different shapes. Some tasks will be removed, shifted, or even added. This video talks
about adding tasks during the week and
why it's a good idea. It's especially useful for
those who underestimate themselves and how much they can accomplish during a timeframe. Sometimes. And I know this
happens to me quite a bit. A to-do list is undercooked. A consequence of a to-do
list that is bare, where all tasks are
completed relatively early. Endless procrastination,
slow work, and wasting time. This is why I suggest,
although not always, to add tasks during the week or fortnight, whichever suits you. Of course, you must fit your
tasks that you plan to do. Or at the very least, I
suggest adding tasks that is similar in scope
and your main ones as really as truth be told, the week maybe halfway
or reading over. And you don't want to disturb other tasks needing to get done. It's also good to have a column for tasks that don't
really have a deadline, but must get done regardless, this can ensure the
tasks remain on your mind and you
don't forget them. Really. You want to look at
your to-do list and prioritize certain
tasks over others. A to-do list is essentially
curation out work. Think of yourself as an
art director at a museum. There are so many beautiful
Renaissance paintings, but you can only select a few, and you've got to use it to illustrate a theme
or an overall goal. This is because every painting,
therefore, every task, must have a purpose and results in a
progression of sorts. Or at the very least, and maintenance of a
goal or a standard.
7. When Tasks Remain Uncompleted: It is frustrating to see
tasks not get completed. It's easy to blame
yourself or someone else. Worse, you might procrastinate endlessly and ruin all the good focus
you've been building up. But it's hard for a recourse. And to stay on track. Think hard about when the next opportunities
or to complete a task. This may be tomorrow, next week on a few months time. But keep your focus because you'll need it
for my next suggestion, one productive response,
when the task remains on Done is to do something useful that's related
to your overall vision. E.g. I. Plan to finish
a blog post today, but it never got done. I was frustrated and
disappointed in myself. I kept writing and
planning this course. Even though I had turned
my weekly work on it, this was a satisfied
and helpful response to when things
remain incomplete. Even if a task is not feasible, you can do something
that is equally useful to your overall vision. Another idea, although
not always suitable, is to do as much of the task
as you can and make time. This may mean. And often does sacrificing
a free afternoon, Awesome hours on the weekend. Effective time management is ultimately making
peace with yourself. Your available time
and resources. What you don't want
to do is not do it. The task is on your to-do
list for very good reason. It matters to you
and you'll have more options than you think.
8. Class Project: Welcome to the class project. We're making a
digital to-do list. You can do this or
Notion or Canva, as long as you can
add images, quotes, explanations, and text,
first, pick your timeframe. It could be a day, a weekend, fortnight, or a month. He may even want a year if you're really that
long term thinking. But for this task, pick one, make it a heading. Afterwards. Give strong consideration
in what you want to get done and how
it can be accomplished. Think about what's
required in terms of materials and
whether these tasks are solely in your control. A to do list, especially an excellent one, doesn't have to
include everything, and neither does this task. You may narrow down
your list even further. Then. Face to the three tasks with the text feature underneath
each of these three. And why you want to get it done. Motivation and a sense of
purpose isn't everything, but they can help you focus and remain on
track for success. You may include
images or quotes, give strong consideration
in what motivates you. Of course, as always,
with my glasses, gloves for you to share your work in the class
project section, I shared mine, and we can
certainly inspire each other. Best of luck.
9. Conclusion: Thank you very much
for taking this class. I made it for
complete beginners. And I hope it helped
you kickstart better productivity
regardless of whatever hurdles you face. Keep going, make the
necessary adjustments, and keep your focus on what
you want to accomplish. There's a reason why you
jotted down these tasks and there is no reason why
they can't be completed. To recap, consider
time management. Incorporate realism
into your mind. Use persuasive tactics,
leveraged technology, and create a recourse planned. You can do it. I know every artist and creative can cooperate structure
for their own benefit, but doesn't have to
feel like a chore. It can be an
opportunity to succeed, to thrive, and to take your
work to a superior level. Ultimately, you want
to get this task done. Thanks again for
watching if you'd like. I have other Skillshare classes
about creative writing, which may suit you. Feedback and comments
are always welcome. As I'm really trying to grow and Skillshare and I
appreciate working with you and helping
online education. Thanks again, and
I'll see you soon.
Madeleine Rose Jones, Creative Writing & Lifestyle
