To-Do List Tips from a Forever Student

By Caroline Franke

(The Guest Blogging Series: While Natalie is recovering from surgery, her friends have offered to bring you incredible content. Today is extra-special as we get to feature Natalie’s sister, Caroline!)

Hi friends! Caroline here, Natalie’s little sister. Natalie reached out to me to share some of my tips with you, and usually I wouldn’t feel equipped to educate thousands of creatives given that I, 1) share none of Natalie’s creative genius genes and 2) I have never owned my own business, but when she asked me to share some tips on being productive and getting through a To-Do list, I felt like I might just have something to share. You see, I am currently a third year medical student, two years from finally becoming a Doctor – I have been a forever student, and over the years I have perfected my To-Do List method. So here are a few key pieces of advice for how to make a list and set yourself up for a productive and effective work session.

1. Make a fresh To-Do List each day

Spending a few minutes thinking about what needs to be done will prime your mind to get ready to focus. It’s a similar concept to sleep hygiene and having a bedtime ritual – we are creatures of habit and our minds thrive on routines. If you continually start a work session by making your list, over time it will prime your mind to transition into focus mode.

2. Have a Master List

I recommend having a larger master list with your longer term goals and the big picture tasks that need to be done. For example, if I have to write an article, I’ll add sub-tasks such as researching the topic, writing the 1st draft, and editing the article to my master list. This master list ensures that I don’t lose sight of the big picture between the day to day. I heavily rely on this master list as a blue print to pick and choose what needs to make it onto the daily To-Do lists.

3. Have some low-hanging fruit items

We all hit mini slumps during the day, especially if we’re going from one task to the next. This is why I like to add a few easy cross-off items on my lists. When I’m feeling my mind slow down, I switch over to tackling something simple. For example, I water my plants every Sunday, and even though it’s a habit by now, I still add it to my list. When I start to feel the productivity slip, I take a 5-minute break to tend to the plants. Checking off that box, even though it only took a few minutes, gives me motivation to keep going.

4. Find your list length sweet spot

How many times have you heard, “Be realistic” when it comes to making a To-Do list? This is a common piece of advice because it’s true – over eager lists will cut into our motivation. But here’s my secret: I know I’ve made the perfect To-Do list if one item is left unchecked at the end of the day. I believe in a balance of realism with optimism. If the list is too short, the drive to remain focused can falter. If your list is too long, you’ll become pessimistic and discouraged. Find the sweet spot – the middle ground where you have to get outside your comfort zone just a little to get through the list. This will give you the right amount of push to increase your efficiency and accomplish more while also feeling like a total boss for getting so much done.

These tips have truly been at the core of my productivity over the past several years. By increasing my efficiency and getting those boxes checked off faster, I have created more time for myself outside of school. Life isn’t about getting the boxes checked off, but for some of us, it’s an aspect of life that we just can’t live without. We might as well make the most of it!