With the never-ending to-do list, how do you pick the right task management system to make you feel accomplished and productive and keep from losing control? It is merely picking the right system that works for you.
The To-Do List
The first part of having the feeling of being accomplished and productive is knowing that a to-do list is necessary. However, the location of your to-do list must be in one place, whether it is on paper or digital. The reason you need a to-do list is that you cannot remember everything, no matter how good your memory is. Also, your brain is better to be used to focus and for thinking instead of remembering a list of things to get done.
For many years, I have used the David Allen GTD (Getting Things Done) Method of writing down my to-do’s and making sure that I have the ability to focus on what’s at hand and what can get thrown at me each day. Collecting all your items and processing them one at a time is important. Is it actionable? Yes, then if it takes you 2 minutes or less – do it now. If not, add it to your to-do list and process it at the time that is right. Take the time to set up a system that works for you. If you need multiple folders, use of colors, wire racks, notepads, or bullet journals, get it!
The only way you can be productive and accomplished is by getting organized and making a system that you don’t have to think about how to do each time. Once you have identified your best way, make it a habit. It will increase how you process works, how you produce work, and how you can improve your skills to help others and yourself succeed.
Digital To-Do Lists
There are many different digital tools on the market that you are able to use. Picking the right one that works for you, not the one that is popular, is best. When you pick the digital to-do list, make sure that you have considered the following:
- Calendar Reminders (date, time, recurring)
- Add Attachments (files, documents, pictures)
- Share a task list (internally and externally)
- Comment on tasks
- Divide tasks lists into sections
- Send emails as tasks
Here is a list of a few of the digital task management systems you can use:
- Microsoft To-Do*
- Microsoft OneNote*
- Asana**
- ToDoIst*
- Monday.com*
- Trello
- ClickUp
- Hive
- Wrike
- Smartsheet*
- Profit.co
- Connecteam
- Shortcut
- FunctionFox
- Jira
- Scoro
- ProjectManager.com
- OmniFocus*
- Remember The Milk
On the list above, I have noted an asterisk next to the ones I have tried using myself in the past. Currently, I use Asana and feel it suits my methods of working along with others that I work with.
Why Does Asana Work For Me?
I love Asana as my task management system because it fits in my world. Asana has the capability of not only tracking my to-do’s, but I am able to collaborate with my CEO, CFO, and our leadership team. There are so many ways that Asana can be utilized. I use the list view, but you can also use the calendar or Kanban board view. Having a task management system gives me peace. I know where my to-dos are; I can add due dates, attach documents, and create notes that tie all my work together.
As you continue to pursue the right method that works for you, remember that it needs to work for you and not against you. Your brain is for thinking and processing data, not for remembering. I hope this helps you to think about how you work and inspires you to find the method that works for you.
For more information on time management, check out the other blog posts on this website.
