First published on this website in July 2005 and last updated in March 2023
Synopsis
Many Christian leaders who use a 'To Do' list struggle with the guilt of never completing it. What they are using fails to differentiate tasks by
- how long they are likely to take
- by when they need to do them, and
- by how important they are.
They also never, or very rarely, complete their list.
Hence the idea of a 'To Do Diary', a simple tool that takes the idea a bit further. It is based on a standard page-to-a-day diary (by all means use a digital system if you prefer) with each page divided into four sections:
- Timed Engagements - what a diary is normally used for
- Main Tasks - things to do that day that will probably take more than an hour, say
- Quick Actions - reminders of those 10 minute jobs that you must not forget
- Personal tasks
You also need an engagement diary or something similar for monthly planning. But the point is that by listing work to be done for a specified day, you can get to the end of your list on a regular basis. Then, no guilt! You feel better, you work better.
Note that there is now a more detailed explanation at Article A51, The 'To Do Diary' guide.
Download
Here is the link to this item: TN23 - How to do 'To do' lists.pdf
Author's notes
These notes have been updated in March 2023 with additional text and some layout changes.