Making a to-do list is a highly recommended move if you feel like your tasks are starting to overwhelm you. It can certainly be helpful, as it can serve as an effective tool in organizing your thoughts and priorities for the day especially with the new year ahead. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this list is simply a tool, and while it can certainly help you stay on top of your events and activities, listing your tasks down is but one step toward completing your goals. You still have to traverse the rest of the road if you want to accomplish what you set out to do and make the most of your time. Here are a few tips that you can apply to slowly but surely start ticking off the items in your task list.

Clear Your Schedule First

It can be a challenge to finish everything that you’ve set out to do if you simply keep adding to your list of tasks for the day. Before starting anything, take care of what’s on your plate first and make sure that the tasks you want to complete by the end of the day can actually be accomplished by a single person or the team that’s working with you. Should you need to take care of last-minute errands, consider if you have enough time and energy to accomplish them within your schedule; if not, perhaps these activities can be relegated to another workday. In case last-minute tasks are a normal part of your personal and professional responsibilities, it’s a good idea to set a specific time for them in your schedule so that you can address them properly without letting them spill over to your next workday.

Plan Your Tasks and Breaks

In addition to setting aside enough time to do your duties, you also need to schedule your breaks. Aside from your lunch and toilet breaks, dedicate enough time between tasks to rest your mind and shift perspectives before you move on to your next agenda for the day. If you tend to forget the time or have a habit of getting too engrossed in your work, you can use the Muslim Pro app to remind you of your personal schedule, such as your prayer times. Having an alarm will help you focus more on your task. Because you can count on the Muslim Pro app to remind you of your responsibilities, you don’t have to keep one eye on the clock or your phone when you’re supposed to be working.

Have a Dedicated Workspace

If you’re having a hard time getting into your work mode, then having a habitual space for work can help you focus on your tasks. Establishing a routine, which can include sitting in front of your home office or workshop, can also help your mind make peace with the fact that it’s time to work on your scheduled tasks and projects. Adopting a pre-work habit can take a bit of time, but this can make it much easier for you to focus on your agenda and steer clear of distractions.

Collect Resources Before You Start

Another tip that can help you improve your focus is making sure you have everything you need to complete your work right in front of you. If you want to exercise, for example, it’s a good idea to collect your gear, set your playlist, prepare your water, and make a list of your routine before you start moving. This way, you can keep your attention on your form and movement without having to worry about what you need for the next phase of your activity.

Complete the Hard Tasks First

Some people prefer to complete an easy task in the morning, such as making their bed, so that they can feel good about accomplishing something at the start of the day, and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, if you’re faced with a demanding activity, it’s better to tackle it early in the day. Doing the hard work first will help you ensure that you have enough time and energy to see the challenge to completion. After that, you can schedule a break or focus on an easier task to help build your work momentum.

Look After Yourself Well

Last but not least, it’s important to take care of yourself. You need to be in excellent condition so you can give your all when faced with challenging projects and activities. Eat well, get enough sleep, and make it a point to exercise to stay in peak physical form. Take care of your body and mind so that you’ll remain capable of reaching your full potential and accomplishing what you set out to do.

Follow these tips so that you can effectively use your task list as a productivity tool. Better yet, make a habit of them so you will be able to make the most of your time and energy and accomplish your scheduled tasks at the end of every day.

With that, the SG Lifestyle Team hopes that you will find these tips useful and we wish you a wonderful and prosperous CNY ahead!