Are you ready to start your next project? Have a to-do list that’s a mile long? Set yourself up for success with these 8 practical tips for getting it all done! We highly recommend checking out our post on How to Master the Art of Doing for great pre-project journaling questions.

1. Write it down.

Whether you use bullet journal style tracking or a traditional numbered list, it’s important to get your tasks out of your head and down on paper. 

2. Be clear on what done looks like.

Make sure you clearly define when a task is done, especially if you’re working on tasks with a team. Defining, and then communicating clearly the criteria for completion will keep you focused and not second-guessing yourself.

3. Focus on the next action.

While it’s important to write all the to-do’s down and have a big picture idea of your projects, it can also be very overwhelming! It’s best to focus on the next action and only check in with your master list at the beginning and end of each day.

4. If it’ll only take 2 minutes, just do it.

One of the biggest roadblocks to being productive is wasting mental energy thinking about the need to complete a task. It’s much quicker and more productive to respond to the email request right now than thinking about it all day which is distracting and decreases your focus.

5. The work before the work.

Before starting a project, task, or series of to-do’s, spend a few minutes prepping and gather the tools, references, and resources you need to complete it. When you do the work before the work productivity increases because you don’t have to pause while you track down a needed piece of information.

6. Remove friction.

One of the benefits of prepping before you dive into a project is you can identify any roadblocks. Knowing where your friction points are before you start lets you be proactive and take steps to remedy the issue.

7. Time Block.

Our attention span only lasts so long before we need a break! Try the Pomodoro Technique of setting a timer for a 25-minute work session, then switch off for a five-minute break while you get up, stretch, and move away from your task. Return for an additional work session refreshed!

8. Breathe.

Last but not least, don’t forget to breathe! You’re doing a great job with all your to-do’s!

Whether you use a bullet journal or a numbered list to keep track of your to-do’s, three cheers for checking them off your list!