I love making lists. My weekly To Do List is always my favourite one to make on a regular basis. I get to write out everything I need to do for work, as well as chores and other tasks I need to complete. But that's not it- I also like to list all the clients I have work for, video ideas, podcast episode ideas and blog post suggestions. There's something about having everything all written out that gets me to do stuff sooner.
Believe it or not, there's some science behind the effectiveness of making lists. There are many benefits to writing out what to buy, what to do and so on. Here are just three of them to show you why making lists is a great habit to get into.
Reduces your anxiety
Ever thought about every single thing you need to get done that day, only to curl up in a ball with crippling anxiety? All you can think about everything that has to be completed. I know I've been guilty of being nothing more than a ball of stress when I overthink every I have to do.
By writing a list out, you know exactly what you have to do. It decreases your anxiety just writing everything down because all that you have to get done is laid out for you to see. Your stress will also decrease, allowing a clearer mind to get stuff done efficiently.
Turns goals into work
When you look at a big goal, it seems unachievable. Where do you start? What steps do you need to take to reach said goal? These questions and many more can overwhelm you, making any goal seem like an impossible mountain climb.
Writing a list of all the steps you need to take to achieve your goal helps break it down into a less terrifying achievement. Whether you're writing a book, starting a business or improving your grades, breaking such a goal into manageable tasks will make it easier to complete. That's where writing a list comes into play, as you can write out said tasks in a clear manner.
Helps you prioritize everything
Looking at all you have to get done can also make you feel cross-eyed. You might not know what should be done today versus what can be done by the end of the week. The last thing you want to happen is miss a crucial due date!
Writing it all out in a list makes it easier to see what has to be done immediately, and what can wait. You can ensure that your tasks are planned out accordingly. Finally you'll be less likely to miss deadlines or stress out over having to get everything done in one day.
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Making lists is a great way to boost productivity. It helps reduce anxiety in what to expect, turns goals into actual work, and helps to focus you better. Those are only a few benefits to prove that list-making really work. If you haven't gotten into this habit already, it's time to give it a shot.