Four Key Components of a to do List Matrix

Are you struggling with an overwhelming pile of tasks to do? Are you stuck, because you can’t figure out which tasks to do first? Let me tell you, folks, this happened to me last week. God made me put on the breaks and back up, so I could reflect on which steps He wanted me to take first. I’d read about categorizing a to do list, but didn’t know how to go about it, until the Writing Warriors for Jesus bootcamp meeting this past Saturday. Now that I’ve learned how to create a to do list matrix, I’m going to describe this list and show you how to create one for yourself.

What is a to do list matrix? Well, I’m glad you asked. Simply put, it’s a list of tasks categorized, in the order in which they need to be completed. How and where you create this list is up to you, but I simply created it as a Word document and put it in my Journals folder. My list has four basic categories, but you can make it as simply or as elaborate as you want, just so long as it works for you. The categories my writing friends and I came up with, are as follows:

• Urgent tasks? These are the time sensitive tasks that have to be completed today (meaning the day you list them), or by the end of the week. Be sure to write the date of completion beside these items, so you won’t forget. When you complete an urgent task, take it off the list.
• Important tasks: These tasks are high priority, but they don’t have to be done this week, for example. When you complete the most urgent tasks, you can start moving the important tasks to the urgent lists with time sensitive deadlines beside them.
• Needs: These are the tasks that need to get done, but they are not of the highest priority. As with the important tasks being moved to he urgent category, these move up the list upon completion of the most urgent tasks.
• And finally, wants: These tasks are things you’d like to do, but don’t have time for at the moment.

 Once you’ve completed your most urgent tasks for a given day, if time allows, you can start working on one of your important tasks. Fir example, I finished my urgent tasks that needed to be done on Saturday, and I had time to brainstorm topics for my email list, which is listed under the important category. For a more detailed description of the to do list matrix or to my sample list, check out my YouTube video or the Podcast episode if you like listening on the go.

Now it’s your turn? How did you create your list matrix and how has it worked for you. Feel free to share your own reflections on your website or blog with a pingback to this post so I can share your post with my followers. Until next time, happy reading and God bless.

Hugs,

Ann