Turn your To-do list into a did-that list

This happens to me all the time: 

I know I have a bunch of things that I need to get done;
I remember those things precisely when I'm busy and cannot do them.

BUT when I finally have a few moments of available time,
I do not remember those things that I needed to do! 

All the tasks in our life have varying degrees of importance:

Time- Limited Tasks 
due today or soon
if it is not done, there are consequences
usually the highest priority
​

Picking up the kids
School assignments
Work Deadlines
Doctor's Appointments

Important-Eventually Tasks
No strict due date
You need to do it, eventually
Usually these tasks get put off until tomorrow.

Filing your taxes
Taking a shower or shaving
Cleaning the kitchen
​Renewing your passport
Laundry

Not-Necessary Tasks
You desire to get it done 
You remember  this task  3+ times/week
No/loose timeframe
Accomplishing these tasks are crucial to well-being and sense of accomplishment.

Returning items to the store
Reaching out to an old friend 
Cleaning the car
Research those questions that  come up in conversation
Training your dog a new trick
Using the coupons you have 
​
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I-Would-Like-To-Do Tasks
Come to mind when inspired
Aspirations, ideals or goals
Usually for bettering yourself
Things we never get around to for lack of time, energy, or forgetfulness  ​

Stretching more
Reading a new book
Making a short movie
Learning an instrument
Baking new recipes 

I remember
what I need to do
when I cannot do it,

when I have the time,
I am lost and don't
know what to do!

It's like when you're suddenly asked,
"Tell me a good joke,"
and... BLANK, you can't think of any joke.
It's the pressure of the moment!

          This is known as a "block." Blocks happen because we are so used to going through the time-limited tasks in our day.

​          Our brains are focused on those tasks, getting rid of what seems unimportant so that no energy is wasted. It's actually a good thing our mind does this automatic prioritizing,  but it's not good when you need those less important things available on command. 
​

So here is my solution, a lifehack that gets me

​motivated and turns to-do's into did-that's.

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A Masterlist

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            We are "killing time" almost all the time! While we wait for the game to start, to get called up next for an appointment, in line at the mall, and more. 
          Those micro-moments are critical for you to be able to stay on top of the "have to's" in order to have space for the "want to's."
​

What is a Masterlist?

          Every masterlist is personal and different, as long as it works for you! Mine started off as a whiteboard with magnet notes, now it is a private page on my phone.  

          The moment something comes to mind, even if I am busy, I'll record myself saying the task/idea (audio recordings are the fastest way to get your thoughts saved).  I save it to my page, and that's it! 
​

Masterlists can include: 
- audio recordings
- pictures
- written tasks
- inspirational items
- quotes
- anything really!

A masterlist is kind of like a vision board, except it's focus is on things you need to do.

A successful masterlist must be:
- convenient for you
- easily retrievable
- FUNCTIONAL more than pretty
- easy to edit (no permanent markers!)
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How Is A Masterlist Helpful?
- Ideas are saved and will not be forgotten.  
- You become more productive in work. Taking a moment to step away from work or school is not wasted time. Doing one of the tasks will give you a refreshed mind; you will return to work with more energy. 
- It guides you out of the "block" that happens to us when we have moments of free time. 
- You feel accomplished and overall, more content with your life. 
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