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How to Use a To Do List, plus a free printable Weekly To Do List for your This is My Life Planner @ AVirtuousWoman.org #busymoms #proverbs31

How to Use a To-Do List | 7 Tips for Using a To-Do List

The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty. Proverbs 21:5

This post may contain affiliate links. You can read my disclosure policy here.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by your to-do list? If your list is too long to be manageable, it can feel like a daunting task to start checking things off. I mean, as a wife, mom, and homemaker, you probably have a never-ending to-do list. Today I’m talking about how to use a to do list so you don’t feel overwhelmed.

Be sure to download my free printable Master To-Do List at the bottom of the post!

I am a big believer in writing things down. I love to plan and make lists and I often say, if it’s not written down it doesn’t get done. This is partially because I have a rather bad memory (mom brain) and also because I’m very easily distracted.

So let’s talk about how to use a to do list. It’s one of my favorite planning tools!

Obviously, if you’re using a planner – especially one like my Purpose 31 Homemaking Planners that includes a daily chore list – you’re probably already implementing a to do list, and even if you haven’t been using a planner, you may already be using a written to do list – or even an app on your phone to help you remember all those things you need to get done on a given day.

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” Proverbs 21:5

Planning is smart and a to-do list can be super helpful. But how can you use a to-do list in the best possible way to get more done – and not feel stressed out at the end of the day?

3 Reasons Your To-Do List Doesn’t Work

There are three reasons why your To Do List may not be working for you.

  1. Too many items to check off.
  2. You forget to look at your to-do list.
  3. Unrealistic items to check off on any given day.

How to Best Use a To Do List

A to-do list can be your best friend. It will help you stay focused each day and get more done – if you do it right.

  1. Make a master to-do list and then choose different tasks from your master list to work on each day. There’s no reason to have a huge long list when you know you can’t complete that many things in one day!
  2. Before you add anything down on your to-do list, consider what you have going on that might make certain tasks harder. For instance, I babysit a couple of my grandkids all day long on a regular basis. Trying to load and stack hay is unrealistic if I have to take these two boys along with me.
  3. Don’t try to do too many things in one hour. Often, getting one thing done in one hour is all you can expect to do. Especially if you are a stay at home mom – and even more so if you homeschool.
  4. Remember, just like a planner only reduces your stress if you actually look at it and use it, a to-do list isn’t going to help you if don’t refer back to it during the day.
  5. Eat the Frog. If you get that one thing done that you really don’t want to do… the rest of your list will seem easy. Just get it out of the way. You’ll feel better.
  6. Combine your errands so that you’re saving time and money. Try to limit your trips to town to one day a week.
  7. Delegate chores. It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to assign your kids chores on your to-do list. You don’t have to do it all to be an amazing mom. And sometimes it okay to ask your husband, too!

Of course, we all have days when things just don’t go as planned – and that’s okay. Life doesn’t have to always go as planned to still be spectacular. Believe me, I have more than my fair share of those days! Go ahead and embrace the season you are in. Be joyful in this moment.

Some of us DO work more efficiently than others. Creative types like me need space to breathe in between to do’s. I often visit the Prudent Homemaker’s blog and she amazes me!

Really though, simplifying your life will ultimately mean simplifying your to-do list. And ultimately, life shouldn’t be about doing more. Your life should be about creating rich and meaningful relationships and carving out a space in this world that will help nurture those relationships at home.

As I worked to overcome my burnout, I’ve spent more time focusing on laughter, good food, hanging out with my kids, and less time on having a perfect house and a superwoman to-do list. In fact, my to-do list is often on the small side.

And you know what? I’m enjoying my life more.

Action Steps to Take Today

  1. Always pray as you make plans. It’s always a good idea to pray first!! Ask God to help you make the best of your to-do list.
  2. Determine if your to-do list is making your life easier or making you feel defeated at the end of the day.
  3. Make a master to-do list to work off of and a simpler to-do list to work from each day.
  4. Download my free printable Master To-Do List below, if desired.
  5. Remember: You are the master of your to-do list. It’s not the master of you!!

The Simplified Homemaking Planner

Here’s sneak peek inside my Purpose 31 Simplified Homemaker Planner:

Our culture has conditioned people to value less the domestic arts than productivity outside the home.

And while people love to criticize women who enjoy homemaking, who doesn’t love to come home to the smell of fresh-baked bread or a tidy house. Who doesn’t love to open their drawers to find clean socks and underwear on a daily basis?

If you want to manage your home well and believe that homemaking matters, The Purpose 31 Simplified Homemaking Planner is the perfect solution to manage your home and family life. 

The beauty of this weekly planner is that each week is undated so that you can start using it at any time during the year! Each month has five weekly homemaking layouts because some months have four weeks and some months have five weeks. Use the pages you need. 

Plus, since it’s a printable download, it’s a one time purchase, ultimately saving you money! This Undated Weekly planner keeps your week running smoothly.

Free Printable To-Do List

How to Download

  1. Just fill out the form below and you’ll receive an email giving you instant access to my free printable Master To Do List.
  2. If you are already a subscriber, filling out the form won’t affect your subscription, but you will receive the link to download!

Why should I subscribe?

  • exclusive coupons and sales to my shop
  • updates, challenges, freebies, and exclusive offers
  • instant access to subscriber exclusive printables

Do you need to simplify your To Do List? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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About Melissa Ringstaff

My name is Melissa Ringstaff and I've been blogging here at A Virtuous Woman since 2001. I'm a pastor's wife and homeschooling mom living in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of Southeastern KY. I believe in finding freedom from perfection and living life with purpose and I want to help you do exactly that.

I'm so glad you've stopped by to visit with me. I hope we can be friends!

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This post may contain affiliate links. You can read my disclosure policy here.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jen Weaver

    February 28, 2014 at 5:54 pm

    I love to-do lists. Sometimes I even write completed tasks on the list just so I can cross them off. :) Your "eat the frog" point is perfect and it gave me a good chuckle. Thanks for this post!
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      February 28, 2014 at 7:54 pm

      Jen, I've done that before too! Thanks for stopping by and visiting with me. Come back soon!
      Reply
  2. Jenna // A Mama Collective

    March 2, 2014 at 1:19 pm

    I LOVE this! I am so the person that you're talking to. I don't even make to-do lists because I don't know how to conquer what I've written down. Thank you so much for sharing :)
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      March 2, 2014 at 1:22 pm

      Hi Jenna, I'm glad you found it helpful. Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting with me today. I hope you'll come back soon so we can get to know each other better!
      Reply
  3. Linda

    May 25, 2016 at 7:19 pm

    Your planner looks great! Is the weekly planning sheet that lists daily chores, etc...customizeable so I can put in my own list? I'm an empty nester now, and I have more time than I've had in many years! But without my usual routine that I had when my kids were home, I've found myself not getting as much accomplished as I'd like. I'm hoping to create a new rountine/schedule. Thanks!
    Reply

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purposenotperfection

Freedom from perfection. 🪁
Live with purpose. ✝️
Proverbs 31 for modern women. 👱‍♀️
Wife + Mama + Homemaker + Kentucky
Life: @melissa.ringstaff

Melissa Ringstaff
Not gonna lie. 2020 was a hard year. And not just Not gonna lie. 2020 was a hard year. And not just because there was a pandemic. Our family has faced many trying times in the past but 2020 gave us some doozies.  I’m looking forward to a new year. The beginning of the new year always feels like a fresh start to me. It feels like HOPE.  But the truth is, whatever heartaches and hardships you and I were facing on Dec. 31 will most likely still be there on Jan. 1.  That’s why it’s hard to keep New Years resolutions. It’s easy to feel motivated for a few days or a couple weeks until we realize life hasn’t really changed and things are still hard.  But if we want to see real change it takes hard work and real effort. It takes showing up every day - even when it’s hard.  Whether that means working on your fractured relationships or setting healthy boundaries or cultivating self disciple... whatever that hard thing is that you need to work on ... it will only get better if you work on it.  We aren’t promised an easy life. But we are promised an “Ever Present Help in times of trouble.” Psalm 46:1  *
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#faithblogger #faithfulness #faithandfamily #bibleverseaday #christianbloggers #dailyverses #christianlife #jesuscalling #shereadstruth#proverbs31women #proverbs31life #10virtues #daughteroftheking #jesuslovesme #womenoffaith #faithquotes #proverbs31
We’re coming into the new year with all the same We’re coming into the new year with all the same problems we had in the last year. And that’s okay! Life doesn’t have to be perfect to still be amazing. Perfectionism is a joy stealer. Let’s determine to enjoy life right now in all its messiness.  I believe you can find freedom from perfection and the confidence to live your life with purpose. #purposenotperfection  #christian #Jesus #love #quotes #quoteslife #quotestoliveby #godisgood #votd #lifequotes #inspirationalquotes #life #motivationalquotes #inspiration #bible #bb #bestoftheday #happiness #wordofgod
🏠 Being a homemaker is such an important role. 🏠 Being a homemaker is such an important role. It’s a ministry to your family and all who enter your home.  But I want you to know: You don’t have to be perfect. ❤️  There’s a fine line between teaching your children to be neat and insisting on perfection. No one can meet that kind of standard and it can be detrimental to the emotional health of your family.  What we want for our homes is to provide a space that is neat and clean enough that your family and friends feel comfortable and well loved.  There is freedom in accepting the fact that you’re not perfect. Not to make excuses for slovenliness - but to give yourself grace.  It’s when we recognize our weakness that we find ourselves reaching out to Jesus to receive the power that comes only from him. As homemakers, when we can find grace for the moment when we accept His Gift.  “But now for a brief moment grace has been shown from the LORD our God, to leave us an escaped remnant and to give us a peg in His holy place, that our God may enlighten our eyes and grant us a little reviving in our bondage. Ezra 9:8  Let His Grace wash over you, cleanse your weary heart. Homemaking isn’t about creating a perfect space. It’s about creating a home where loved ones feel cared for and nurtured. 
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#proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #purpose31 #10virtues #homemaking #homemakingministries #happyhomemaking #homemaking101 #cleanhome #cleanheart #fromchaostocalm #housekeeping #cleaningroutine #inspiredhome #makingahome #lovewhereyoudwell #homemaker #homebody #biblicalHomemaking #wearethehomemakers
❤️Your attitude about homemaking matters.⠀
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A homemaker by definition is someone who manages and makes a home. 🏠⠀
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But, anyone can clean and organize a home. ⠀
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☑️ Homemaking is about more than checking off the items on your to do list.⠀
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Learning how to be a homemaker means you learn how to make your home feel like haven of peace and love. You seek out ways to make your home feel inviting. You work at it.⠀
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There is no easy button for homemaking. There are easier, more efficient ways to do chores, but the chores still have to be done. If you live in a house, you will create the need for the house to be tidied every day and cleaned on a regular basis.⠀
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Having the right attitude about homemaking is the first step in learning how to be a homemaker.⠀
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The good news is, even if you’ve been struggling with your homemaking, you can always go to God and ask Him for help. ⠀
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He sees the unseen work of your hands. And He loves you very, very much. He wants to help you succeed. ⠀
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#proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #purpose31 #10virtues #homemaking #homemakingministries #happyhomemaking #homemaking101 #cleanhome #cleanheart #fromchaostocalm #housekeeping #cleaningroutine #inspiredhome #makingahome #lovewhereyoudwell #homemaker #homebody #biblicalHomemaking  #youngwife #housewife
🙏 If you’ve found it difficult to have a regu 🙏 If you’ve found it difficult to have a regular time with Jesus every day, you’re not alone. Lots of busy Christian women struggle to find time for a daily prayer and devotion time. ⠀
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But I still want to encourage you to start your day with God! ⠀
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⏰ If it’s hard to spend 30 minutes in the morning for a quiet time, I want you to remember you can still begin your day with God – even if that means saying a short prayer before your feet hit the floor in the morning.⠀
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✝️ I also want to encourage you to memorize this verse:⠀
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“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.⠀
Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” Psalm 143:8 📖⠀
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In the morning you can recite this verse and say a prayer. It doesn’t have to take a long time. Although – if you do have time – you will be greatly blessed by spending more time in prayer and devotion.⠀
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📌 Free Printable Morning Prayer Prompts on the blog today: https://avirtuouswoman.org/morning-prayer-prompts/  #linkinbio ⠀
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#faithblogger #faithfulness #faithandfamily #bibleverseaday #christianbloggers #dailyverses #christianlife #jesuscalling #shereadstruth #Christ #Church #Christian #Jesus #Jesuslover #JesusChrist #JesusisLord #CreatorGod #Devotional #verseoftheday #Love #Faith #biblestudy #God #dailydevotional
🏠 As a homemaker, one of my goals is to be inte 🏠 As a homemaker, one of my goals is to be intentional with how I plan our days. I love any opportunity to create a good memories at home for my family and guests. ⠀⠀
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📌 If you're looking to make this holiday season really special, you need to be intentional. Goodness knows 2020 has had a lot of ups and downs. And maybe you feel like it's been mostly downs. ⠀⠀
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🎄 But the holiday season is a chance to focus on celebrating the life we have right now. Things don't need to be perfect for us to celebrate life right now!!⠀⠀
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☑️ Inside the pages of my Purpose 31 holiday planner, you'll find 8 weeks of planning and cleaning all laid out for you. Recipe pages, journaling pages, and more - 120 pages total. ⠀⠀
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✏️ The Purpose 31 Holiday Planner is by far one of the most popular resource I produce each year. ⠀⠀
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Thousands of women have downloaded it over the last four years I've offered it.⠀⠀
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So, even though it's early still, you can go ahead and downlaod it. Print it out and then set it up so you're ready to go.⠀⠀
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I usually take my holiday planner down to Office Depot and have them spiral bind it with a plastic cover for about $5.00. This year, though, I just bought a new 3 ring binder at Walmart, printed off extra cover pages to slip in the clear sleeve, and created a binder with it. ⠀⠀
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📌📌📌 If you use the planner this year, be sure to share and tag me in your photos! ❤️⠀  Download: https://avirtuouswoman.org/holiday-planner/ #linkinbio
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#proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #purpose31 #10virtues #homemaking #homemakingministries #happyhomemaking #homemaking101 #cleanhome #cleanheart #fromchaostocalm #housekeeping #cleaningroutine #inspiredhome #makingahome #lovewhereyoudwell #homemaker #homebody #biblicalHomemaking #christmas #holidayplanning #planningaddict #plannercommunity #freeprintables #thanksgiving #christmastree  #plannerobsessed
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