I’ve always been a fan of to-do lists, and I still write mine down on paper too! Over the last few months I have been experimenting with writing my to-do list at night and I have seen all kinds of benefits. Today I thought I would share some with you – I’d love to hear your thoughts too!
It will be more realistic
Writing your to-do list at night is highly likely to result in a much smaller, more targeted list. You will have just completed a day’s work and therefore know what is realistic for you to achieve the next day. You’ll also have your priorities front of mind so you’ll know what is actually important to get done.
You might sleep better
Putting everything down on paper at night helps free up your mind from subconsciously worrying about forgetting what you have to get done the next day. That often results in a restless night’s sleep. If you’ve already made your to-do list then you’ll know you haven’t forgotten anything, and you’ll also feel more confident that you’re on top of things.
You wont be thrown by unexpected morning events
It’s not exactly uncommon for our morning plans to be thrown into disarray after one little (or big!) thing goes wrong. When that happens we are automatically on the back foot all day, and can end up not clear on what we’re actually meant to be prioritising. If you’ve made your to-do list at night then you’ll be able to get your day back on track more smoothly.
It helps mark the end of work-mode
This is a particularly helpful tip for days working from home, but either way I promise it’s helpful! If you write your to-do list at night it helps mark a very clear end to your working day which can help you switch off and relax. You’re mentally telling yourself that your day is done, and you’re able to relax for the evening.
You can hit the ground running
For people like me that are morning people, anything that helps me make the most of my morning energy is welcome. Having my to-do list already clearly written and prioritised means I can just get cracking when I start my working day, rather than wasting time trying to determine what it is I need to achieve. Even if you’re not a morning person, it will help you feel more productive and motivated as you’ll be less likely to procrastinate while trying to work out what you should tackle first.
You’re less likely to forget things
I don’t know about you, but I often end my work day with a bunch of small things I need to follow up on the next day. If I don’t write them down before I log off at night I’m much more likely to forget about them the next day. If I write my to-do list at night then I can feel more confident that I have captured all those things, and I might actually get them done the next day!
Have you tried writing your to-do list at night?
Share the Love
I Spy Plum Pie is Liz, an early 30s kiwi-born, Melbourne raised girl who is passionate about the environment and sustainability, food, exploring and learning new things. Join me on my journey to a happy, sustainable life!