We all know that remote work has become a much more popular way to do business in recent years, and with the rise of this work style comes the need to be organised and efficient.
Global Workplace Analytics reports that during 2015, the proportion of workers who work remotely increased by more than 150%.
The pandemic has brought businesses to switch to remote working to remain effective during lockdowns. Besides, to keep the remote teams productive, focused, and motivated, to-do lists become the alternatives to track progress.
To-do lists are an essential way for any remote worker, as they allow you to prioritise tasks, track progress, and become more productive overall. With a good to-do list system in place, remote workers will find it easier to stay on top of their tasks and meet their goals.
While there are many advantages of this lifestyle, there are also challenges that come with it. One way to manage these challenges is by creating effective "to-do" lists. With a well-thought-out list, remote workers can stay organised and productive as they work from home or anywhere else in the world.
Further, there are some to-do lists or task list apps that can be used easily for remote workers. Here are the perks of the importance of a to-do list for remote workers, starting from the definition, the psychology behind a to-do list and the benefits.
What is a to-do list?
According to Dictionary Cambridge, a to-do list meaning is a list of the tasks you need to do or want to do.
Tasks that need to be finished or accomplished are listed on to-do lists. Normally, tasks are arranged in priority or importance order. A to-do list can be created using task management software or on a piece of paper. Both personal and professional matters are covered on the list.
The Psychology behind to-do lists
Whether you are a professional worker preparing for an upcoming meeting or a stay-at-home mom planning her next grocery run, the to-do list plays a precious role in helping us organise and manage our lives. So why do people love the to-do list?
One reason why people find the to-do list so appealing is that it provides structure and accountability.
Writing down tasks, goals, and objectives systematically allows us to break down our responsibilities into manageable steps that can be tracked over time. Not only does this make our tasks easier to accomplish but it also helps us stay organised and on track with our progress.
One article from HBR states the psychology behind to-do lists. The earlier research shows that individuals typically report having roughly 15 operational objectives and initiatives at any given moment. With each objective having its own set of milestones to reach, that's a lot to keep track of.
Even one incomplete task can weigh heavily on us and need our full focus. Hence the to-do list becomes extremely enticing since it allows us to relieve some of that strain.
We feel relieved from the need to hold onto knowledge cognitively when we write it down (on a to-do list or post-it note), pass it along to someone else (assign a task or ask them to email us a reminder), or move it to some external area (ask our virtual assistant to add a reminder).
The benefits of a to-do list for business
1. Stay organised
Creating and maintaining a to-do list for business is one of the most effective ways to stay organised. It helps business owners clearly define their goals and objectives, as well as prioritise tasks that need to be accomplished to have success.
A good to-do list should include tasks, deadlines, and even rewards once each task has been completed. Using a to-do list can help increase productivity by providing focus and enabling better time management.
2. Track progress
It also allows business owners to track progress quickly and easily, helping them stay on top of their workloads without getting overwhelmed. Additionally, it reduces the stress of forgetting important tasks or missing deadlines due to miscommunication among coworkers or staff members.
Using a simple yet comprehensive to-do list for business can be an invaluable tool for any entrepreneur who needs assistance staying organised throughout the day.
3. Set deadlines for the goals
Setting tight schedules on a task can create boundaries and change the objective from an idea into a more tangible effort. You can delay the completion of the assignment indefinitely if there are no restrictions on your procrastination.
The benefits of a to-do list for personal use
1. Stay focused and motivated
For personal use, having a to-do list can help keep you focused and motivated throughout the day. It allows you to break down large tasks into more manageable chunks so that you don't become overwhelmed by all that needs to be done.
With the list in hand, it's easier to stay organised and figure out what needs to be tackled first. Additionally, it serves as a reminder when necessary items pop up unexpectedly during the day.
2. Enhances memory
Maintaining a daily to-do list will help you improve your memory overall by enhancing your short-term memory. You may remember more information if you outline tasks and short-term objectives and keep checking the list.
3. Gives you more me-time
Try to find time for your favourite entertainment in between working at the office, going to meetings, completing chores, and appointments. You can better manage your time and complete your tasks more quickly with the use of a to-do list, which will free up more time.
Wrapping Up
Remote workers should not underestimate the importance of having a to-do list. A well-organised to-do list can greatly reduce stress and help remote workers focus on their tasks.
To-do lists are also helpful in tracking progress and setting realistic goals. When used properly, a to-do list can be an invaluable tool for any remote worker striving for success. With proper planning and organisation, remote workers can reap the benefits of completing their tasks efficiently and productively.
