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Your to-do list is getting longer, and those tasks aren’t going to complete themselves.
But here’s the thing: you don’t need a complete life overhaul to start getting things done.
As a busy mom running a business from our cozy Manhattan apartment, I’ve learned that small changes can lead to big results.
You can start making progress right now with these five simple strategies that actually work.
No complicated systems, no expensive planners, and definitely no unrealistic expectations.
Just straightforward ways to get more done and feel better about your day.
1. The Two-Minute Rule: Your Secret Weapon Against Procrastination
You know those small tasks that keep floating around in your head?
The ones that never seem important enough to tackle but still bug you every single day? That’s where the two-minute rule comes in handy.
Here’s how it works: If something takes less than two minutes to complete, do it immediately.
Don’t write it down. Don’t add it to your list. Just get it done right then and there.
This rule is perfect for tasks like:
- Responding to that quick email from your colleague
- Making your bed in the morning 🛏
- Putting dirty clothes in the hamper instead of on that chair we all have 👚
- Filing away that important document instead of leaving it on your desk
- Wiping down the kitchen counter after making your morning coffee 🧹
Need tools to help manage?
Grab this Task Management Planner, or this top-rated Bullet Journal for better tracking!
2. Time Blocking: Your Personal Power Hour
Forget about multitasking. It doesn’t work, and deep down, we all know it.
Instead, try this: set aside one focused hour each day for your most important tasks.
I call this my “power hour,” and it’s changed how I get things done.
The key is to pick the right time for your power hour. For me, it’s early morning ☀️ before the kids wake up.
The apartment is quiet, the Corgis are still sleepy, and my mind is fresh.
But maybe you’re a night owl, or your best time is during your lunch break.
That’s fine. What matters is choosing a time when you can focus without interruptions.
During your power hour:
- Turn off your phone notifications
- Close your email
- Let family members know you need this time
- Work on one task at a time
- Set a timer so you’re not watching the clock
Don’t try to squeeze too much into this hour. It’s better to complete one task well than to half-finish three things. Quality over quantity always wins.
3. The “One In, One Out” Rule: Keep Your Space and Mind Clear
Living in a Manhattan apartment with two kids and two dogs has taught me something valuable: everything needs a purpose, and everything needs a place.
The “one in, one out” rule helps keep both your physical and mental space clear.
This rule is simple: for every new item that comes into your life, something else needs to go.
But this isn’t just about stuff. You can apply this rule to your to-do list too.
For your physical space:
- When you buy a new shirt, remove one from your closet
- If your kid gets a new toy, an old one goes to donation
- When you get a new kitchen gadget, say goodbye to one you rarely use
- If you buy a new book, pass an old one to a friend
For your to-do list:
- When you add a new regular commitment, evaluate what you can remove
- Before saying yes to a new project, decide what you’ll say no to
- If you start a new habit, identify an old one that isn’t serving you well
- When taking on a new responsibility, delegate or eliminate an existing one
This rule works because it prevents overwhelm before it happens.
4. The Sunday Setup: Your Weekly Launch Pad
Your Sunday evening can make or break your entire week.
I’m not talking about spending hours planning everything will never work.
Instead, I’ve created a simple Sunday routine that takes 30 minutes but saves hours of stress during the week. Here’s what a good Sunday setup looks like:
- Take 5 minutes to check your calendar for the week ahead
- Spend 10 minutes writing down your top three priorities for the week
- Use 5 minutes to plan your outfits for busy days
- Take 10 minutes to prep any materials you’ll need for important meetings or events
5. The “Done List”: Your Daily Win Collection
We’re all familiar with to-do lists, but have you tried keeping a “done list”?
This simple change in perspective can transform how you feel about your productivity and motivate you to keep moving forward.
A done list is exactly what it sounds like: a record of what you’ve accomplished during the day.
But here’s the trick: include everything, not just the big stuff.
Did you make your bed? Put it on the list.
Did you reply to that tricky email you’d been avoiding? That goes on there too.
Why this works:
- It shows you’re making progress even on busy days
- Helps you recognize patterns in your productive times
- Builds confidence in your ability to get things done
- Makes you more aware of how you spend your time
- Creates a record of your accomplishments you can look back on
Starting a done list is simple. Keep a notebook 📒 nearby or use a notes app on your phone.
Throughout the day, jot down tasks as you complete them. Don’t wait until the end of the day when you’re tired and may forget what you’ve accomplished.
Include things like:
- Routine tasks you completed
- Problems you solved
- Decisions you made
- Conversations you had
- Small wins throughout the day
The done list is powerful because it shifts your focus from what’s left to do to what you’ve already accomplished.
This simple change can make a huge difference in how you feel about your productivity.
The Bottom Line For Tackling Your To-Do List Today
Getting things done doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need expensive systems or complete life makeovers.
Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective.
Start today with just one of these strategies. See how it feels, adjust it to fit your life, and build from there.
Your future self will thank you for taking that first step toward a more manageable to-do list and a more productive day.
