How To Make a To Do List Template

May 15, 2023 - 7 min read

Wrike Team

If you’re looking to be more productive, it's important to have a well-organized to-do list in the form of a template. This allows you to stay on track with your daily tasks and ensure that you don't forget any important items. In this article, we'll explore how to make a to-do list template that works best for you.

Try Wrike for free

Understanding the importance of a to-do list template

A to-do list template is a powerful tool that can help you stay organized and efficient. It provides a clear picture of what you need to get done in a day or week, allowing you to prioritize tasks, set deadlines, and track progress. Without a clear to-do list template, it's easy to become overwhelmed and miss important deadlines.

Benefits of using a to-do list template

A to-do list template offers some fantastic benefits. It helps you keep track of your tasks and deadlines. Plus, there's something truly satisfying about crossing off items as you complete them, which can boost your motivation. Here are a few of the top benefits:

Stay on track with daily tasks and reduce your distractions. This discourages procrastination, a habit of many.
Prioritize important tasks to optimize your productivity. Make the most of your time and stay focused on the things that are the most important.
Reduce stress and anxiety throughout the day. Thanks to the organization of your template, you will feel confident in your ability to tackle even the most arduous of tasks.

Choosing the right format for your to-do list template

Choosing the right format for your to-do list template is just as important as creating the list itself. Here are several suggestions:

Paper-based to-do list templates

A paper-based to-do list template is a simple and traditional format. It can be helpful for those who prefer to handwrite their tasks, as it allows for a personal touch. Some find it more gratifying to cross off completed tasks with a pen or pencil, which can’t be accomplished through electronic templates.

This type of template is also portable, and you can easily review your list at a glance. You can take it with you wherever you go and refer to it whenever you need to.

If you choose this option, consider investing in a quality notebook or planner that provides enough space to write down all of your tasks. These should be placed in a backpack or secure place when you’re on the go, since paper-based to-do lists can get lost, damaged, or forgotten.

Digital to-do list templates

Because it is tough to re-organize tasks on a paper-based template if your priorities shift, consider using a digital to-do list template. This is easily accessible from any device with internet access, and you can share your list with others.

You can also set reminders, create recurring tasks, and easily re-prioritize items. However, a digital to-do list template can be distracting if you're constantly checking your devices, and it requires a certain level of technical skill to set up and maintain.

If you decide to go with this template, consider using a trusted app or software program that meets your needs. Look for one that allows you to customize the layout, set reminders, and sync across all of your devices.

Hybrid to-do list templates

A hybrid to-do list template is a mix of paper-based and digital formats. It involves writing down your tasks on paper and then transferring them to a digital platform for tracking and re-organizing. This allows you to have a physical copy of your list, which can be helpful for those who prefer a tangible reminder of their tasks.

However, it requires more time to manage both formats and can be less efficient than choosing one format that works best for you. If you select this option, consider using a notebook or planner that has a designated section for transferring tasks to a digital platform.

Essential elements of an effective to-do list template

Because a poorly designed to-do list can be overwhelming and lead to more stress, it is vital that you have access to an effective to-do list template. Regardless of the format you choose, ensure that these essential elements are present:

Task description and details

Each task should have a clear description, including relevant details. For example, if your task is "Submit report," it should include the due date and specific requirements on how to submit it. This will help you avoid confusion and ensure that you complete the task according to the instructions.

Priority levels

Each task needs to be assigned a priority level, using labels such as "urgent," "important," or "low priority." This will help you decide which tasks need your immediate attention and which ones can wait. However, remember to be realistic while assigning priority levels, as overestimating the urgency of a task can lead to unnecessary stress.

Deadlines and due dates

Each task needs to be supplemented by a deadline or due date to ensure you complete it on time. This can also help you prioritize your tasks and allocate your time more efficiently. However, make sure to set realistic deadlines and due dates. Setting unrealistic deadlines can lead to burnout and compromise the quality of your work.

Progress tracking

Track task progress via tools such as checkboxes or progress bars. This will help you visualize the progress you have made and motivate you to complete the task. Additionally, you will be able to identify any roadblocks or challenges and find ways to overcome them.

Try Wrike for free

Customizing your to-do list template

Here are a few tips to help you create a personalized to-do list template that works for you:

Incorporating personal preferences

Consider your personal preferences to keep yourself motivated and engaged at work. If you prefer to color-code your tasks or include motivational quotes, make sure to include those elements in your template.

Another suggestion is to add some fun elements to your template. Add stickers, emojis, or even drawings to make your template more visually appealing and less daunting to tackle.

Adding categories or tags

Group related tasks together by adding categories or tags to stay organized and focused. You can add "work" or "personal" tags to your tasks, so you can quickly identify which items fall under each category.

You can also add subcategories to your tasks. If you have a work project that involves multiple steps, create subcategories for each step to break down the project into more manageable pieces.

Adjusting for different projects or goals

Not all projects or goals are the same, so it's important to adjust your to-do list template accordingly. If you have a project that requires specific steps, stay on track by creating a customized template that includes those steps in order.

You can also adjust your template based on the type of task you're working on. If you're working on a creative task, include spaces for brainstorming or sketching. If you're working on a research project, leave space for notes or sources.

Conclusion

A to-do list template can be a powerful tool for staying organized and productive. By understanding the importance of a to-do list, choosing the right format, including essential elements, and customizing it to your needs, you can create a to-do list template that works best for you.

Streamline your tasks and priorities with an efficient to-do list template designed using Wrike. Start your free trial today and transform the way you manage your workload, leading to increased productivity.

Try Wrike for free

Note: This article was created with the assistance of an AI engine. It has been reviewed and revised by our team of experts to ensure accuracy and quality.

Wrike Team

Occasionally we write blog posts where multiple people contribute. Since our idea of having a gladiator arena where contributors would fight to the death to win total authorship wasn’t approved by HR, this was the compromise.

#Task Management #Productivity Advice #Career Advice

Productivity 3 min read

Combating Fear, the Productivity Killer (Work Management Roundup)

Welcome back to the weekly Work Management Roundup, where we share the week's best links to articles on work, productivity, focus, and success to inspire you to do great things. This week, our post title is an homage to a phrase in Frank Herbert's Dune novel ("Fear is the mind killer"), but we look at how fear blocks productivity and what we can do to get past it. Plus, learn how to create a work environment where productivity and creativity are abundant. Read on! My Most Important Productivity Method (Zen Habits): Productivity expert Leo Babauta pinpoints the one thing that gets in the way of our productivity: fear. In order to combat the fear of losing control, certainty, or comfort, he lists 5 steps that help you dive right into that uncertainty, and come to terms with how this fear is driving you to distraction. Building a Psychologically Safe Workplace: Amy Edmondson at TEDxHGSE (YouTube): In an earlier roundup, we linked to an article about what makes a great team, based on results from Google's Project Aristotle research. A chunk of that research stemmed from the earlier work of Amy Edmondson, a Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at Harvard Business School, who is well-known for her work with teams. Her take on what makes a team successful? You must build a psychologically safe workplace. Watch her 11-minute TED talk for her suggestions on accomplishing this in your own workplace. The Career Advice No One Tells You (Quartz): Over on Quartz, entrepreneur and marketer Raghav Haran doles out 11 unspoken rules for career success, which includes nuggets such as "job requirements are negotiable," and "pick a boss, not a company." A good article for those trying to land their dream job, and a great reminder for those of us already in the workforce. What to Automate, What to Outsource and What to Do Yourself (Quuu): If you're feeling overwhelmed by your work, you can outsource and automate a lot of menial tasks. Just make sure that it supports, powers-up, or adds value to your workflow. Is Solitude a Key Element of Creativity? (Lifehacker): Creative insight depends on free-flowing ideas and emotions that go through our subconscious mind. Yes, we can nurture and control our subconscious mind through mindfulness exercises, but we also need periods of isolation to let ideas incubate properly. Want your remote teammates to feel like a real part of the team? Send them company swag. Company-branded gear will boost morale, and reinforce the fact that they’re valued just as highly as their colleagues who work from the office. #Wrike See more tips for including your remote team in your activities in this blog post: -------- >>>> http://bit.ly/RemoteTips A photo posted by Wrike (@wriketeam) on Mar 17, 2016 at 3:40pm PDT More Work Management Reads Think About This: What Happens When Millennials Run the Workplace? (New York Times) How Tracking Time on Projects Boosted One Company's Profits Almost 50% (A Girl's Guide to PM) Parental Leave (AVC) 10 Companies That Hacked Traditional PR for Big Digital Marketing Wins (Contentmarketer.io) Go Try This: Show Your Work (Seth Godin) Working for a Workaholic: 10 Tips to Reclaim Your Work-Life Balance (Infographic) (Wrike) This Cable-Wrapping Technique Will Stop Headphone Tangles And Change Your Life (Video) (Digg) How to Disagree With Your Boss Without Getting Fired (Lifehacker) Browse Productivity Works on Flipboard If you use Flipboard on your laptop or mobile, then you'll enjoy our magazine on productivity tips. Check out Productivity Works or click on the widget below: View my Flipboard Magazine.

Productivity 7 min read

How To Make an Agenda Template

An agenda template is a valuable tool that can help you effectively plan and run meetings. Whether you are trying to organize a team meeting, board meeting, or community event, having a well-structured and comprehensive agenda can make all the difference in getting your meeting off to a good start. Try Wrike for free Understanding the Importance of an Agenda Template Meetings are an essential part of any organization, and they can be a valuable tool for decision-making, problem-solving, and collaboration. However, poorly planned meetings can be a waste of time and resources, leading to frustration and disengagement among participants. This is where an agenda template comes in handy. These ensure that participants are adequately prepared for the meeting and that the meeting itself runs smoothly and on time. Benefits of using an agenda template One of the significant benefits of using an agenda template is that it can help you to communicate effectively with your team or participants. Providing a clear, concise plan of what will be discussed at the meeting sets expectations and keeps everyone on the same page. Additionally, having a structured agenda can help to keep meetings on track, prevent distractions, and maximize the time available to address important topics. Since everybody knows what to expect, they will come prepared and ready to contribute to the discussion. Key Components of an Effective Agenda Template An effective agenda template should include these specific components: Meeting Details: Include the date, time, location, and duration of the meeting, so that participants can avoid scheduling conflicts and attend. Also, you could include a brief introduction or welcome message to set a positive atmosphere. Objectives and Goals: Outline the purpose of the meeting and what the organizers hope to achieve. Be clear and specific about the objectives for a focused and productive meeting. You could even add any relevant background information or context. Time Allocation for Each Item: Mention how much time will be allocated for each agenda item to keep the meeting on schedule and make sure that all topics can be covered. Attendees and Roles: Include who will be attending the meeting and what their role is so that everyone knows who is responsible for what and can contribute effectively to the discussion. If certain staff need to bring specific equipment or materials, mention them here. Action Items and Follow-ups: Take note of any action items that arise from the meeting and what follow-up actions are required. This promotes accountability so that decisions are acted upon and progress is made toward achieving the objectives of the meeting. Also, be sure to schedule follow-ups for progress monitoring purposes. Choosing the Right Format for Your Agenda Template When deciding on the format for your agenda, it is essential to consider the needs of your team or participants. A well-structured agenda can make all the difference since it will set the tone for the meeting. Here are several options to consider: Traditional Paper-based Templates Easy to create, distribute, and review, traditional paper-based templates remain a popular option. They are also user-friendly and accessible, even when there are technical glitches. You can quickly print out copies for all meeting attendees, which is particularly useful for those who prefer to take notes by hand and are not comfortable with digital tools. However, paper-based templates can be limiting when it comes to sharing and updating the agenda. If there are any changes, you will need to manually update and redistribute the copies to all the participants. Digital Agenda Templates Creating a digital agenda template is a great option, especially when you want to share the agenda beforehand. With digital templates, you can easily share via email or other communication channels. Because these can be easily edited and updated as necessary, they are advisable for remote meetings. Participants can access the agenda from anywhere in the world and won’t have to reprint another copy each time there is an update. However, digital templates require access to digital tools, which may not be available to all participants. Some may not even be comfortable using digital tools and may prefer to take notes by hand. Hybrid Templates Hybrid templates combine both traditional paper-based and digital templates. They offer the best of both worlds by allowing users to easily access the templates regardless of the format they prefer. This is ideal for those without access to digital tools during remote meetings. It is also convenient since it allows for the option of printing out copies for those who prefer paper-based templates. Although hybrid templates will ensure full access to the agenda and allow for note-taking in the employee’s preferred format, it can be time-consuming and may require additional resources to create and distribute both paper-based and digital versions. Try Wrike for free Designing Your Agenda Template Designing an effective agenda template is crucial to the success of any meeting, as the result will have a significant impact on how well the meeting runs and how engaged participants are. Here are some factors to consider: Selecting a Layout Your selected layout should align with the purpose of the meeting and include clear headings and sections. Whether it's a formal business meeting or a casual community event, the template should reflect the tone and objective of the meeting. Remember to consider the length of the meeting and the number of items on the agenda. A longer meeting may require a more detailed and structured layout, while a shorter one may only need a simple layout. Incorporating Branding Elements Incorporate branding elements to enhance your template’s visual appeal and demonstrate that the meeting is part of the organization's overall brand value. It will be easier to identify the meeting and instill a sense of belongingness in the organization. Think about using the company's colors and logo in the template design to create an aesthetic, professional look. Ensuring Readability and Accessibility Your template should be easily readable, accessible, and understandable from top to bottom. Pay close attention to the format and content, and make sure it is readable for all participants. You can adjust the font, font size, and color to make it more visually pleasing. You can use bullet points and numbering for better organization and refrain from using jargon or technical terms that may be unfamiliar to some participants. Finally, ensure that the template is accessible to all participants, including those with visual impairments. Consider using a larger font size or providing a braille version of the template if necessary. Conclusion Creating an effective agenda template involves understanding the importance of the document, choosing the right format, and designing the template to reflect the purpose and tone of the meeting. It should also include specific components, such as meeting details, objectives and goals, time allocations, attendee lists and roles, and action items and follow-ups. In the end, a well-designed and structured agenda template will help to ensure that your meeting is productive, efficient and addresses all the necessary points. Enhance your meetings and events by creating a well-structured agenda template with Wrike's versatile platform. Begin your free trial now and promote effective communication and organization in your business. Try Wrike for free Note: This article was created with the assistance of an AI engine. It has been reviewed and revised by our team of experts to ensure accuracy and quality.

Productivity 7 min read

How To Make a Weekly Planner Template

A weekly planner template can be a valuable tool for managing your time and productivity. In this article, we will explore the importance of a weekly planner template and provide a step-by-step guide to help you create your very own customizable weekly planner template. Try Wrike for free Benefits of using a weekly planner template Weekly planner templates are effective in reducing stress levels, as well as efficiently setting and tracking goals. With a planner template, you can avoid overcommitting yourself and prevent burnout, which will allow you to make progress toward achieving your goals. Having a visual representation of your schedule and tasks via a weekly planner template does wonders for your focus and motivation levels. Whether you are a busy professional, a student, or a stay-at-home parent, a weekly planner can help you stay on top of your schedule and make the most of your time. Choosing the right format for your weekly planner template Weekly planner templates typically come in a paper-based or digital format. Consider your personal preferences before making a decision. Digital vs. paper-based planners Digital planners offer the convenience of access from multiple devices, easy editing capabilities, and customizable features. With digital planners, you can easily set reminders and notifications, make changes to your schedule, and have these changes automatically update across all of your devices. However, digital planners can also be a source of distraction if you are prone to checking your phone or computer frequently. Paper-based planners can provide a tactile experience and freedom from digital distractions. Some people also enjoy physically crossing off tasks on a to-do list or flipping through the pages of a planner. Keep in mind that paper-based planners can also be less convenient if you need to make changes or updates to your schedule frequently. Weekly planner layout options Once you have chosen your preferred format, it is time to select a layout for your weekly planner template. Some popular layout options include: Vertical or horizontal layouts for a single week (specific) Weekly spreads with individual days broken down into sections for appointments and tasks (more specific) A monthly overview with a weekly breakdown (broad) Customizing your planner for personal or professional use Your planner template should be tailored to your specific needs and preferences. Features such as habit tracking or goal setting can be added, along with personal touches like color coding. If you are using your planner for professional purposes, consider adding sections for meetings, deadlines, and projects. For personal use, think of adding sections for hobbies, exercise, and self care. Try Wrike for free Designing your weekly planner template Designing a weekly planner template can be a fun and creative process, allowing you to stay organized but also express your personality and style. Here are some tips to help craft a planner that works for you: Selecting the right tools and software For those that prefer a digital planner, you can choose from a variety of software options, such as Wrike and Google Calendar. Since both of these tools have their own unique features, do your research and choose the one that best fits your needs. Those that would rather use a paper-based planner can use design software such as Adobe Illustrator or Canva to create a printable template. These tools allow you to customize your planner and add your own personal touch. Incorporating essential elements in your planner Leaving space for areas dedicated to time blocking, appointments, and tasks will keep you organized and on track. Also, consider adding sections for goal setting, habit tracking, and weekly reviews. Adding visual elements and personal touches Be sure to include icons or images to represent different tasks or events, or even your favorite motivational quotes to keep you inspired throughout the week. Don't be afraid to get creative and make your planner your own. Whether you prefer a minimalist design or a colorful and vibrant layout, the most important thing is to design a planner that works for you and helps you stay organized and focused on your goals. Organizing your weekly planner template Organizing your planner involves dividing your week into time blocks, prioritizing tasks and appointments, and incorporating goals and habit tracking into your daily routine. Dividing your week into time blocks Time blocking involves dividing your week into sections and setting aside specific times for tasks and appointments. Consider leaving some flexibility in your schedule to allow for unexpected events or changes in plans. This can help reduce stress and ensure that you're able to adapt to changing circumstances. Prioritizing tasks and appointments Prioritizing tasks and appointments involves identifying the most important tasks and scheduling them during times when you are most productive. Remember that tasks that are both important and urgent should be given top priority, while tasks that are less important or less urgent can be scheduled for later in the week. If you are a morning person, schedule your important tasks for the early hours. If you are more productive in the afternoon or evening, write down those urgent tasks for later in the day. It's also important to be realistic when scheduling tasks and appointments. Don't overcommit yourself or try to schedule too many tasks in a single day. This can lead to burnout and decreased productivity. Incorporating goals and habit tracking Setting goals and tracking progress towards them, as well as tracking habits you are looking to develop or maintain, are great ways to monitor yourself. These goals and habits do not even have to be geared toward work, as they can focus on basic things like getting enough exercise, eating healthy, and meditating. By following these steps, you can create your very own personalized weekly planner template and take control of your time and productivity. Remember, your planner should be tailored to your personal preferences and work style, so don't be afraid to experiment and make adjustments as necessary. Organize your weeks more effectively with a weekly planner template created using Wrike's comprehensive work management platform. Begin your free trial now and stay on top of tasks and deadlines for enhanced results. Try Wrike for free Note: This article was created with the assistance of an AI engine. It has been reviewed and revised by our team of experts to ensure accuracy and quality.

For Teams

Use cases

Apps & Integrations

Explore Wrike

Learn and connect

Become Wrike Pro

How To Make a To Do List Template