xTiles Simple To-Do List Template
One way or another, all of us have practiced to-do list creation. We would write down everything we need to do and then try to stick to the list. Unfortunately, those lists and what we actually need to do are often disconnected. So, instead of assisting us in being effective, they lead us astray and distract us from what is really important.
There are certain tricks and ways to turn a list full of gibberish into something that actually works and helps you finish your personal tasks, and we gathered all of them for you. Combined with the xTiles simple To-Do List template, they will help you turn your to-do list into the most useful tool.
Let’s check what a to-do task list is, how it works, and what effect it may have on your life if done correctly.
What is a To-Do list Template?
We normally use to-do lists to deal with something we don’t like. They are supposed to help us concentrate and buckle up to get things done as quickly as possible. Putting on the list the activity we adore, like “to take a nap”, “to go to movies”, etc., might feel like cheating, even though proper task management wouldn’t be possible without weighing everything you do.
Sometimes, this is the reason why people try to minimize the time they spend when creating tasks. However, with a to-do list online this stage is already done. Also, the range of things you can do within your list grows significantly – you can assign tasks, set recurring tasks, create projects of different complexity to fulfill your job effectively, you can add sub-tasks without ruining the structure, you can use custom filters to find something you need, etc.
An online to-do list template is a modern alternative to traditional notebooks that allows you to be more productive in your day-to-day operations through a set of features a paper one can never offer you. Modern world challenges require modern solutions, and the right tools are the exact answer to allocate your precious time properly and efficiently.
This template can be beneficial to everyone, whether you’re a busy professional seeking a tool to support your project management, or someone wanting to easily track their activity to spend their time wisely. Features like a calendar view allow you to take a look at your tasks from different perspectives allowing for better focus on what is important. Shared space allows you to work on similar tasks with your teammates or friends. Last but not least, customization options help you add final touches to organize your to-do list into something very personal that gives you a sense of accountability.
A marked checkbox has a huge psychological effect on how you feel about yourself and what you do. That’s why a to-do list is such a powerful tool for organizing your life.
Benefits of the xTiles To-Do List Template
Digital to-do list templates are easier to use and edit (while paper ones are almost impossible to edit; you will need to create them from scratch in case something goes wrong), and they bring many benefits the traditional to-dos never had.
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You can’t lose them.
Online to-do lists are always with you, while handwritten ones (especially those written on a list of paper or sticky notes) might be easy to lose or leave somewhere. You may forget them at the office, at a friend’s place, or anywhere else you were using them or checking. If the first two scenarios are not that bad because it’s only a temporary separation, forgetting them in a crowded place might be the same as losing them.
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You can add tasks whenever you need.
Only imagine you’re on a bus, or in line to buy a coffee, and suddenly you remember something important you need to do. You will have to go over your bag to find the notebook or the needed list of paper and a pen to jot down that thought.Taking your smartphone (probably, it’s already in your hands) and writing down what you need in a few taps is much easier than writing it down on the run.
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You can add additional context without turning the list into a mess.
Online to-do lists and to-do list apps allow you to add as long descriptions as you want. For example, in the xTiles To-Do List Template, you may create a sub-document for each task and put there all the relevant information, documents, rich content, and everything you need to finish it successfully.
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Deadline notification.
You can set up notifications to know that the due date is near. You will get a notification whenever someone assigns tasks to you. This feature will help you not to miss any tasks and finish them on time. That’s why bringing your tasks to an online to-do list template increases their chances of being accomplished.
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Create as many to-do lists as you want.
With handwritten to-do lists, you’re pretty limited with the number of lists you can handle simultaneously. Other tools, like a to-do list app, allow you to have as many as needed for different occasions, days, situations, etc., and track and manage all of them easily.
How to make an effective to-do list with the xTiles template?
Let’s make one together now that you know what makes an effective to-do list. The template we offer you is super easy to use. It offers you to divide your daily tasks into four groups – must do, should do, could do, and if I have time. Such a structure decreases the pressure a short-term to-do list might have. It also allows you to concentrate on what is the most important at the moment and devote your energy in this direction.
It may feel unusual at first, especially if you’re not used to prioritizing your tasks or this is your first time creating a cohesive to-do list somewhere other than your own mind. As with any other skill, this needs a bit of your time to solidify and become a part of you.
Besides prioritizing, a couple more secrets exist to create a to-do list that will work.
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Don’t miss a thing.
It would be better to write something, get it done, or remove it because it turned out to be less important than to forget what you planned to do. That’s why you can jot down your to-do whenever you need using the xTiles mobile app. Later, you can return to them in the desktop version and structure your to-do list.
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Divide and rule.
One of the reasons why to-do lists don’t work for you may be because they are a motley compilation of everything all at once. Different projects at work should have their own lists because they will likely have different due dates, which might confuse you.
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Make sure every to-do is actionable.
Your list should be easy to “read”. You just give it a look, and you immediately know what you need to do. That’s why we recommend starting every point with a verb. We need maximum action and fewer details because they might steal your attention. That’s why it’s good to “hide” necessary details for successful accomplishment in a sub-document. You will have quick and easy access to the needed data without being interrupted every time you check your to-dos.
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Deadlines help you keep up with your tasks.
Due dates in your to-do lists motivate you to continue work. Also, they are great indicators showing that a task is unimportant if you keep postponing it. When setting a deadline, be realistic and, at the same time, don’t be too demanding of yourself. We’re getting a to-do list because we want the process to be stress-free (as much as possible) and easy to track. We need it not to force ourselves to work under constant pressure being afraid of mistakes.
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Don’t set tasks that were due a long time ago again.
Everyone has this type of task that is hopeless, but we still pretend we will do it. Please, let these tasks not migrate from one to-do list to another. If you can’t finish something, you may think about transferring it to someone else. It may happen that no one but you can do it. In this case, try to set the task differently. Think why you didn’t even start yet, or if you have started, why did you quit? Maybe the task is too complicated and requires too much effort and time. You may try to break it into smaller tasks and set them on different days, so you won’t need to devote all of your time to this annoying task, yet you will have it done eventually.
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Organize your to-do list first thing in the morning.
Some recommend organizing your to-do list in the evening the previous day, so you don’t waste your time in the morning. We suggest you do quite the opposite, and here’s why. When you wake up, you know/feel what you’re capable of today, soyou can set realistic goals. If you set your goals the day before, you might overestimate or underestimate yourself. Imagine the situation, in the evening, you plan big, but then you don’t sleep well, so the next morning, you don’t have enough energy to accomplish everything you planned yesterday. It’s always important to connect with yourself so that you can be effective without harming yourself.
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To-do lists are not only about your regular activities.
Weekly and daily general to-do lists are great, but small specific lists are even better. For example, you may get a to-do list for movies you want to watch, create a moving to-do list to make the process easier, have a to-do list for stuff you need to take with you on a trip, etc.
To-do lists are a great tool to make your life a bit more organized without a lot of effort. You simply write down everything you need to do during a certain period of time, and then only tick what is already done. The process of checking boxes is so rewarding that it’s enough reason to start using to-lists on a daily basis.
For the purposes described above, you may try the xTiles Watch List template and the xTiles Packing List template.
Benefits of Upgrading your xTiles Plan
Unlock the full potential of task management with xTiles Plus Plan. Our Simple To-Do List Template is just the beginning of your organizational journey. Here’s how upgrading transforms your daily planning:
Comprehensive Task Template Collection: Access an expanded library of productivity-focused templates designed to streamline your workflow, from daily checklists to complex project tracking.
Unlimited Task Workspace: Capture every task, idea, and thought without constraints. Create multiple lists, track ongoing projects, and organize your entire life’s to-dos in one powerful digital space.
Unlimited Media and Note Integration: Attach files, images, and detailed notes directly to your tasks. Keep supporting documents, reference materials, and important context right where you need them.
Advanced Task Management: Leverage our intelligent task management system that helps you prioritize, categorize, and track your activities with unprecedented ease. Automatically sort tasks by priority, deadline, or project.
Seamless Schedule Synchronization: Sync your to-do lists directly with Google Calendar, ensuring perfect alignment between your tasks and your schedule. Never miss a deadline or overlook an important commitment again.
Transform your daily planning from a chore into a strategic advantage by upgrading your xTiles plan. Make every day more productive, organized, and purposeful.
