To-Do List Tip to Brighten Your Day
Featured, Getting Things Done, Happy, Productivity January 13th, 2009
image by Brett L.
When we think of our to-do list, what do we primarily think of? Tasks, right? Processing tasks like a robot can make us feel like uninspired drones. But don’t despair, here’s a small but powerful idea that can instantly transform your day from mundane to special.
The To-Do List Daily Qualifier
Here’s the secret. At the top of your to-do list add one or at most two qualifiers on HOW you will go about your day. These are to-do’s that are not “tasks” but rather positive ideas to incorporate into your day as you work your way through your list. For example, “Breathe Deeply” might be your qualifier for the day.They are there to serve as inspiration to be the person you want to be.
Every time you look at your list you’ll be reminded of your qualifier. At the end of the day you can think back on how you implemented that idea, feeling a sense of accomplishment that is beyond task completion.
Here’s a list of qualifiers you can use in your to-do list. Try to pick just one each day and then you’ll be more likely to actually do it! If you have some other qualifier ideas, please share them with us in the comments!
Daily Qualifiers
1. Smile often.
2. Think “Make It Happen” in all things today.
3. Help others – Pay It Forward.
4. No violence in my actions, words, or intentions.
5. Replace anger, irritation, resentment with compassion.
6. Slow down. Be Caribbean inspired today.(you’ll probably get more done on days that you do this!)
7. Notice the little things today – colors, details, sounds, quiet, feelings etc.
8. Eat slowly.
9. Rest frequently especially when tired, hungry, cranky. Take a break.
10. Send love to others today in action, words, and thoughts.
11. Appreciate every bit of good in my life. Think in terms of each thing you touch (i.e. your pillow) and do (i.e. walking, seeing).
12. No losing my temper. I will observe how I feel when frustrated, breathe deeply and choose a different more patient way to react.
13. Speak softly today.
14. Laugh – a lot – even when it doesn’t come naturally. Practice makes perfect.
15. Be kind.
16. Don’t absorb stress today. Gonna be late? No stress. Spill coffee on clothes. Oh well, no stress. Angry people? Wish them peace, move away from them, no stress.
17. Say a “thank you” in your mind for every good thing I notice today.
18. Enjoy the day.
19. Have fun today.
20. Eat fruit.
21. Eat veggies.
22. “Make it fun.”
23. Compliment others even strangers.
24. Live fully.
25. No fear.
26. Move more today. (more walking, getting up, shake a tail feather, etc)
27. Really listen.
28. Show love and appreciation generously to family and friends today.
29. Sing. Whistle. Listen to music.
30. *******Please share YOUR ideas in the comments!***********
Please Share!
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January 14th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
Why not have one that sounds like this: “Thank GOD for his kindness and faith in me”This is a piece of wisdom I learned from Doug Fields and Saddleback Church
January 14th, 2009 at 11:44 pm
@Ciprian – sounds good!
January 15th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
What a great idea. I’m going to redo my todo list right now. Glad to see a blog that’s sharing positive ideas with the world.
January 16th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
I always use a to do list as it is the only way to keep track of my goals.
January 17th, 2009 at 7:30 am
I have made a schedule for my self with marketing tasks I need to do daily.I work at home with internet marketing, and having a plan makes life a lot easier.
January 19th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
How about “Don’t complain or gossip today”? It’s amazing how much more I can get done, and how much more positive energy I have since I cut these out!
January 24th, 2009 at 10:19 pm
@Craig – love that suggestion!!! Very positive. Thank you!
January 26th, 2009 at 1:32 am
I will start my task from today onwords and i want to see the difference in the day!
I will choose “Think “Make It Happen” in all things today”
Thanks for your motivation!
February 22nd, 2009 at 1:18 pm
I always find gratefulness as a good way to overcome my sadness. I do believe in the Law of Attraction, where we should prefer positive phrases dealing with everyday problems. Thank you for sharing a good article…
March 9th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
@Fiona – Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! Welcome! Hope to see you again soon! Looks like you have an inspiring site too!
April 10th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Enjoy a DVD, especially Enchanted April – lovely film.
May 16th, 2009 at 5:58 pm
@Marion – thanks for the recommendation. I will check it out!
September 24th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Good stuff. Glad I ran across this, thanks!
September 30th, 2009 at 8:01 am
Nice tips….. surely gona help many to keep their routine….
November 20th, 2009 at 9:51 am
Love it, but its a bit daunting! When I have to remember 30 things to do today on top of my usual to do list, I’m in trouble. Perhaps I’ll focus on 2 or 3 relevant tips per day and make sure they happen.
November 21st, 2009 at 8:14 am
@ Dr G- thanks for your comment! Your blog is very good!