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As a new stay at home mom, I’ve been trying to figure out how to balance my to-do list, which seems never-ending, and spending time with my 3 kids. I’ve found a really awesome time management tool to help with my to do list that I wanted to share with you!

This to-do list is tried and tested and mom approved. Whether you are a new mom, working mom, or stay at home mom, I know that if you follow this to-do list tip, you’ll drastically improve your day-to-day productivity.

I know that’s a big claim to make, but here’s the thing, when it comes down to it, I know I feel like I “get more done” when I actually focus on my priorities.

But how do you stay focused on priorities when things like e-mail, social media, and small tasks get between you and the important stuff?

I’ll tell you right up front for you busy mamas! The key is to write down your most important to-dos the night before. Come up with 6 items that you want to knock out first thing in the morning, and when you wake up, start tackling that to do list.

It’s a simple as that.

But is it really?

Keep reading for tips to make an effective to do list for moms plus a free printable daily to do list to help you get organized.

There are affiliate links in this post. This means if you click on a link, I might receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links are marked with an asterisk (*).

How to make an effective to do list [for moms]

Tips for an effective to do list

1. Be realistic.

The feeling of “not getting anything done” could be a result of trying to do TOO MUCH. That’s how I normally am!

Be realistic with how much you can accomplish each day. Make sure to plan extra time for each activity so you aren’t crunched for time. Plan for “emergencies” to come up. (Like your little one having a blowout).

I know when I put too much pressure on myself to do “too much” I become super cranky. This attitude isn’t helpful as a mom, a wife, or an employee. Being realistic helps me maintain a lower stress level and keeps me focused on the task at hand. And then I’m overall happier and my kids are happier too!

2. Break down tasks.

Have you ever put something on your to-do list that says, “Clean the guest bedroom”? But the minute you step into the junk-filled room you are quickly overwhelmed by how long the “task” will take.

Try breaking down your to-do list into 30-minute incremental tasks. Smaller tasks will allow you to sneak away during a little downtime to knock out that to-do list item and be back just in time for snack time!

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3. Be specific.

Since we moved last year, the office has constantly been in a state of mess. I haven’t found the motivation to clean it even though I’ve put it on my to do list for several days… ahem months.

But, what has helped me clean is to again, break down the task and be specific. Instead of saying, “Organize the office.” I say things like, “Go through the box of old school books.” And ta do. Donski.

4. Don’t multitask.

The advice from your childhood to tackle projects with multitasking is quickly being debunked. Take this article from Fortune. It mentions, “When we toggle between tasks, the process often feels seamless — but in reality, it requires a series of small shifts (source).”

This means you’re decreasing your productivity by constantly switching between tasks because your brain is having to refocus. Just focus on one task, get it done sooner, and you’ll be through your list in no time (instead of getting sidetracked as you walk through the house).

5. Write it down the night before

I know that at the end of the night, there’s always a couple of items that slipped through the cracks that I REALLY needed to do or should do but have been putting off. I always find something “more important” to do than go through and organize my kids’ clothes.

But I KNOW I’ll feel better when it’s done.

To solve this issue, I write down my top 6 to dos. I put the ones I for sure want to do tomorrow at the top of the list. And when I wake up in the morning, I tackle those items first.

I try not to get distracted by checking e-mail or focusing on other areas of the house. I just work on my list first thing.

So, what are the most important tasks?

To help you focus on your most important tasks grab a copy of my Daily First Agenda. Write your most important tasks on top the night before. Then the next morning, start working towards completing them.

To-do list categories that should come first

Try this. Write down your to-do list for the whole week in your bullet journal. Each night before you go to bed, review your weekly to-do list and pick 6 items to focus on for the next day.

Then post your daily to-do list on the fridge as a prominent reminder of what’s most important.

Life-giving vs. life-sucking ideas

Life-giving – ultimately tasks that support something bigger than yourself

• Learning something new.
• Creating.
• Inspiring joy.
• Exciting wonder.
• Teaching something new.
• Working towards a dream.
• Demonstrating a new skill.
• Practicing a new skill.
• Investing in a relationship.
• Focusing on your health.
• Reflecting on your blessings.
• Cultivating a home you love.
• Spending time with God.
• Lifting someone else up.
• Serving your family.
• Helping out a friend.

Life-sucking – Tasks that distract from your to-do list

I know that e-mail is a necessary evil, but many of us spend far too much time “checking e-mail” when we could be doing something more important. Don’t let yourself get trapped in that all day.

Schedule periodic times throughout the day to check email, get on social media, research projects, or whatever else you need to do on the computer. Set a timer so you don’t get lost in the glow of the screen!

These items mostly distract you from stuff that would bring you more joy.

• Checking e-mail.
• Getting on social media.
• Distracted by menial cleaning tasks that don’t need to be done right then.
• Watching the news.
• Binge watching Netflix.
• Making your to-do list longer.
• Responding to text messages all day.

As a side note, you’ll notice a lot of your distractions from “life” come with technology. While technology keeps us connected and is an amazing thing, I remind myself, it’s also designed with the intention to distract, pull us in, and keep our attention for as long as possible. Make sure you’re choosing to use technology rather than mindlessly using it.

If you’re interested in how technology affects kids, I recommend reading this article from Dr. Kardaras about Glow Kids. Or you can buy his book, Glow Kids*, on Amazon.

Don’t forget to download the free Daily First Agenda printable from Simplified Motherhood. No harm in trying it, right? It’s created with you in mind, mama.

Let me know how it goes in the comments below!

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