Having a Master Task List Can Help You Smash Your Goals

Do you have a master task list? I have several, and before I tell you how it will help you with your goals, I want to detail what kind of master task lists you can use and their purposes.

Monthly Master Task List:

This is a list of all the tasks you think you (may) need to get done in the current month. I always set this up when I set up my monthly calendar and and monthly goals in my Franklin Classic Planner.

I always transfer unchecked tasks from the previous month to my new month if the tasks are still applicable and relevant. I usually add new tasks first, for things that I already plan on getting done that month. (Please note that date specific things usually get placed on the monthly calendar and not on the task list). The monthly master task list is for items that you could do at any time in that month.

Most of the tasks I write on this list are usually larger goals from my Cultivate What Matters Powersheets Goal Planner. I break down my goals into quarterly components or mini goals, which have multiple steps. I then take these steps and write the specific task on my list.

Monthly Rolling Master Task List:

This is a version of the Monthly Master Task List. Instead of re-writing a new list for the new month, you keep the piece of paper the previous month’s list was on, and you simply continue writing tasks on it until the paper is filled up; then you start a new one.

The benefits of doing this are that you save paper, and you can see on the same sheet what you have done in the past. The reason I don’t use this is because I feel like I don’t “refresh” my month if I see old checked off tasks on my new list. I like to start fresh with each new month.

Weekly Master Task List:

As I’m planning for the week ahead, I take tasks from the monthly calendar and the monthly master task list and I add them to my weekly master task list. This process ensures that I do not miss any tasks that need to get done. If I do not complete these tasks, they either get re-assessed (do they actually need to be completed?), or, they get transferred to the next week.

Weekly Rolling Master Task List:

This is similar to the monthly rolling master task list, but you roll over the same task list week after week. Since I use the Franklin Planner System, the best tool for this purpose is the Progressive Task List card that can be snapped into the rings. I would use this specifically again for tasks that are not time sensitive, but that could technically be completed anytime over the course of a month or longer. You simply keep adding to the card as required, until it is filled up. The nice thing about this tool is that you can label groups of tasks. You might want to add areas of your home you want to clean, organizing tasks or admin tasks like paying the bills or renewing your mortgage.

How These Lists Work Together to Smash Your Goals:

Whether you use the rolling/progressive task lists or if you like a fresh start each month, both of these methods remind you on a daily basis of things that you need to do. (This really only works if you actually look at your planner every day)! So with that in mind, if you have tasks on your lists related to your goals, you will constantly be reminded of these important items and be more likely to complete them.

Thanks for reading! If you implement these tools, I hope it increases your productivity!

Cheers!

Sandra