Remembering all your responsibilities and obligations can be a challenge. Whether you’re juggling school assignments, managing projects at work, or handling personal tasks, staying on top of everything is important.
A to-do list application can be an indispensable tool for task management and memory support. These applications not only help you list tasks but also prioritize them, set reminders, and categorize activities. They’re more than just digital checklists; they’re personalized productivity assistants.
By saving all your tasks in a to-do list application, you free up mental space for creativity and problem-solving. Studies show that structured task management reduces stress and enhances productivity.
The benefits of using a digital to-do list:
- Reference your to-do list or add tasks anywhere from any device
- Option to break tasks into steps or subtasks and include additional information
- Due dates and notifications assist with memory and staying on track
Use a to-do list application to streamline your life, achieve goals, and maintain clarity. Log into your free Microsoft account or free Google account (or paid account) to transform your to-do list into a powerful ally for success and well-being.
Microsoft To Do
The Basics
- In your internet address bar, type microsoft365.com and log in with your Microsoft email and password.
- In the upper left corner of the window, click the App Laucher (waffle icon).
- Select To Do (checkmark icon).
- With the cursor in the Add a Task field at the top of the screen under the word Tasks, type each to-do list item.
- To mark a task as important, select the task and click the Star icon on the right side of the task box.
- When a task is complete, click the circle to check it off your list.
Additional Features
- Select a task and consider the options in the right side bar. You can add steps, add a due and reminder, choose to repeat the task, color code the task with the category drop down, add file or add a note.
- You may group similar items by pressing + New List. Give the list a title and drag tasks to the list.
- If you click the Menu icon (3 horizontal lines) in the top left, you can view important tasks by clicking Important, tasks with due dates by clicking Planned, and tasks assigned to you by clicking Assigned to Me, and action items in flagged emails by clicking Flagged Emails.
- Furthermore, click My Day in the left side bar. To add a task to your My Day list, look at your master list by clicking the word Suggestions at the top. Press the Plus Sign (+ icon) by a task name to Add to My Day. To remove tasks to your My Day list, right click on the task and select Remove from My Day.
Recommendation: Pick three tasks to be your priority for each day. Let the other tasks sit in your master list.
Microsoft Support Articles:
Google Tasks
- In your internet address bar, type calendar.google.com and log into your Google account with your email and password.
- In the right side bar, click Tasks (circle with checkmark icon).
- Consider categorizing tasks. For example, I added a Work category and a Home category. To add a category, press the down arrow beside the My Tasks heading. Select Create New List and give the list a title.
- To add tasks, click on the words Add a Task top of the task side bar.
- Complete the Title field, Details field, and add a Date and Time for a deadline (if desired). Press Enter.
- Add steps by selecting the task and selecting More (three dots). Press Add a Subtask.
- If the task is a priority, select the task and mark as important by clicking the Star icon.
Recommendation: Pick three tasks to be your priority for each day. Press the down arrow beside the My Tasks heading and select Starred to view your priorities for the day. - Another option for creating tasks is to click the +Create button on your calendar and select the Task tab in the pop-up window.
- When a task is complete, click the circle to check it off your list.
Google Help Article: Learn about Google Tasks
Other strategies for time and task management
- Add your schedule and activities to a digital calendar include reminders and alerts
- Sync your work, school, or athletic calendar with your personal digital calendar
- Set a timer to focus on tasks and take breaks
- Set an alarm to remember appointments or tasks
- Use a project management tool with categorized columns and task cards
- Use reminders to remember appointments or tasks
- Speak a voice note
- Put digital sticky notes on your computer desktop for memory support
Resources
Additional options for a digital to-do list:
- Apple Guide – Add items to a list in Reminders on iPhone
- Apple Guide – Create a checklist with Notes
Start your journey to greater efficiency
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Let’s work together to identify your unique needs and preferences, and create a plan that helps you reach your goals with confidence.
Contact me today to explore how digital support tools can make a real difference in your life. Your journey to greater efficiency and empowerment can begin now.
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