8 Functional To Do List Ideas To Help You Organize Your Life :: Productivity Series :: Squaird Plans

Learn how to use your planner to be more productive, no matter your style of planning! In the 3rd video of this Productivity Series, we’ll walk through various functional to do list types for use with or without a planner, discussing techniques to help you maximize your productivity daily.
Welcome to Squaird Plans! My name is Stephanie and I make videos about decorative and functional planning in a discbound happy planner. On my channel, I share planner ideas, tips, reviews, tutorials, and more to help you use your planner in a productive and creative way. You can look for these videos every week, so please hit subscribe to stay in the loop! bit.ly/subscribetosquairdplans
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:: P R O D U C T S U S E D I N T H I S V I D E O ::
▪ Squaird Plans 2020-2021 Combined Planner - Horizontal Layout: etsy.me/2ZJqjk1
▪ HP Printer Paper Premium 32lb, 8.5x11: amzn.to/2rKM19o
▪ The Happy Planner Line it Up/Check it Off Stencil Bookmarks: amzn.to/2Kif7Dr
▪ Pilot FriXion Erasable Highlighters - Light Pastel: amzn.to/2WTAXAJ
▪ Pilot FriXion Erasable Pen - 0.5mm - Retractable Black: amzn.to/37xqsrO
▪ Daiso Highlighters 5pk - Pastel: amzn.to/2IcXy5k
:: M Y F A V O R I T E ( P L A N N I N G ) T H I N G S ::
▪ Pilot FriXion Erasable Pen - 0.5mm - Retractable Black: amzn.to/37xqsrO
▪ Pilot FriXion Erasable Pen - 0.5mm - MultiColor Pack: amzn.to/2FmsAGy
▪ Pilot FriXion Erasable Pen - 0.5mm - White Retractable 4-Color: amzn.to/37HWDFn
▪ Pilot FriXion Erasable Highlighters - Light Pastel: amzn.to/2WTAXAJ
▪ Pilot FriXion Erasable Fineliner Marker Pen - MultiColor Pack: amzn.to/2KdDYZo
▪ The Happy Planner Dashboard Pack, Gold: amzn.to/2XgRgfv or (joann) bit.ly/2LxQsNW
▪ The Happy Planner Pen Holders, Pink/Black: amzn.to/2J3gpS3
▪ The Happy Planner Metal Discs, Gold: amzn.to/2EUbqQI
▪ Recollections Washi Tape Organizer: (michaels) bit.ly/2K6nnVA
▪ Daiso Highlighters 5pk - Pastel: amzn.to/2IcXy5k
▪ Zebra Mildliners - Assorted Packs: amzn.to/30T9u3W
▪ Gelly Roll White Opaque Pens: amzn.to/2QzHezC or (michaels) bit.ly/2vNDgNQ
▪ The Happy Planner Classic Snap-In Hard Cover, Black: bit.ly/33MIVzy
▪ Staples Oops! Pen Style Correction Tape, 2 pack: amzn.to/2LgLHGo (similar - amzn.to/2MLhKOX)
:: D I S C L A I M E R ::
Hello Friends!
Just wanted to let you know, this description contains affiliate links by which I may receive a small commission. These links will hopefully assist you in finding the products used in my videos, while also allowing me to earn referral fees*. By clicking on the links above, you are helping to support this channel at no extra cost to you, so THANK YOU and Happy Planning!
- Stephanie
*We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
:: P O P U L A R P L A Y L I S T S ::
Beyond the Basics Series :: • Beyond the Basics :: T...
Goal Setting Series :: • Goal Setting :: Ideas ...
Horizontal Layouts :: • Plan with Me :: Horizo...
Health Layouts :: • Plan with Me :: Health...
Flip Throughs & Setups :: • Setups & Flip Throughs...
:: F I N D M E ::
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✉️ Email :: [e-mail]
📦 Amazon* :: www.amazon.com/shop/squairdplans
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#functionalplanning #planningforproductivity #todolistideas

[@ellenballas-ashbay1170]

This girl is the only KZbinr who clearly shows techniques and actually demonstrates how to put them into practice. I love her channel! When I was a new planner and had no idea how to organize it decorate my HP, she laid it all out and totally helped me! I've followed her for a long time and truly appreciate her videos! Thanks, Stephanie!

[@squairdplans]

Thanks for the kind words, Ellen!

[@CourtneyG1015]

I never would have thought there were so many options for to-do lists but this this great info. Thanks for laying it all out in a clear, concise way!

[@squairdplans]

Glad you found it useful! 😁👍

[@pamhall8499]

Loved this video. I am retired and handicapped but still needed it to keep going. I have been a list maker ever since I was 7-8 years old.👍👵🏻

[@squairdplans]

It's so helpful to have a system! :D

[@susanyarbrough30]

You gave some good ideas. I’m retired but still need organization and reminders. PS: As an older person please don’t put “Call Mom” on the If I have time list. We live for hearing from our kids even if it is quick hello.

[@squairdplans]

True, but sometimes kids need reminders. 😉💕

[@loiscassels8966]

I agree completely. Call Mom must have a higher priority

[@slempire6547]

​@@squairdplans Yes kids do need reminders but you're not understanding her point - you devalued parents by putting "Call Mom" in the lowest priority category and classified that phone call as the kind of job that is not important if you don't do it (lower priority than starting a load of laundry and even lower than making a "Target run"). :(

[@anthonytroupe4923]

@@slempire6547 I am in grad school scrambling and trying to figure out where my next meal is and whether or not I'll have to sell plasma to make bills again. If I haven't called my mom, it's not because I don't want to. I'm trying to not fail out or have to give my last drop of blood. For those of us in college trying not to drown, calm down. We'll call when we can.

[@palmerdirector9169]

@@anthonytroupe4923 As the parent who waits patiently for a call from her grown children, and the one who has a parent, I understand both sides. I actually put calling my parent on my to do list so that I do it at least once a week if he doesn't call. It's a priority to do for the week so I will make time for it no matter how busy I get. I also put my children and grandchildren down. If they do not contact me because I know how busy they are....son is working 50 or more hours a week, studying to take the electrician exam and being an awesome dad to 3. Daughter is working full time while caring for a toddler, doing payroll and books for her husband's business and another occasional job that occurs on weekends. They are busy. I am busy. If we don't make it a priority it will not happen. 5 minutes if nothing else.

[@adrianem9943]

I like "That One Thing" & the "Must/Should/If Time" methods. Those seems to be what I end up doing most of the time, but it always looks so much nicer when you "draw a picture" first! I'm not the most creative person, but I sure can follow a template! Thanks for the tips!

[@squairdplans]

Happy to share!

[@terisedwards6887]

Absolutely love that it was short sweet and to the point, Great ideas, thank for the share

[@squairdplans]

You are so welcome!

[@annamattos8627]

For those of you complaining about the priority assigned to "call mom": I do schedule when I am going to call my mom in my planner. If your mom talks as much as mine on the phone, it is terribly counterproductive to call her first thing in the morning. Also, when you like calling your mom, that call is your reward for having completed your tasks during the day.

[@squairdplans]

Thanks for sharing! 😅

[@MikeKanner1]

I do it too because it is easy for it is one of those 'out of sight, out of mind' issues. This way I make sure I check in with them every week.

[@cariworld]

I agree with Anna. Also, a planner is personal. She's generous to share with us her ideas and plans. This was "if I have time" that day. On Tuesday or Wednesday, she might prioritize it differently. It's just an example :)

[@keribrown1974]

This might go down in history as the most practically helpful video I've ever watched. I'm one of those people whose brain is not naturally organized, and although I'm a "big to-do list" maker, I've always struggled with how to proceed from there in anything except a very random way. No system I've ever tried has worked for me, but I can already tell that there are some options in this video that will work with the way my brain operates. Thank you so much! Subscribing now! :)

[@squairdplans]

Awesome! Happy planning and thanks for subbing! 😁👍🏼

[@laavanyaparamalingam335]

Can I just say that her handwriting is beautiful 😮😮

[@squairdplans]

Aww, that's very kind of you. Thanks!

[@gericolgrove380]

Thank you! Starting to use my new planner for 2024 and am so thrilled to have found your channel. I will start implementing your lists. Love how clear and concise you deliver your methods.

[@squairdplans]

So glad to hear it! Welcome aboard and Happy planning!

[@ruthiekins]

You have been such a blessing! I just came across your channel & have been relishing all your ideas. Thank you for taking the time to share them. Your ideas are so helpful!

[@squairdplans]

You are so welcome, Ruthie!

[@wendyhoward2699]

I love this video, and, of course, I would love to see more! Many blessings.

[@squairdplans]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@SadieWithaPlan]

I love the energy level idea! I usually get a burst of energy in the evening after dinner and feel the most creative during that time. Thank you!!! 💛

[@squairdplans]

Love that! Happy Planning!

[@joannesimmons3700]

GREAT video! It is wonderful to have it all in a one snap shot view. It makes it so much easier to access your needs, along with the options. Well thought out! Thank you!

[@squairdplans]

Happy to share!

[@tumaestra8458]

Thanks you!!! Best planning video I’ve ever seen. Keep-’em coming.

[@squairdplans]

Thank you! I have plans to do more productivity videos in the new year so stay tuned!

[@dr.christinaschlesinger202]

Thank you so much for putting this together! I have been struggling with having my planner be more functional and this helps so, so, so much!

[@squairdplans]

So glad it was helpful!

[@PippaRobin]

Great ideas, thank you so much! Combining the Must, Should, If type of planning with the High, Normal, Low Energy planning would make life so much easier - you've inspired me, Stephanie!

[@squairdplans]

Happy to hear it! 😁👍🏼

[@lissayers8901]

You are so creative, Stephanie. I like these functional layout ideas you give us. Thanks so much.

[@squairdplans]

Glad you like them!

[@kimpedroli8183]

Thank you for sharing! Love this because I get overwhelmed with the to do list! I’m going to try some of these. 😊

[@squairdplans]

You are so welcome!

[@lovinglife3954]

Love these! My to do list is such a mishmash of everything. The days I plan more in the style of "the one thing" or "one three five" work best for me.

[@squairdplans]

It is nice to see options all at once so you can find a few that work best for you! :)

[@denisetschida93]

Awesome! I am a list person anyway and trying some list styles will be fun and likely more productive than usual! Thank you!!

[@squairdplans]

You are so welcome!

[@babajamiaco]

I almost never put likes, but this is Gold!

[@squairdplans]

Thanks so much! ☺️

[@jeaninehaack1459]

Great ideas Stephanie! I make so many lists and now I have a few new ideas. I am really enjoying this productivity series!

[@squairdplans]

I'm so glad!

[@katrinacole6741]

OMG, I love this! I will be watching at least one more time.

[@squairdplans]

So happy to hear it! 😁👍🏼

[@planningplumber]

This video is Amazing Stephanie! Very informative, well explained and extremely helpful to being a functional planner.

[@squairdplans]

So glad you think so! Happy planning! 😁

[@Atiffan2]

Great video! There are so many methods out there. This helps put things side by side so you can figure out what will work best. Thanks!

[@squairdplans]

Glad it was helpful!

[@garnetpleshette1336]

This was excellent, clear, giving good examples. Keeping it simple. I very much appreciate this style and was able to take notes on it and hopefully I'll be able to apply it

[@squairdplans]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for the feedback!

[@JSpotDesigns]

I loved this video. I really want to get myself organized and loved all the options you laid out. Thanks!!!

[@squairdplans]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gbkbeducation]

This was perfect. I just moved to a vertical planner because with dashboard layout I was missing things. This video gives me clarity about how to make my to do’s list so I can get things done. Thank you...love the productivity advice❤️❤️

[@squairdplans]

Happy to share!

[@imsody]

Wow, this video is amazing! I have watched so many videos on how to manage to do lists that I'm surprised I've just found yours. Everything is clearly explained, with examples and concise. There's also an idea for people with chronic illness or with energy fluctuations, which many planner and productivity videos often disregard or forget. I also loved that you showed a different idea for each day, which really helps my brain understand that I can use any of these depending on my work load or energy levels and change it daily, if required. For some reason I thought I had to stick to one form of organizing my to dos and I wasn't being successful. You've gained one more sub and I will be watching your other content as I also love planners! And I definitely will be re-watching this video several times! Thank you so much!!!

[@squairdplans]

I’m so glad that you found the video helpful! Happy planning!

[@QuinnHKT]

I use category layout a lot. Form me what I find most helpful is to have a "Personal" and "Home Care" so I know I am not just staying productive I'm also making time for things that fill my cup! Lots of great ideas cant wait to try out a few!

[@squairdplans]

Love that! TFS!

[@jewelflores1193]

Thank you for this excellent video, Stephanie! Super helpful! I've subscribed and going through many of your older videos to learn more. Keep up the great work!

[@squairdplans]

Glad it was helpful!

[@leticiaflores-zamarron3339]

The energy level list just rocked my world!!!!!!! Thank you! I have never thought about that ,

[@squairdplans]

So glad it was helpful!

[@cassandra007]

Clear and concise. This one made me subscribe. I might even show it to high school students in a productivity lesson.

[@squairdplans]

That's good to hear! Thanks for the feedback!

[@jayshreen.8533]

OMG talk about timely! I have been feeling overwhelmed with my tasks.....and spending more time doing the superfluous ones....these categories are so helpful. ... MUST DO, SHOULD DO, AND IF I HAVE TIME..... Thank you

[@squairdplans]

Wonderful to hear! Happy planning!

[@jennV8272]

New subscriber and look forward to seeing what else you have! This is the best planning video I have seen! I appreciate the visual options and plan on studying the differences and what works best for me and my household.

[@squairdplans]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@shannonsims8554]

Excellent video! I will watch this again and again as I try to find the method that works best for me. I have really enjoyed all of your videos and appreciate the thought and care you take when you create your content. Kudos!

[@squairdplans]

Glad it was helpful!

[@japanesemangalover]

Thank you so much. I just started a new job and have been trying to figure out how to do my to-do lists. Thank you for the multiple option ideas

[@squairdplans]

You are so welcome!

[@RaleneCreates]

Beautiful as always. Inspired. Thanks

[@squairdplans]

Thanks! ☺️💕

[@vivaciousv1936]

Love your layout ideas videos! Very very helpful

[@squairdplans]

Glad it was helpful!

[@RacquelNM]

Thank you so much for making this. I didn’t even know there was so many ways to set up your to dos. Like I have been struggling for months to find the right system but couldn’t quite figure it out. Thank you!!!

[@squairdplans]

Glad to help! Happy Planning!

[@cherylfindeisen6088]

Really love this!!! I love lists and this gives me some options!

[@squairdplans]

Happy to hear it! 😁👍🏼

[@Luisa-cs2pd]

First time visitor here 🙂Thank you for this excellent explanation, and sharing all these great options.

[@squairdplans]

So glad it was helpful!

[@blues998050]

Absolutely love this. Thank you!

[@squairdplans]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ReneesZooTube]

Thanks so much for this video! Such great ideas for to do lists! I think I'm gonna try the 1-3-5 method for my weekly to do list. I think that might help the overwhelm I sometimes (often) feel. I do like using the top 3 for my daily/weekly and the that one thing method for my daily. I really appreciated the method based on your energy level. I deal with chronic illness and that's a big factor for me. Loved the video! 💖

[@squairdplans]

I total relate to the chronic illness/energy level connect. Happy to hear you found some useful ideas!

[@xiction]

Love the 1 - 3 - 5 idea. I currently use the one big thing a day.

[@squairdplans]

Nice! New options. :)

[@kimmiller1975]

I absolutely love this series!

[@squairdplans]

I'm so glad!

[@bbresnan7649]

I love the energy level idea! Also never would have thought to trace over highlighter with pen... thanks for sharing your ideas!

[@squairdplans]

Glad it was helpful!

[@flowersafeheart]

Love seeing minimal, functional options neatly compared to eachother!!! Awesome!!Screenshot of the all 8 together is excellent for my notes. For me this small of a daily section doesn't work well. I prefer having space to write each item on one line, and my items are on average a bit longer than this, though I keep them to what feels pretty concise enough for me. But we're all different of course! I've been gradually honing a system that fits me well!

[@squairdplans]

That is what is most important…figuring out what works for your planning style. Hopefully, these ideas will help! 😁👍🏼

[@lenajames8387]

Thank you so much for this. This help me out so much. God bless you 💕

[@squairdplans]

Happy to hear it! 🤗💕

[@nathaliedorne3867]

This vidéo is fabulous It's tonna help me a while lot!!!!! Thank you Stéphanie

[@squairdplans]

So glad it was helpful!

[@Supppppp7]

This is the best!! Thank you! I’m more of a list planner than anything else.

[@squairdplans]

Happy you found the info helpful!

[@CeciliasPlanner]

This was sooooo helpful! Thank you for making this video I'll need to watch it more times to actually learn

[@squairdplans]

So glad it was helpful! 😀👍

[@jillcooksey4477]

This just came up in my feed and I sure am glad. Excellent video!

[@squairdplans]

Thank you, Jill!

[@reneemills1089]

I find your channel SUPER helpful, and I was able to jump right in and set up your list system!

[@squairdplans]

So glad to hear it! Happy planning!

[@vivianrobinson8617]

Another great idea on how to use our planners. Thank you.

[@squairdplans]

Glad you like them!

[@tanyakadi3445]

This is awesome. I will love to see more if these. I am going to watch this again..

[@squairdplans]

I'll see what I can do. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@janniestanley]

very unique planning video. Down to business and extremely well done. Thx!

[@squairdplans]

Thanks so much! 😁💕

[@jennifergentry144]

Loved this video! So, so helpful! Thank you!

[@squairdplans]

So glad!

[@planningwithshawna9743]

This was AWESOME!! Thanks for the ideas

[@squairdplans]

Happy to share Shawna! 😁👍🏼

[@sinisterkitty8411]

This was SO helpful! Most organization systems don't work for me, but I found a couple of nice flexible options in this video. Also, your writing them out to show the structure was everything.

[@squairdplans]

Glad it was helpful! Happy Planning!

[@korkeshaarrington7223]

Love them all!!! TFS!

[@squairdplans]

You are so welcome!

[@memoir02]

Love the 1-3-5 and energy levels ones!

[@squairdplans]

glad you found some new lists to try!

[@midlife_minimalist]

Great ideas - I usually make these crazy long lists which are overwhelming. These ideas will help

[@squairdplans]

So glad!

[@veronicaann9061]

Thank you! I love my planner and am always striving for way to make it work for me! This is so helpful!

[@squairdplans]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mes10728]

Maybe you could try bullet journaling if u don’t already

[@dindranew.6808]

Very helpful--thank you! This is great for me to figure out how to balance my home, my friends, my art, and my paying work.

[@squairdplans]

Glad to hear it! Happy Planning!

[@MariaRomero-qc1hn]

Oh I will try this . A list is great idea thanks for sharing this it might work for me thanks for sharing

[@squairdplans]

You are so welcome!

[@Xavier_bo6iz]

This is a great video, very helpful, thank you for taking the time to make this.

[@squairdplans]

You're very welcome!

[@JolenEE148]

Thank you for this video. I'm a list person and this gave me some good ideas to mix it up a bit

[@squairdplans]

Happy to hear it! 😁👍🏼

[@samanthab5388]

Awesome breakdown, thank you!

[@squairdplans]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lubas9978]

Great video, I love lists and you got good styles here that I want to try out in my journals

[@squairdplans]

Awesome! Happy planning! 😁👍🏼

[@ebayposhman]

This was amazing, I like the 1/3/5 and time one

[@squairdplans]

Glad you discovered something new to help keep you organized!

[@jenniferdonth8759]

Wow I really loved your video. It was so well put together and knowledgeable. Such a great video that I can imagine has helped so many people.

[@squairdplans]

Thank you Jennifer! 😁👍🏼

[@miguelinarodriguez6676]

These are all great ideas. Thank you.

[@squairdplans]

Glad you like them!

[@acekickndork2630]

Wow. That was most helpful. Thank you so much.

[@squairdplans]

So glad! Happy planning!

[@sharellemccormick9315]

This is really good. Some great tips here. Thankyou.

[@squairdplans]

So glad it was helpful!

[@SilviaHonores]

Fantastic video! Sooooo helpful! Thanks!

[@squairdplans]

Glad to hear it! 😁👍🏼

[@UniqueD22]

Thanks for the share. I really like these ideas.

[@squairdplans]

You are so welcome!

[@lesleyc3352]

Thanks for sharing the video! You have a very nice hand writing ✍😊

[@squairdplans]

Thank you! 😊

[@jendiloreto3144]

I loved this video. Thank you!

[@squairdplans]

So glad! 😀👍🏼

[@CoolCraftyCreations]

These are excellent ideas! Thank you!

[@squairdplans]

Happy to hear it!

[@brijohnson8655]

This was helpful. I just ordered a horizontal. I haven't used one in 2 years. I didn't know know what I was going to do with it but I wanted one.😅 Now it will have a purpose.😂❤

[@squairdplans]

Great!

[@kaysnestlife1671]

These list ideas are wonderful! I’m wishing I would have followed along and copied your ideas into my planner.

[@squairdplans]

You can always watch again. 😉👍🏼

[@TheSuperhoopers]

Great video. Thank you!

[@squairdplans]

Happy to share! 👍🏼

[@belleburns9671]

Excellent breakdown of lists.

[@squairdplans]

Glad you enjoyed it! 😁👍🏼

[@coolhappyblue]

Super helpful thank you 😊

[@squairdplans]

Glad to hear it!

[@TheSimpleRomantic]

Gee that helps ! I’m a stream of consciousness type and these things don’t come naturally for me Your instructional approach makes a difference for my learning

[@squairdplans]

Happy to hear it! Hope it helps you be more productive with your planning! 😁👍🏼

[@kimcham9949]

👍 Helpful! Thanks. 😃

[@squairdplans]

You bet!

[@emilysteele7126]

Loved this!!!

[@squairdplans]

Happy to hear it!

[@normanorourke5832]

I love the time one which I have just started using

[@squairdplans]

Awesome! Happy planning!

[@rikkiheinis387]

These are very helpful ideas, thank you!

[@squairdplans]

Glad to hear it! 😁👍🏼

[@margareth5501]

Excellent presentation!

[@squairdplans]

Thank you kindly!

[@Lizawu05]

Great videos with amazing ideas👍🏻

[@squairdplans]

Thank you!

[@deefaye7336]

Very helpful ideas!

[@squairdplans]

Glad you think so! 😀👍🏼

[@ruthdamali9516]

Thank you for sharing

[@squairdplans]

My pleasure

[@alexandrae8519]

Great video! I was wondering how to get myself organized since. I have several planners and needed some direction. New subbie!

[@squairdplans]

Welcome and Happy planning! 😀👍🏼

[@palmerdirector9169]

Love the energy level! I have chronic fatigue and low immune so getting things done is a challenge. Last year I made to do list for home and work then put a highlight post it on the one thing that I would feel accomplished if I got it done. I would move my highlight if I didn't have the energy to do that then come back another day. (Also moved to next thing if that one was done. Loved being able to move it!) After seeing this I am going to put a L, M, and H besides tasks. Think I was doing that in my head, but this way if the Fibro Fog is happening I won't have to think or feel guilty.

[@squairdplans]

Glad to hear you found some useful tips! Happy planning!

[@carmendlugo1585]

This was excellent!

[@squairdplans]

Thanks!

[@ginagreene5668]

Thanks, what a great idea.

[@squairdplans]

Happy to share! 😁👍🏼

[@sakia69]

I love the way you laid all the different aspects of things to do, I saw you erase and tidy the lines you drew, what type of highlighters are you using and where did you purchase.

[@squairdplans]

I got them on Amazon. They are called Pilot FriXion Erasable Highlighters and I love the erasable feature! Here are links to 2 sets I own: amzn.to/2WTAXAJ amzn.to/2YiOAfC