My “To-Do Book” – How I Stay Organized and Get Things DONE!

Feb 6, 2021 | Organization, Productivity

Stop going in circles and forgetting things you need to get done during your day. Wanna know how? Start using a to-do book and never worry about having to remember to do something important again! It’s super easy and a major life-changer!

Jordan holding her to-do book, from Fun Cheap or Free

As you can imagine, I get asked a lot of questions. Of all the questions I get, the most common, by a landslide, is…”How do you get so much done?” “Are you able to handle all your to-do's?” “How do you have so much energy?” or, the kicker…

“How do you do all you do?”

I always cringe a little when I get asked that, because there is so much I DON'T get done in a day! I used to crack a joke and brush it off. Then I realized that, as moms especially, we are always looking for ways to get more done. To stay on top of the daunting to-do list, to try to tread water a little less and be proactive a little more.

*Note: When you click the links in this post, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

What's the first thing I'll tell you works to keep everything straight? My to-do book. I've had a TON of questions about it since posting on planning our year in advance video. So here you have it! Here's one of the methods I use to tackle my mile-long to-do list, and try to stay as organized and productive as possible.

Watch the video online HERE or click and watch all about my to-do book below:

Super simple right? Follow these great tips on making your own to-do book and you’ll never forget anything again!


WHY YOU SHOULD KEEP A TO-DO BOOK

We are so busy, it’s almost impossible to keep up with our life on paper anymore. To help keep things straight, we use Google Calendar. Bubba and I can easily see what we both have going on and we keep all of our activities in one place. (If you want more details on this, then make sure that you check out how we plan our year in advance!)

Now, I do keep a few lists on my phone, like my shopping list. I don’t go anywhere without my phone, so it’s always nice to know I’ll have my list on me when I go to the store. There’s nothing worse for your grocery budget than not having a list to stick to at the store! Keep it in your phone and you won’t have to worry about that anymore. 😉

But everything else, like the never-ending, mile-long list of things you need to do? That's where the to-do book comes in to save the day!


HOW TO MAKE AND USE YOUR OWN TO-DO BOOK

Jordan showing off her to-do book, from Fun Cheap or Free

It really is so easy! Here's all you need to do:

  • Grab a blank notebook or a planner you have laying around at your house and keep a running list of all of the things you need to do.
  • Have a page for home and a page for work, then keep a running to-do list on them.
  • Write down anything that pops in your head and needs to be done. This could be anything from emailing somebody, to unloading the dishwasher or making sure you remember to tell your husband something.
  • Once you do it, cross it off! 
  • Once the page is mostly crossed off and full, flip to a new page and transfer the remaining to-do items to the new page.

Priorities usually change from one day to the next, so don’t worry about prioritizing the page. If there’s something that absolutely has to be done on a certain day, then you can highlight or put a star next to it to be sure you remember to do it.


A FEW EXTRA TIPS

If you choose to use a planner, then you can put certain things on certain dates when they need to get done. But for the most part, you can still keep a running list on the planner and cross it off as it gets done. Then once the next week starts, transfer whatever is left over.

If you have random little spurts of time to do something during your block schedule that day and can’t think of what to do, then pull out your to-do book! Find something you can do on your list in your corresponding block during that open time. If you’re working, then grab something from the work side. Or if you’re in an errand or house chores block, then find something to do from that side of the list. It couldn’t be any easier!

Since I KNOW you are going to ask, here is an Amazon shopping list of adorable notebooks and planners I put together that would work great as a to-do book. However, I love TJ Maxx, Home Goods, and Ross Dress for Less the best.


THE PRODUCTIVITY PLANNER’S TO-DO LIST

But psssstttt, wanna know a secret? I came out with my very own productivity Planner and it's seriously the best! It gives you a place to write down your to-do list, along with keeping up with your meals and other things you may need to keep track of on a daily basis. (Daily block schedule, anyone?)

Jordan holding the Productivity Planner from Fun Cheap or Free

Do you feel disorganized? Stressed? Burnt out? Unfulfilled? Ready to say “BUH-BYE” to that state of overwhelm without giving up the things that mean the most to you? Say “hello” to the ultimate productivity guide! My Productivity Planner from Jordan Page is your step-by-step guide to getting more done while enjoying more free time.

  • This is not your typical planner! It's not just about your schedule—it's about getting things done.
  • Learn to prioritize family time and self-care while still meeting your obligations by working smarter, not harder.
  • Learn practical and effective solutions for creating routines and systems that work for you and your family.
  • Includes a step-by-step guide to the viral “block schedule” system.
  • Walks you through every week, making sure you complete tasks while still finding room for guilt-free “me time.”

PRODUCTIVITY BOOT CAMP

If that planner sounds right up your alley to help you stay productive, then make sure you also check out my awesome sauce (if I do say so myself), Productivity Boot Camp program!

You'll be amazed at how much you'll be able to accomplish during the day, while making more time for all of the things that are important in your life. Use the code FCFBLOG for 10% off at checkout!


So, get on to that to-do book, already! You won't be sorry! Let us know your favorite way to keep one below!

Image with text that reads "to-do book" from Fun Cheap or Free

Want more great productivity tips?

Now go set up that to-do book!

Jordan Page signature from Fun Cheap or Free

54 Comments

  1. Cheryl

    Hey Jordan, love your videos! I thought I’d share a cheap tip (for the planner that you wish came with an elastic bookmark instead of the ribbon) grab a cheap pack of hair elastic headbands from any dollar store, and slide it on.

    Reply
    • FunCheapOrFree

      I love that idea!

      Reply
  2. Brittany

    OH. MY. STARS! I just have just entered without viewing the bag – now I am DYING for one! 🙂

    Reply
  3. Amy Beiter

    Oh Yes! This is exactly the way that I just started doing my todo list. I also use Evernote for general note saving. I do not keep my todo list with me from room to room in my house, but I do have my phone so if I think of something I will add it to my phone reminder list then transfer to my paper to do list.

    Would love the bag!

    Reply
  4. Kelli

    You are so awesome! I thought I was “old school” because I prefer a good, hard notebook. It feels so good to cross those suckers off the to-do lists. I LOVE, and covet ?Your diaper bag. Thanks for the chance to win one!!

    Reply
  5. Gena

    That is exactly how I do my to do list! I also have a planner that I use as more is a scrapbook/done list that I decorate. Love your videos!

    Reply
  6. Amber Anastasi

    Love ❤️ this! I am addicted to planners but feel like a failure if I don’t plan out the whole week. To do list planning seems like so much less pressure. Thanks

    Reply
  7. Carole Foshee

    I would love to have one. They are great.

    Reply
  8. Sarah

    When I was working I used a system exactly like this to stay on top of things. As I thought of something that needed to be done I’d add it to the list and then cross things off as I accomplished them. I never thought to use the same technique at home, but it worked brilliantly at work so why not at home? Thanks for reminding me of this simple, yet effective way to get stuff done!

    Reply
    • FunCheapOrFree

      You’re welcome, thanks for reading/watching!

      Reply
  9. Stacia

    Thanks for the giveaway! Also love when you give us info on how you manage the day-to-day responsibilities. The only downside to this post is now I want to go buy a bunch of new pens and notebooks! Haha. 😉

    Reply
    • FunCheapOrFree

      Glad you liked it! thanks!

      Reply
  10. Lindsay Forehand

    Oh I am a list girl too! I keep a master list and then if I’m doing a big project (right now it’s my little girl’s nursery decor, due in June) I make a list I keep in her room so I go in an turn off my other master list and just focus on her room and needs, which is a vacation with an 18 month old running around!! You are awesome!!!

    Reply
    • FunCheapOrFree

      Love that! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
  11. Lisa

    Love the purse! You are doing fabulous!!

    Reply
    • FunCheapOrFree

      Aw thanks Lisa! XO

      Reply
  12. Lydia W.

    I love making lists of things I need to accomplish though I don’t do as good of a job as you at getting those things done 🙂 But I discovered and started using a Passion Planner three years ago and am LOVING it! I started out using it just to write lists in but over the years I’m trying to use it more to it’s full potential for scheduling! It’s been a life saver getting me a tiny bit more organized (I’m the most unorganized person ever) It even has an area for road-mapping goals and lots of extra space for writing or doodling!

    Reply
    • FunCheapOrFree

      Sounds amazing! I’ll have to check it out!

      Reply
  13. Margarita

    I love your video it’s a lot of fun watching them. I’ll have my notebook always with me, always handy!

    Reply
    • FunCheapOrFree

      Aw thanks so much!

      Reply
  14. B. Howard

    I recently reverted to using an ‘old school’ planner because it was getting too unwieldy for me to manage digital calendars for work, home, the kids’ stuff, etc. Now I have 1 planner for everything outside of work and it’s just SO MUCH EASIER! I’m still struggling with the to-do’s though so going to try this out. Thanks for doing the video – so straightforward! Thanks for all you do, Jordan (AND TEAM FCF!!!!)

    By the way, if you want an elastic to wrap around your notebook or a pen holder, I see cute ones all the time in the disc planner sections at Staples & Michael’s. You don’t need to use them with whatever planner they’re selling! (Sometimes the pen holders need the discs to attach, but not all of them do!)

    Reply
    • FunCheapOrFree

      Aw, thanks! and thanks for the tip!!

      Reply
  15. Olivia

    I basically do this exact thing, except I use an app on my phone called Things. It. Is. BRILLIANT. I also love having fancy paper and pens, but the practical side of me wins since I always have my phone with me. You can speak to Siri and have it add to your to do list on Things, so I can even add stuff when I’m driving. Why do I always remember stuff when I’m driving?!? 🙂

    Reply
    • FunCheapOrFree

      I’m glad siri is helpful…she tries to sabotage me! haha!

      Reply
  16. Amy

    I love your videos and I’m so glad I found your blog and Instagram! Have always drooled over these bags and this would be the biggest dream to win for our growing family. THANK YOU for the amazing chance!

    Reply
    • FunCheapOrFree

      Yay! good luck!

      Reply
  17. Camille

    I’m so glad I’m not the only one that loves the old school pen and paper route! My husband is always trying to get me to convert to digital to-do lists, and it just doesn’t give me the same satisfaction when I check things off ;). And for me it’s always easier to handwrite something than to actually type it in my phone, so I’m all about the paper :). Thanks for sharing your tips!

    Reply
    • FunCheapOrFree

      haha those husbands! Won’t they ever learn?? 😉 #OldSchoolWivesClub

      Reply
  18. Thuy

    Hi,

    I’ve been thinking about buying one but I would like to know how you feel about strap durability. How long before you notice the strap starts to fray or that it hasn’t at all.

    Reply
    • FunCheapOrFree

      Oh my gosh it’s THE BEST!!! I haven’t had any problem at all and I’m really hard on my bags!

      Reply
  19. Rachel A

    For some reason it did not record either of my facebook entries. I am Rachel Merkley Averett on Facebook. And I liked both of your Facebook pages.

    Reply
    • FunCheapOrFree

      Rachel – we need it to be recorded on the app, because the winner is chosen at random through the app. Try again and if it doesn’t work email [email protected]!

      Reply
  20. Jill

    Love. The. Bag. ❤️
    Also… I keep a running to do list too… I just forget to go back to it and look at it. 🙂 oh brother… or I lose the list. Ugh. I’m gonna try what you do and bring the notebook list with me everywhere like I do my phone. Or, maybe I should try Evernote?!:) thank you for your tips! Love them all!

    Reply
    • FunCheapOrFree

      Yes try it and let me know what you think!! XO

      Reply
  21. Karen Weber

    You are the cutest! I just watched your video and I want to be your best friend! I do my lists just like you! I was convinced (by who, I don’t know) that I must change my system to be more “planner-ry” planner. You know what I mean? But, after watching your video I am going to stick with the running to-do list! Yeah!

    Reply
    • FunCheapOrFree

      Aw awesome! And yes, we are best friends for sure!!! XO

      Reply
  22. Shanna

    This sounds exactly like my process. My Google calendar syncs with my phone (all activities listed on there and due dates) and I have a notebook with an on going to do list. I call my notebook “The Keeper of All Knowledge ” and I’ve had one for years. I tried the whole bullet journal idea and I failed miserably because it was too complicated and time consuming!

    Reply
    • FunCheapOrFree

      Haha The Keeper…love that!

      Reply
  23. Kendra

    LOVE this idea!

    Reply
  24. Sheridan jacobsen

    I have used an ugly $.98 notebook for my to do lists for years and I love that you use a nice pretty book with good paper and nice pens. Gah! Feels so good and that makes me want to tote it around more and leave it out where it will be seen and used more.

    Reply
  25. Chelsea Price

    I’ve been doing this to-do book ever since you shared it again a couple of months ago. So helpful! At first I was a little doubtful because I have my grocery notebook where I keep that list and meal plans, plus we have our google calendar. But this has been so wonderful to help me keep my time and projects and priorities sorted and to keep making progress. Thank you!!

    Reply
  26. Susan smith

    Love this post! I went out and bought a planner at Marshalls. I am now a list maker! It has made life so much more productive! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  27. Andrea Tackett

    After watching this video a month ago, I have been using your to do list idea and I habe been able to get more done, and keep track of my never ending to do list. I am so forgetful so writing down everything I need to do even switching the laundry over helps me stay on top of things. Thanks Jordan for this. I never understood why those daily or weekly planners never worked for me. I also have my husband add to my list. When he asks me to do something I just tell him to put it on the list or I won’t remember.

    Reply
  28. Natalie

    I love lists too! My book keeps me organized!

    Reply
  29. Kathrine Law

    Woah this has changed my day!!!! I got a planner and have been doing this for 3 weeks. Man has my days become more productive. Thanks for the amazing tip!!

    Reply
  30. Maggie

    Just bought a to do book! makes me so excited to get my priorities in order!

    Reply
  31. Melissa

    Loved this one! SImple and helpful!!!

    Reply
  32. Krista Sidhu

    I do something similar but had an 8 X 10 book I just kept on my counter. After watching I took your advice and got a smaller one that I could carry with me everywhere

    Reply
  33. Donna V

    I have plenty of notebooks around the house, and this would be so helpful to implement! All of my lists in one place.

    Reply
  34. Destiny Saavedra

    i started doing this Because i love putting pen to paper. I feel like i get more done.

    Reply
  35. Heather B

    I love using a to-do book! I tried for a long time to keep my list digitally in my phone (which I still do when thoughts come to mind), but I just feel so much more motivated when I can physically cross things off a list, you know?

    Reply
  36. Carrie Anderson

    I pretty much do this too!

    Reply
  37. Brooke

    I totally write tasks that I’ve already completed in my to do book, just so that I can cross them off. It’s so satisfying! 🙂

    Reply
  38. Michelle

    A little late to this post, but I just came across it. 🙂 I have a question, do you tear out the pages as they are crossed off and full? Or do you just keep them and move to the next? Thanks so much!

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *