41+ Sample Task Checklist Templates

What Is a Task Checklist?

Tasks are those chores or jobs that must be done. And in most cases, they are managed at a limited or short time. Besides memorizing every task, what better way to do that than to list each chore under a task checklist? Task checklists are documents where you can list and organize your different tasks, including how the progress is going on for each chore. The list is also associated with a calendar and a time check. Thus, you will know when to establish each errand along with their due dates.

task-checklist-templates

Based on a survey, 76% of people in the US depend on a to-do list to fight stress.

Also, Microsoft News mentioned that despite how 69% of tasks in a list are checked in a week, procrastination is still part of the process.

Task Checklists: Why Are They Important?

A task checklist is essential to identify and remember your daily, weekly, monthly, and other scheduled tasks. Considering how people can get busy every day, it is hard to keep up with errands sometimes. So allow a checklist to help you recall and ensure that you complete your chores. A checklist is even easy to use, which is just what we need to prevent having a hard time and procrastination. Keep in mind that according to the Microsoft News research survey, people can check about 69% of tasks from a list per week, but procrastination is still a common issue. Allow checklists to help you in organizing your responsibilities according to their importance and due date.

Another importance is how checklists keep you updated on your progress. You put checkmarks on every item you have finished, and you may write comments about how your progress is doing. Maybe you are nearly finished with one task so note that it is not yet done but nearly there. Hence, self-monitoring of tasks could not get any easier. Moreover, task checklists are universal to various applications. Do not just write about your chore list since you can organize your tasks related to your student life, employee duties, wedding preparation, grocery shopping, and any other event.

The Elements of a Standard Task Checklist

A task checklist’s definition and importance are finally understood. But do you ever wonder what can be found inside such checklists? In this segment, we will introduce you to the common elements that make a standard task checklist. Ensure that each element is present in the list you will be making later on. And these elements consist of the following:

Title: A “Task Checklist” label should be visible on your template or document since it serves as the title. So when anyone checks the sheet, it is clear that it functions as a task checklist. But you can be more specific, like when a business manager prepares a checklist specifically for employees. Be professional by stating, “Employee Task Checklist” instead.Categories: Do not forget the necessary categories. And what categories to put in a template will depend on you. Generally, categories consist of the task list, checkboxes, priority, schedule, and notes. But you can add more if there are other things to note like the budget, completeness level, etc. Only the relevant categories should be added since anything that does not apply to your list is pointless.Tasks: Of course, task checklists are not complete without the list of tasks. Every task shall be itemized, so it embodies a whole list in the end. And there should be a sense of arrangement in enlisting tasks, so it will not be confusing to follow. Also, how you write the tasks should be according to your audience. If you are making a chore sheet for kids, use words they can relate to and not serious business terms.Checkboxes: Always incorporate checkboxes and lines to put checkmarks in the task checklist. So once any task is done, you add checks to answer that such items have been completed. So that means the ones left unchecked are the duties you still need to work on. It will be satisfying in the end when every checkbox is marked, meaning you are through with that list.Priority Level: Indeed, we can have numerous responsibilities, but it does not imply that each task is highly important. Certain tasks need not be worked on right away while there are urgent examples. Set priority levels from high, medium, and low to distinguish which tasks must be prioritized. Or perhaps, set numbers on which must be done first to last.Due Date: Always depend on calendars because you will need to identify when each task’s due date is. Aim to complete the activities even before the deadline. Aside from stating the date, you can set the time as well. Thanks to this category, you no longer question when chores are due.Completeness Level: Besides the priority level, you cannot forget about the completeness level. There is a target weight chart or any scale that can determine how far or near you are to complete a task. For example, one task may be 30% complete. It still looks far, but at least that percentage proves you started a little bit. If the level is 80%, then great—you are almost finished. And this category is likely used for tasks that may take days to complete.Notes: Notes will be the extra category for additional comments, feedback, and other things to write down. It can be used for anything that is not specified in the categories. One example is when an admin to your workload checklist changes the tasks; thus, note what has been changed in this section.

How to Prepare a Task Checklist

The rules in using a task checklist are simple. Just read and follow the laid out duties and chores specified in the sheet, and put checkmarks on items you already complied with. Sometimes, what makes the checklist complicated is when there are problems with the document itself—meaning you must prepare and create a proper task checklist. How do you do that? Kindly follow these steps:

Step 1: Know Your Purpose

Why are you making a task checklist in the first place? Is it for school purposes, your daily chores, business firm, or any other project? Specify it. That way, you will not confuse what to write in these lists. Maybe you planned to write tasks related to household chores, yet you ended up adding business tasks to your list. If you want to add every kind of task, you should go for a general task checklist instead.

Step 2: Identify All Expected Tasks

List all tasks you are expected to do first in a draft. Do not forget to be concise in writing the tasks to prevent further confusion, and that no example gets forgotten. You can give a day simply for identifying your tasks only as long as you know what to add to your task checklist later on. After that, transfer the listed tasks to a sample template of your choice. And we have a variety of options for that as seen above. There is room for customization anyway, so you need not settle for whatever is presented—make it your own.

Step 3: Add Categories and Organize

Besides the tasks, there should be categories to divide all information in the checklist. And can you recall those standard task checklist elements discussed earlier? Insert them individually in the document. But, do not just insert each element since you also need to arrange it simultaneously. Know what to present first until the last part. Also, you can divide larger tasks so it would not seem too tiring to do. You can organize the list by adding numbers and steps too. And tweak the template’s design and format to come up with an organized and well-presented checklist.

Step 4: Set a Realistic Timeline

You already know that the schedule, due date, or timesheet to fulfill tasks is part of the checklist. But do you think the schedules given are feasible enough? Maybe you gave yourself a few minutes to clean a big backyard or write a thousand-word easy in seconds. Be realistic as well. To do that, consider what you are capable of. For example, you can just set fifteen minutes in writing a book report if you know you can write that fast. And for the dates, do not overbook. Maybe there is one day where a hundred tasks should be done. Move the rest to other dates instead.

Step 5: Update the Checklist Regularly

After you finish crafting the checklist, launch it. But your work does not stop there. You will commit to the tasks and avoid procrastinating. By finishing each task, mark your checklist by checking the items you have finished. The more checks you give, the closer you are to finishing everything. Be consistent in regularly updating because you might forget to put marks on the list or change some details. Depend on that document for the many days to come.

FAQs

What is ADL?

ADL is an acronym for activities of daily living. Healthcare commonly uses that term while referring to a person’s daily tasks or self-care activities, like eating, bathing, grooming, etc.

What is a task management tool?

The task management tool is anything that a person, group, or association uses in completing particular projects effectively and efficiently. And the process involves organizing and listing important tasks.

How can I manage many tasks?

People vary in terms of how to manage tasks, and that depends on their preference. But if you need advice, here are five helpful tips:

  • Figure out the importance level of each task.
  • Manage time wisely.
  • Ask for help.
  • Know your capabilities and limitations.
  • Be organized.

Tasks are part of living. And there comes a time where of the many things to accomplish, all you need are simple and organized lists that guide you in each task. That instance is where sample task checklist templates come to play. Besides giving you a hassle-free experience in outlining the tasks at hand, you are given time to edit, print, and share such checklists. Create your task checklist, whether for professional or personal use, and experience satisfaction when every checkmark is a step closer to completing your goals.