SEPTEMBER 25, 2025

The Ta-Da List: How to Prioritize Your To-Do List and Actually Get Things Done

Repeat after me: Your to-do list is not the boss of you. If you’ve ever wondered how to prioritize your to-do list so you actually finish the things that matter most, you’re not alone. That feeling of getting to the end of your day, looking at your list, and realizing the important tasks are still unchecked… that ends today.

Introducing…the Ta-Da List! For years, I was drowning in a sea of sticky notes and tasks, feeling more defeated than accomplished. That all changed when I learned how to categorize and prioritize the tasks you need to get done, so you’re not just busy but actually productive with things that offer the greatest impact to your business. This simple shift will be a game-changer.

The Tyranny of the Traditional To-Do List

Let’s be honest: the classic to-do list is often a recipe for overwhelm. It’s usually way too long, mixing critical business-building projects with minor admin chores like “buy stamps.” The core issue is a failure in how to prioritize your to-do list effectively.

You tackle the easy, low-impact stuff for a quick win, leaving the tasks that truly matter for “later.”  By the end of the day, you’ve done a lot of activity but made very little progress.

Your Step-by-Step Guide on How to Prioritize Your To-Do List (The Ta-Da Way)

The Ta-Da List isn’t just about organizing tasks,  it’s about turning productivity into a daily win. Here’s how to make it work for you:

Step 1: Brain Dump (3 Minutes)
Set a timer and write down everything floating in your head: tasks, errands, reminders, follow-ups. Don’t judge or filter — just get it all out onto the page. Think of it as clearing the mental clutter so you can focus.

Step 2: Categorize with the ABCD Method
Next to each item, label it with one of these letters:

• A = Urgent + Important → These are your needle-movers. Do them first, while your energy is high. (Example: finalize the new Airbnb listing.)
• B = Not Urgent but Important → Schedule these strategically on your calendar. They build your future. (Example: update your lead photos to improve bookings.)
• C = Urgent but Not Important → These belong in admin time. Handle them quickly and move on. (Example: answering basic inquiries.)
• D = Not Urgent, Not Important → Delete or delegate. These are distractions. (Example: fiddling with your logo design for the tenth time.)

This approach is rooted in the classic Eisenhower Matrix, a proven productivity method that helps you separate true priorities from busywork.

Step 3: Play the Game with Points
Here’s where it gets fun: each category has a score.

• A = 5 points
• B = 3 points
• C = 1 point
• D = -2 points

As you complete tasks, tally your score. Your daily goal? Beat yesterday… not by doing more, but by doing what matters most.

Step 4: Celebrate Your Wins
At the end of the day, take 60 seconds to look at what you accomplished. Say it out loud: “Ta-Da!” That small act of acknowledgment builds momentum and rewires your brain to focus on progress, not perfection.

What Goes on a Ta-Da List? (Real Examples)

A Ta-Da List item isn’t only your daily recurring actions like “reply to guests;” it’s a strategic action. For a short-term rental host, it might look like this:

• Finalize new Airbnb listing for the lakefront cabin
• Review performance data and determine pricing adjustments needed
• Publish blog post for the direct booking website to improve SEO
• Schedule plumber to finally fix that recurring leaky faucet

We need to focus our time on actions that create value, solve major problems, or generate income.

The Real Magic: A Mindset Shift

The Ta-Da List is more than a productivity hack; it’s a fundamental mindset shift. This is the real power when you master how to prioritize your to-do list for good. You’ll move from a place of guilt to a place of accomplishment.

Instead of ending your day thinking, “I’m so behind,” you’ll end it thinking, “Look at the three amazing things I accomplished today.” That feeling builds confidence and momentum that carries you into the next day.

Common Ta-Da List Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best system can get derailed if you don’t use it with intention. Here are the pitfalls to watch for:

Mistake #1: Ignoring the “Why” Behind Each Task
If you’re filling your list with chores like “do laundry” or “check email,” you’ve missed the point. Those tasks might matter in life, but they’re not needle-movers for your business. Your Ta-Da List is designed to align you with high-impact actions that create momentum.

Mistake #2: Mis-Categorizing Everything as “Urgent”
Not everything deserves an “A.” If you label every task as urgent and important, you’ll just recreate the overwhelm of a traditional to-do list. Be honest about what truly drives results, and use B, C, and even D freely.

Mistake #3: Skipping the Time-Block
Your categories only work if you protect the time to do them. An “A” task without a calendar block is just a wish. Reserve your best energy for your A’s and B’s, then batch your C’s during admin time.

Mistake #4: Forgetting to Play the Game
The point system isn’t fluff — it’s fuel. If you’re not tallying your score, you’re missing out on the motivation boost that comes from competing with yourself. Remember, your goal isn’t to do more; it’s to score higher by focusing on what matters most.

Mistake #5: Skipping the Celebration
Productivity without celebration feels like a grind. End your day with a simple ritual: review your score, say “Ta-Da!”, and recognize your progress. That small act of acknowledgment builds the confidence and momentum to keep going.

Stop letting an endless to-do list run your life, and be sure you’re focusing on 3 must-do, needle-moving tasks from your Ta Da List each day. You can capture these 3 non-negotiables inside the 90-Day Momentum Maker. It’s the exact system I created to create daily habits for unstoppable momentum. Ready to get focused and build the business of your dreams, one Ta-Da at a time?

Order your 90-Day Momentum Maker today!