Transform Your To-Do List with Action Verbs
The Ultimate Cheat Sheet: Transform Your To-Do List with Action Verbs
Ever looked at your to-do list and felt paralysed by the sheer vagueness of your tasks?
And thought to yourself, “what was I thinking”?
You’re not alone. Many people create lists with items like “clean” or “send email” that lack clarity and direction, leaving them feeling stuck or overwhelmed, or thinking “WTF was that for”.
But what if you could rewrite your to-do list in a way that motivates you, defines success, and helps you take action? Because no one got time to go back and try and remember or work out why that task was put on the list to begin with.
The secret lies in using action verbs or “doing words”. With the right words, you can supercharge your productivity and tackle your day with purpose. Yayyyyy!
I’ll explore why action verbs matter, share a powerful list of 60+ verbs categorised by task type, and give you tips for transforming your daily planning.
Let’s dive in!
Why Action Verbs Are a Productivity Superpower
At first glance, verbs might seem like a small change, but they have an enormous impact on how you perceive your tasks.
Here’s why they work:
- They create clarity. Starting a task with a verb forces you to define exactly what needs to be done. “Clean desk” is vague, but “Organise desk” makes the goal specific.
- They make tasks feel achievable. Breaking big projects into actionable steps with verbs like “draft,” “revise,” and “finalise” gives you a clear roadmap.
- They energise your mindset. Positive, action-oriented words can spark momentum and make even mundane tasks feel purposeful.
For example:
- Before: Write report (1 task)
- After: Draft report outline, Edit final draft, Submit completed report (3 tasks)
See the difference?
Transforming your to-do list with action verbs can significantly enhance clarity and productivity and you will see progress!
Now let’s explore the 60+ action verbs you can start using today.
60+ Action Verbs to Transform Your To-Do List
This list has been organised into categories to help you match the right word to the right task.
Whether you’re planning, communicating, or creating, these verbs will get you moving.
Planning and Organising
Perfect for tasks that involve preparation or prioritisation:
- Plan, Schedule, Organise, Prepare, Outline, Draft, Strategise, Arrange, Research, Coordinate
Communication
Great for keeping your conversations and follow-ups on track:
- Email, Call, Message, Discuss, Update, Invite, Follow up, Confirm, Submit, Share
Creation and Development
Ideal for tasks that involve producing or refining something:
- Create, Write, Design, Develop, Build, Edit, Revise, Finalise, Generate, Compile
Maintenance and Execution
Use these for ongoing or operational tasks that keep things running smoothly:
- Review, Complete, Execute, Check, Fix, Organise, Clean, Maintain, Update, Inspect
Learning and Improving
Perfect for personal growth or skill-building tasks:
- Learn, Study, Read, Practise, Review, Analyse, Reflect, Test, Improve, Explore
Decision-Making and Problem-Solving
These verbs help with tasks that involve analysing options or resolving challenges:
- Decide, Solve, Prioritise, Choose, Evaluate, Assess, Identify, Clarify, Determine, Resolve
Miscellaneous
Catch-all verbs for everyday tasks and errands:
- Buy, Order, Collect, Deliver, Pay, Attend, Book, Cancel, Upgrade, Delegate
How to use this list effectively
To make the most of this list, follow these simple tips:
- Start with a verb for every task. Instead of writing “Budget meeting,” write “Prepare budget report for meeting.”
- Be specific. Replace vague verbs like “do” or “work on” with precise actions like “complete” or “revise.”
- Group similar tasks. Organise your list by category to make your workflow smoother.
- Prioritise. Use verbs like “review” or “finalise” for high-priority tasks, and save others for later.
TIP: Each item should represent one clear, actionable task.
Pro Tip:
If a task will be on your list for longer than a day or a week – add as much content into the task as possible, including resources required etc, so when you come back to it – you have all the information.
Examples of Transformed To-Do Lists
To see the difference in action, here’s how you can elevate a to-do list using action verbs:
By breaking these into smaller, specific tasks, each step becomes clearer and easier to tackle.
These small changes help you focus on what you need to do and how you’ll do it.
By adding the action verb to the beginning of your to-do, you clarify the goal of your task, making them easier to accomplish.
Ready to Transform Your Productivity?
Your to-do list is more than just a collection of tasks. It’s a roadmap for your day.
By starting each item with an action verb, you can gain clarity, stay motivated, and actually get things done.
Ready to take your planning to the next level? Sign up to the mailing list to download my free Action Verb To-Do List Cheat Sheet and start revolutionising your workflow today.
It’s packed with 60+ powerful verbs to help you achieve your goals.
Don’t forget to share this post with friends who could use a productivity boost. Together, let’s make every day an action-packed success!
P.S. I’d love to hear which tips helped you the most! Got another tip that works for you? Share that with me, too here, I’m always looking for new ideas.
Ready to Take it Further?
Hey There, I’m Kerri!
I help busy business owners just like you beat admin, tech, systems and content overwhelm!
If you’re feeling stuck or need help getting your business organised, I’d love to support you!
My VIP Day is designed to tackle your top 2-3 business priorities in one focused day. You’ll walk away with real progress and a clear action plan.
