Since August, I’ve been keeping track of my tasks, accomplishments, and moods. This plays an important part in my life management system, because it helps me avoid procrastinating (for the most part) as well as determine what might trigger mood problems for me. Every evening, I do a daily review where I see what I’ve accomplished, how I’ve felt throughout the day, and what improvements I can make for the next day.

I keep track of all of this in a nice little notebook I got at Dollarama (if there’s one near you, check the stationary aisle for item code 05-3010719). However, I’ve also created a PDF version of the tracking form for anyone who might also find it useful. You can download it from Dropbox.

On the left, I keep a list of tasks I need to accomplish throughout the day. As they’re completed, I check them off. Anything I do that isn’t already on the list gets added and checked as well. And if something becomes no longer relevant, I simply strike it out.

On the right, I note down what has happened to me or that I have done (other than tasks). I also put down a number from 1 to 5 based on how I felt at the time. I’m thinking of also tracking the actual time that these events occur, but right now, I don’t keep that information.

Every night, before I go to bed, I review these lists and judge how I felt overall through the day on the same 1 to 5 scale at the top of the sheet. Then I set up a sheet for the next day, including copying any incomplete tasks. Sometimes, if I know a particular incomplete task can’t be completed the next day, I’ll set up a sheet for another future day. Right now, my notebook has the template laid out for two weeks in advance, with tasks listed as far off as the start of October.

If you need a bit of help tracking on paper what you need to do, or want to follow your emotional progress through the day, you might find this helpful. I’ve certainly found it useful to keep a grip on my own life. Let me know how useful this is to you, or if you have any suggestions!