There are two ways to forget a task.

The first way, you dont write it down, but you eventually remember at the exact wrong moment.

The other one, the task leaves you entirely until someone holds you accountable.

Google Sheets spreadsheet on a laptop

Neither situation is fun.

Thats why pairing your to-do list with a backlog is ideal.

It’s also helpful if you keep it somewhere accessible, like Google Sheets.

To-do list in spreadsheet software

So, how do you create a backlog and use it alongside a to-do list in Google Sheets?

Read on to find out.

What Is a Backlog, and Why Would You Use One?

Backlog list in spreadsheet software

While backlogged tasks are still important, theyre just on hold for now until youre ready to tackle them.

Keeping a backlog is ideal because it prevents tasks from falling between the cracks.

In the Backlog tab, add a title and some color to the top row.

Backlogged lists in spreadsheet software

Some examples would be a home backlog, work backlog, renovations backlog, creative backlog, etc.

Another option is to keep separate tabs or documents for work, school, or home.

For some, keeping one could be the ideal approach.

Backlogged list with rating system in spreadsheet software

Add it to the list if its meaningful and not something that comes naturally, like a daily habit.

Take a moment afterwards to review the items on your list.

Check for any tasks you may be able to let go.

For example, you want to learn to paint, but the process now feels like a chore.

There, it cant nag at you while you work on other things.

Then check your backlog for items you want to prioritize that day.

Cutting it instead of copying it over will delete it from your backlog.

That way, you avoid assigning yourself too many challenging tasks at once.

To add some color coding to your ranking system, you coulduseConditional formatting, found under theFormatmenu.

It will also help you prioritize your daily to-do list and decide when to offload less meaningful tasks.

Thanks to Google Sheets, getting started is a cinch, and you might access it across multiple devices.