Use data validation to create status updates

In this video, you’ll learn to employ data validation in creating a dropdown menu, which is a practical way to monitor the progress of each task in your goal-setting plan. Data validation restricts the input in a cell to specific choices, provided in a dropdown list. For instance, you might use this dropdown list to indicate the status of each task, such as whether it’s not started, in progress, or completed. Utilizing a dropdown menu for status selection is a time-saving feature since it eliminates the need to type out the status each time there’s a change; instead, you simply choose an option from the menu. Start by implementing data validation in the “Status” column of your spreadsheet. Enter statuses like “Not started,” “In progress,” and “Complete” to represent the various stages of task completion. By using this dropdown list, you can easily assign and update the status of each task. This method serves as a checklist, helping to ensure all tasks are addressed and completed punctually, and nothing is overlooked.

However, while applying data validation, you might encounter a small hiccup. If you notice an error message appearing in the column header, it’s because the data validation has been applied to the entire column, including the header. The text in the header does not align with the established criteria of the dropdown options. To resolve this, simply click on the first cell under the header in the “Status” column and remove the data validation from that cell alone. Doing so will eliminate the error message. As you progress towards your goal, remember to regularly update the status of each task in the dropdown menu. Now, it’s your turn: Implement data validation for the “Status” column in your spreadsheet and use the dropdown menu to appropriately label the status of each task as you make progress.