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To-Do List Makeover: A Simple Guide to Getting the Important Things Done

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Why Most People FAIL At Getting Things Done

Are you creating to-do lists that never get to-done? It's easy to start each workday with a lengthy list of tasks. Then something unexpected comes up. Next thing you know, the day is almost over. You work hard at a frantic pace, but you end up feeling frustrated because there's not enough time to do everything.

We all write lists with the hope that they will turn us into productivity machines. Sadly, to-do lists often have the opposite effect. The wrong type of list can be de-motivating, causing you to slack off and procrastinate.

How to Create To-Do Lists That are Both Actionable and Doable

The truth is anyone can write a list. The hard part is creating a list that's actionable and also fits into your busy life. More often than not, people fill their lists with a disorganized mess of tasks, wants, needs and random ideas. Then they sit around and wonder why they're not getting significant results in their lives.

What's the solution?

Rethink the way you manage your daily life.

Specifically, you should use multiple lists that cover different types of task. That's the core concept you'll learn in the following "To-Do List A Simple Guide to Getting the Important Things Done."

To-Do List Makeover - A Simple Guide to Getting the Most Important Things Done

"To-Do List Makeover" provides a step-by-step blueprint for writing effective, actionable lists.

You will
**7 Common To-Do List Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
**The #1 Tool for Capturing Ideas
**How to Use a Project List to Identify Critical Tasks
** When to Work on Routine, Daily Activities
** Why the Weekly Review Helps You Get Things Done
** THE App for Managing To-Do Lists
** How to Complete Your THREE Important Tasks Every Day
** 8 Steps for Achieving Peak Results
** How to Take Action (Even If You’re not Motivated)
** A Step-by-Step Process for Getting Results with Your Lists
It's not hard to take action on a consistent basis. All you need to learn is how to manage four types of lists on a daily basis.

Would You Like To Know More?

Download and get things done today.

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98 pages, Paperback

First published May 17, 2014

206 people are currently reading
660 people want to read

About the author

S.J. Scott

60 books259 followers
Wall Street Journal bestselling author SJ Scott wanted to be Luke Skywalker when he grew up.

Unfortunately his complete lack of physical grace and introverted mannerism's kept the earth from having their own Jedi Knight to battle the Sith menace.

Steve “SJ” Scott was born and raised in New Jersey. After finishing college with a degree in psychology he knew he needed to further his education or work on his latte making skills.

During a short stint in US Air Force, Scott was able to get his Master’s in business and then moved on to conquer the business world.

Scott then spent a couple of years working for a company not unlike the company depicted in Mike Judge’s film, “Office Space”. After doing his share of “TPS” reports, Scott swore he would never work for anyone but himself.

He spent the next few years making this happen. Making a decent living online and eventually pivoting to writing books, blogging and even podcasting.

Scott has written over 30 books, most of them in the "self-improvement" genre. An area that he is personally passionate about.

His books have been published in 12 different languages. So he is well on his way to world domination. However, in his heart of hearts he knows he will soon have to venture out into the universe and defeat the Sith menace.

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5 stars
98 (20%)
4 stars
152 (31%)
3 stars
161 (33%)
2 stars
58 (11%)
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17 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Paula Gagnon Houwen.
31 reviews1 follower
June 22, 2014
Good Review

We all write ourselves lists of things we must do. Sometimes it seems like our lists get longer, no matter what we do. This book helps us tackle the important short-term items, and to break up those huge projects into smaller objectives that we can easily handle. Easy to understand and implement.
483 reviews
August 4, 2014
Short read. Nothing groundbreaking, but sometimes it is good to have a reminder like this of what you should be doing.
Profile Image for Delphine Jamet.
Author 5 books12 followers
June 22, 2015
I like the way S.J. Scott writes his books, they are easy to read and you always find at least one tip or change you can implement with ease into your life. I picked up focusing on three major actions a day out of this book, the rest I probably won't use but it's a great book to read to keep you on track with your habits, routine and to-do lists.
Profile Image for Valentina Thoerner.
Author 1 book13 followers
October 11, 2014
Quick read and you'll get some good ideas out of it. I actually revamped my todo list approach after this book, blending my former approach with some good ideas from here.
14 reviews
December 6, 2014
Great

Really helped me evaluate and focus. I try hard now to make 3 daily goals and get those done regardless of what else happens in my often chaotic life!
1 review
January 30, 2019
Excelente!

Este libro me encanto , ahora tengo nuevas herramientas para incorporarlas en mis listas de Tareas, lo super recomiendo, incluso para los chicos que ya estan desarrollandose en la escuela.
Profile Image for Marcia Ito.
7 reviews
January 21, 2022
This book present a way to do lists that you can use to organize your time and improve your productivity. I think it is very useful.
Profile Image for Sarah Jean.
912 reviews26 followers
March 21, 2022
I’m a sucker for these .99 books that usually don’t have much more information than one can get in a pamphlet, but this one actually has some useful information, even if it is a bit repetitive.
5 reviews2 followers
December 1, 2025
great Refresher and Simplification

I’m retired now- I procrastinated on reading this book while I was still working. I “made” myself read it and wow! Some perfect reacher ideas with a new purpose in retirement for my daily community work and busy lifestyle. Thanks!
Profile Image for Adama.
52 reviews4 followers
July 20, 2014
Just good enough book with good tips and advice s

If you're are use to the 'to do lists' , just read the last section of the book: how to create to do lists that get results.

That said, the book is easy to read with logical flow and good transition and is probably useful for people struggling to plan their day or week. If you already already know how to effectively use planning tools such as Microsoft Outlook, Google Calendar, Evernote, PlanPlus etc, this book is a good refresher but not as must-read.

Personally I prefer and use PlanPlus (desktop version or Outlook version) from Franklin Covey Leadership Center. It has everything described in this book and includes other features such as personal mission statement, goal setting, a powerful project planning tool and an excellent weekly planning tool. I've been using the Outlook version for nearly 10 years and it has greatly improved my planning skills.
Profile Image for Laura.
3,205 reviews348 followers
July 13, 2015
This brief book gives a wonderful overview of how to begin to get oneself oranaized and focused. Of course you have to work the system to see results.
S.J. Scott also shares links and references to other organizatioal "experts" and systems that have proven themselves for those willing to do the work.

I enjoyed reading this book and smiled to know I already have some of these systems in place.
A refresher is always welcome and motivating.
Profile Image for Kim.
227 reviews29 followers
February 6, 2015
I'm not usually a fan of this type of e-books; most are a regurgitation of another book's ideas or a system easily found explained on a free blog post or website.

To-Do List Makeover had a nice balance of systems I was familiar with (Getting Things Done, Zen To Done) with a new insights on ways to utilize your To-Do list and schedule in a more economic, productive, and inspiring way.
Profile Image for Tracy.
31 reviews
February 2, 2015
Quick read. Good ideas about chunking types of tasks, and I definitely see the value in picking 3 MITs (Most Important Tasks) for the day. The suggestions for becoming motivated about things I'm not motivated to do are unlikely to be helpful, as the possible barriers to motivation did not include the most obvious, "I don't want to."
Profile Image for Elsa.
67 reviews10 followers
July 6, 2016
A very clear exposition of the steps you must follow if you want to get things done in your life. It's easy and fast to read, with plain language everybody can understand, with plenty of examples. And all the key points are in bold letters. A fantastic little book that will enlighten you to get rid of your clutter.
Profile Image for Deborah Halnon.
57 reviews2 followers
February 10, 2015
Now, I just have to do it.

I have read multiple books on the subject, but I still have to do it. Part of my problem is a lack of focus, and getting sidetracked, like why I am doing this instead of tomorrow's homework.
31 reviews1 follower
May 23, 2015
Alright

I have previously read Getting Things Done and Zen to Done. Most of the ideas presented felt like rehashes of ideas in both of these books. This read more like a cliff notes of there other books.
Profile Image for Kells Next Read .
574 reviews589 followers
July 6, 2015
Lots of great tools

I've just re organized the way that I approach my projects. Mr Scott ideas and advise resonate with me so I'm going to give it a try. Great book with useful tools in helping you get the things that matter most done.
Profile Image for Eugenia.
Author 24 books10 followers
January 9, 2015
Un ottimo metodo in quattro fasi per organizzare le liste di cose da fare. Sembra complesso ma non lo è, e permette di non perdersi più niente. Provato :)
Profile Image for Mhd.
1,997 reviews10 followers
Read
November 15, 2015
Sample is well-written and interesting. Seems to be pretty much what I do. Could be worthwhile to read whole book...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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