To-Do List Formula: A Stress-Free Guide To Creating To-Do Lists That Work!

by Damon Zahariades

your to-do list will ensure you’re working on the right tasks at the right time.

Your task list removes the emotion so you can make good decisions that maximize your productivity.

Importantly, you’ll get the right things done. Remember, being productive isn’t about completing a long list of tasks. It’s not about staying busy.

Most people misunderstand the function of a to-do list. They believe it’s a tool that should help them to complete every task they think deserves their attention. On the contrary, a solid to-do list will focus your attention on the right work and prevent you from getting sidelined by less-critical items.

A to-do list without deadlines is a wish list. Nothing more.

Deadlines are the enemy of procrastination. They motivate us to take action and finish tasks.

Many people do a brain dump of every task they need or want to get done. They record everything on a single list. The problem is, they neglect to categorize these tasks

The more options we have, the less capable we are to decide between them and the more anxiety we experience as a result.

we’re more inclined to choose activities that offer immediate gratification over those that are arguably better for us, but require more effort.

Our goals spur us to take action. We’re less inclined to procrastinate when we’re able to predict the positive result of completing a specific task.

For example, suppose you maintain a blog and record “write a new blog post” on tomorrow’s to-do list. It’s a task you assume you need to do. But do you know the specific reason you need to do it? Are you trying to achieve a particular goal with the new blog post?

you must attach a specific goal to each task on your to-do list. Know the reason each item needs to be completed. If you neglect this step, you’ll be less motivated to get the item done.

First, use a “current task” list to decide how to allocate your time and attention each day. This list will carry the to-do items that must be completed before the day ends.

Second, use a “future task” list to keep track of all the items that will need your attention at some point. You won’t use this list during the course of your workday. Instead, you’ll refer to it at the end of the day to create the following day’s to-do list.

The simplest way to get through your daily to-do list is to assign a “why” to each item found on it. Know the reason the item is on your list. Determine why you need to get it done. Write the reason down next to the task.

If an item requires more than one action, it is a project that can - and should - be broken down.

First, make sure each deadline is realistic. It does no good to assign an impossible due date to a task.

Second, come up with a reason for each due date. For example, suppose it’s summertime and your child is due for a dental checkup. You’d probably want to schedule a dentist appointment by August 31

give yourself less time than you think you need. I mentioned Parkinson’s Law in the section Why You’re Not Finishing Your List Of To-Do Items. That law states “work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.” We tend to allow ourselves too much time to get things done.