Keeping A Good To-do List

A good to-do list is one of the most underrated productivity tools there is. But most people’s to-do lists are actually anti-productivity tools – bloated, undifferentiated, demoralising.

Here’s what I’ve found works:

One list, not many. Multiple lists mean things fall through the cracks. One trusted system, everywhere.

Capture everything. If it’s in your head, it’s taking up cognitive space you need for other things. Get it out and into the list.

Make it actionable. Every item should start with a verb. Not ‘project X’ but ‘call James about project X.’ The difference between a reminder and an action is the verb.

Separate horizon from today. Your full list is overwhelming. Your today list should be what you can genuinely complete today – not what you hope to complete.

Review weekly. Once a week, go through the full list. Delete what no longer matters. Reschedule what you’ve been avoiding. Celebrate what you’ve done.

A good to-do list doesn’t just help you do more. It helps you do the right things, with less anxiety about what you’re not doing.