Making todo lists

A to-do list is a must especially if you have multiple websites on the go or just a bad memory like me. I have not used gmail tasks , I use Treepad lite which is simple and free.

I agree, but at the same time having a massive to-do list
can become overwhelming.

Personally I choose 3 most important tasks to complete
each day. These are high-leverage activities (will make me
money in the short term or form part of an important
project).

I try and focus on these 3 before anything else each day.
Then if I have time later I'll get to the rest of the todo
list...but I might just take the rest of the day off
knowing that I've done the most important things.

Joe

A to do list is very important to me as well ! I can't focus in doing 1 thing for the whole day. A to do list can keep me stay and focus on one area.

I use asana.com to organize all my IM activity. It's absolutely fantastic, made by some of the original founders / programmers of facebook.

The controls are pretty simple and you can share projects with others (invited) or keep them private. So it's absolutely ideal for joint ventures or even discussion groups as well as your own work. It's seriously the best organisational software I've used.

Best of all IT'S FREE!

I'd encourage as many people as possible to use this service and spread the word because without users it will die. It would be a shame to see such a great service go under.

Yup, a to-do list is essential if you plan on being productive every day. It's no good just setting a goal of 'I must complete 10 hours work each day'. That doesn't really help.

You need to map out daily tasks as well as time limits for each task. Personally, I use a spreadsheet that has tasks in point form with an estimated time limit. It's also essential to update your task sheet each evening with the following days work. That way you know exactly what needs to be covered when you start in the morning.

So far, that's worked well for me.

Chow chow,
Kevin

Scheduling things is a must ... i personally use Desktop Reminder so the alarm goes off with the tasks i have to do .. in case you just ignore its alarm, will probably make you feel bad since you are giving up your goal

I don't like the digital route, I prefer post stick notes. By they are essential to productivity imo.

Yeah.. I like things hand written.. sticky note for mi 2.. to do list keep mi focus and also allow me to identify the urgent issues on hand..

cheers!

Any note taking system can and will work if you do it right, and can't and won't work if you do it wrong.

One of the things most people are doing wrong (and then blame the system and try something else, sometimes shinier, sometimes simpler) is: they don't REVIEW. In the end every system will fail unless you REVIEW.

Do a WEEKLY REVIEW to clean up and organize the list. Then it doesn't matter whether you use Gmail, OneNote, Evernote, pen and paper, 43 folders or whatever.

I know it's not what you was askin' , I'm just sayin'

One great tip I recently read from Lifehacker was to create two todo task lists. One for the day and one for the week. That way you keep things simple and focused. You won't find yourself juggling on different todo lists. You can read more about it here.

I've been implementing it myself and I find it is really effective for me.

i always do to do lists. why? the main reason for me is, because i tend to get lazy after having done half my work but my to do list keeps me pushing till i finish.

YES! Todo lists are mandatory. Although, really only one is needed, perhaps.

I am a big fan of Getting Things Done by David Allen.

So my setup is fashioned after what he teaches.

On my calendar I insert my appointments (or any time specific actions) and in the "all day" field I put in actions that have to be done that day.

So if I know that this coming thursday I have to talk to Aria one of my outsourcers about handing off a project because she is leaving on vacation on friday, I put that in the "all day" section of my calendar on thursday and set an alarm for it. This allows me to trust that I will get it done.

I also keep a Projects list which is a list of the projects I need to complete for this week.

And my "to-do list" if you will, which David Allen calls a "Next Actions" list is sorted by context.

So if I have a bunch of calls I need to make they are all on one list which is named
@ Calls

If I have errands that I need to do when I am out of my house I have an @errands list.

That is my system.

I highly recommend people check out Getting Things Done or Making it All Work by David Allen

I make to-do lists and goal lists. I have my main to-do list that pops up every time I turn on my computer. I used notepad to make a .bat file, and put it in the startup folder. So, anytime I achieve something or need to add something, it's very easy to edit, and the list always pops up anytime I turn on my computer. This is a quick and simple way to constantly remind yourself what needs to be done. I don't need to log onto my email or anything else. I'm sure there are better ways, but this is what works for me.

Also, I have goal lists. I make a weekly, monthly, yearly, and life goal list that I modify when necessary. For me, the goal lists are a great reminder of where I need to be and when in my life.

CJ