This is a practical guide to techniques and strategies for creating task lists and is a good refresher even for veteran list makers. If you've already tried different methods, skip the first two sections (which cover reasons that you fail to get things done with your to-do list, assessment of your task management skills, and pros/cons of some common task management methods).
Start with Chapter 7 to learn the techniques for effectively creating and managing a to-do list, including the following:
* Have two separate lists - one for tasks to complete for the day and a big list for everything else. Each day, pick 7 tasks from the big list to be on your daily list.
* Have a batch list for tiny tasks - when you have extra time, batch these tiny tasks together and complete them in 15-30 minutes (such as start a load of laundry, take out the trash, make dinner reservations, pay the bills, send an email to the client, record yesterday's sales, schedule a meeting with coworkers, check voicemail, return a phone call, and declutter your desk)
* Indicate the desired outcome - write the task with a verb and the goal (for example, "call parents to see how they're doing and invite them for breakfast")
* Break projects down into small, manageable tasks - instead of "clean house" (which is vague and daunting to tackle), write "wash the dishes, mop the kitchen floor, clean the bathroom, vacuum the floors, and dust the furniture."
* Assign due dates for each task
* Estimate the time required to complete the task
* Organize tasks by projects, types, and locations (for example, tasks to complete at the office or at home, creative tasks that require focused attention, and mindless tasks)
* Review the list weekly to add and remove tasks - do a brain dump of all your tasks and remove tasks that are unnecessary or no longer consistent with your goals