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Productivity and Progress flourish with a clear vision of what DOES and DOES NOT need to be done right now. And this clear vision starts with a good To-Do List!

As we get started, I need to share a few truths:

Yes, you need a to-do list, and not just one in your head. No, you will not remember.

If you won’t keep one for yourself, do it for others as other people rely on you to get things done, too.

I know how I use my To-Do lists but I was curious about how other people use theirs. I asked my Facebook community last week to share their insight around tasks and to-do lists. I know AMAZING people and they were forthcoming with their answers to these questions:

• Do you keep a to-do list?
• How do you track your tasks-to-do?
• Are you a paper person or electronic person, or a mix?
• Anything else you’d like to add, of note?

It turns out, people have strong thoughts about To-Do lists! My questions were mostly answered by folks who embrace to-do lists.  I did not receive any “No” responses, so either my FB tribe generally keeps to-do lists, or anyone who does not didn’t respond.

I quickly realized that this topic would take multiple articles to cover adequately! This week, let’s talk about what is ON a to-do list, and what is the right way to keep your to-do list (spoiler alert, there is no one “right way”!)

What IS a To-Do List? And WHAT is on it?

• A To-Do List is a physical or digital list of tasks and errands you need to complete, often sorted by date, time or priority.
• A To-Do List is a component of a productive day and of an effective planner. 
  • A planner is the composite pieces of a calendar, to-do list, contact information, goals, routines, etc.
  • Appointments are scheduled events.
  • Routines can be part of your To-Do Lists, or not. You can add your daily routine to your to-do list if you like, or if you are working on establishing new habits.  But you will have to decide for yourself if “Get Up” or “eat breakfast” need to be on your to-do list.  
• An important feature of a good to-do list is the option to keep track of future tasks.
  • Keeping a long-term to-do list helps to turn ideas into actions (I should buy new deck furniture in the Spring”, or “next Christmas I would really like host a party”) and
  • Gives our brains a break from the pressure of remembering ALL THE DETAILS ALL THE TIME. (exhausting!)
• I spoke recently about to-do lists with a client. He defined them as “the tasks that need to be jotted down for the in-between times.” Meaning, he won’t forget to get up, eat breakfast or walk the dog.  He also won’t forget to go to work or complete his work.  But he might need to remember to make a hair cut appointment, pick up a birthday gift for his mom or take in his truck for an oil change.  

How Do I Choose The Right Way To Keep My To-Do List?

The question is often “Tech or Paper?” when it comes to To-Do lists. However, reviewing the responses this past week, I am happy to report most people use a blend of platforms and tools for different situations and outcomes.

The choice between Paper or Tech does not determine success. MAKING the choice and USING the tools determines success. Don’t be afraid to be wrong! The Best To-Do List is the one you will actually use.

I’ve been asked recently to recommend a planner for a reader starting their own business. Regrettably, that isn’t something I can do. A planner, or for today’s article, a platform for a To-Do list, is a very personal choice. I can coach around determining necessary features or talk through the pros and cons of different types, but I can’t tell someone what kind of planner to use.

• If you are choosing your paper planner, consider:
  • Some popular paper planner brands are Happy Planner, Purple Planner, Franklin Planner and Bullet Journal.
• If you choose tech:
  • I love Evernote;
  • most phones have a “Notes” app;
  • Apps like Cozi, Trello, Remember the Milk, or check out this list: https://zapier.com/blog/best-todo-list-apps.
• (For both, I will share more paper or tech tools as I find them! )
• Or Consider the Blend!
  • Some people prefer to see their entire month at once so they prefer paper. You may run out of room, though, if your schedule is complicated or your daily to-do list is too itemized for a small block.
  • There is pleasure and feeling of accomplishment that some say only come from a pen-and-paper to do list!
  • Work versus home: One person mentioned that her personal to-do list was digital (and more portable that way) but that her daily work to-do list is comprised of sticky notes and those are client specific and stay at work!
  • I like the portability that comes from a digital list – I use Evernote and can call up and update a list on my phone, tablet or laptop and it stays current. Plus, I can share the list with others as needed.
  • On the other hand, I use a Bullet Journal for jotting down notes on the fly or for the pleasure of writing by hand lists, ideas or journal entries (then I copy them over to my digital to-do list).
  • What I really appreciate is how my FB community blended methods, like jotting down notes on paper (anything from old envelopes to a beautiful notebook with heavy paper) and then supporting those tasks with audible reminders or alarms on their tech. Clever!

As you plot your productivity and progress, consider what tools will help you set-up your To-Do list! Have a great week!