My To-Do List System

Drafting compass on a rustic wooden table that's turned upside down.

To-do lists can be as overwhelming as they are helpful. But it feels so good to check something off. Always. If I accomplish a task that isn’t on my list, I will literally add it only to immediately cross it off. Why? Because it helps me feel a sense of accomplishment. And because it’s an accommodation for my OCD.

I use Apple’s built-in Reminders app for my to-do list. It’s simple, free, and syncs between my MacBook and iPhone, making my list accessible when I need it. But you could apply this system to most to-do apps, a Kaban system like Trello, or even paper cards.

A list with the title 'working list' that includes three collapsed items: today, next up, and soon.

First, I use three time categories: today, next up, and soon. They represent what must be done today, what needs my attention directly thereafter, and what I’d like to accomplish with any excess of time. This is based on the “Eisenhower Method” of task management. His quadrants don’t really work for me, but they did inspire my segmentation.

A to do list with an expanded item labeled 'today' that has three children items, each with its own tag, for project name, personal, and writing.

Next, because I blend personal and professional tasks, I tag them. I use three type categories for these: the name of a project for work tasks, “personal” for personal tasks, and “writing” for writing tasks. This enables me to further prioritize my to-do list based on what’s most important at any given time. I also sort them from top-to-bottom in order of priority.

Each morning I move items from “next up” to “today” and add any new ones as necessary. If I wasn’t able to accomplish something the previous day, that’s okay. I simply forgive myself and leave it on the list so I can tend to it today.

If my list is accurate and current, I can check-off tasks throughout the day without that aimless feeling. And if I finish my “today” list, I can either continue to the “next up” list, reach into my “soon” list, or completely ignore tasks so I can take a well-deserved break.

Without a well-organized to-do list my mind is all over the place and I can’t focus. This system changed that for me. Perhaps you’ll find it useful, too.

#Productivity #ToDo #ToDoList #Tasks #EisenhowerMethod #Neurodivergence

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Illustration of me with a content facial expression. I am wearing a wine colored beanie, teal glasses, and my long full beard is brown with gray edges. There is a dreary forest in the background.
I’m Mark Wyner, an activist, dad, husband, Designer, writer, public speaker, and Mastodon moderator. If you want me to write for you or speak at your event please say hello.