To-Do List Template: How to Make a To-Do List That Works

In this article, we'll discuss one of the most important productivity tools: the famous to-do list. Before we start, let's define the term.

What's a to-do list?

A to-do list, also called a task list, is a simple way of organizing the things you need to get done. Most of us have some experience writing to-do lists, but few people have thought about how to use them efficiently and get the most out of them. Here we'll cover the basics of to-do lists and offer some deeper insights.

What you'll need

1. Paper

A piece of paper: simple and affordable. A simple layout like the one below saves you from having to work out a format yourself.

Task	Deadline	Size
Task 1	Date	Small / medium / large
Task 2	Date	Small / medium / large
Task 3	Date	Small / medium / large

2. A pen or pencil

Writing tools have been around for thousands of years and are as good as ever. I'd recommend a regular pencil, so you can erase, edit and add new entries as you go.

3. Objectives

You need a clear idea of what you're planning for. A to-do list is no good if it's only partial. To make your list as effective as possible, you first need a very clear picture of the things you need to get done and the date each one must be finished.

You'll also need to know the scope of the project: is it small, medium or large? When is the deadline, and what happens if you miss it? These are important factors to consider before you write everything down.

Further tips

1. Take it step by step

Don't feel overwhelmed by everything ahead of you. Remember the old Chinese proverb:

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

2. Be like a train

A train keeps moving, every day and every hour, traveling to its destinations. Get into the habit of finishing your tasks; anyone with a hand can write them down.

3. Use incentives

If you're having difficulty getting your tasks done, it may be wise to offer yourself incentives. For instance, tell yourself: if I finish tasks "x" and "y," I get "z."

4. Break it up

If tasks are too large in scope, break them up into smaller, easier ones.

5. See the bigger picture

There's a famous parable about two construction workers building the same wall with different mindsets. When asked what they're doing, the first one says, "I'm building a stone wall." The other answers, "I'm building a hospital." Remind yourself why you're doing these tasks in the first place. Are you learning Laplace transforms, or are you becoming an engineer? The same holds true for any course of study or profession.

For more on planning your work, see how to plan your tasks.