Make your to-do list work

To-do lists can be lifesavers when it comes to managing your work. But sometimes they’re nothing more than a list of things you never get to. Here are three tips for making them better:
• Bucket the work. Categorise items in a way that makes sense for you. Group them by project or difficulty level (eg put all the “easy” tasks in one area so you can easily knock them off when you have time). Give each bucket its own column.
• Pick the right medium. You should enjoy looking at and interacting with your to-do list. Use a notebook you love or a well-designed and easy-to-use app.
• Rewrite the list. Every few days create a new list, transferring unfinished tasks from the old one. This will help you keep it organised and in the right order of priority.

 Adapted from the HBR Guide to Getting the Right Work Done.