How to Make Lists
The best way to make lists is to prioritize the most important things at the top. For instance, making dinner might be more important than folding your laundry. Additionally, when you're listing tasks, break your large tasks into small steps so they're easier to complete. For example, instead of “do the laundry,” you might write, “load the washing machine,” “turn on the washing machine,” “dry the clothes,” and “fold the clothes.” Next, keep yourself on track by setting realistic deadlines for completing your tasks, then check off each task once it's complete.
Make your to-do list the night before to feel more prepared. Instead of scrambling to map out your day in the morning, set aside time in the evening to write down everything you need to do the following day. It will make your morning less stressful and you'll also be able to list any loose ends from the current day that you want to tie up while they're still fresh in your mind. Set a reminder on your phone or pencil time in your planner for to-do list writing so you don't forget. You can write your list with pen and paper or use an app on your phone. Create separate to-do lists if you have a lot of different projects. Rather than making 1 super long to-do list, divide your tasks into smaller lists based on category. For example, you might have a work to-do list, a housecleaning to-do list, and an errands to-do list. Splitting it up makes it feel more manageable. You can write each list on a separate piece of paper if you have a lot of items, or simply color-code your master list. For instance, you might use blue highlighter for things to do at the office and a pink highlighter for things to do at home. Keep all of your categorized to-do lists in 1 place, like in the same notebook or on the same app. However, if you're keeping a work list and a home list together in 1 book, for example, make sure you take it with you to the office. Prioritize your list so that the most important tasks are at the top. These are the things you either need or want to accomplish the most. There's only so much that you can do in a day, so focus on the tasks that are high priority. Do them before you tackle any of the other items on your list. For example, if you have a big meeting at work that day, “review speaking points” or “run through presentation with final edits” might be at the top of your list. Limit yourself to 1 to 3 high-priority tasks each day. Any more than that defeats the purpose of prioritizing. Try the 1-3-5 rule. Stick to 1 big task, 3 medium ones, and 5 small ones. Break large projects into smaller tasks to avoid being overwhelmed. If a project feels so big that you aren't even sure where to begin, you might avoid ever starting it, let alone completing it. Instead, list out all of the smaller steps that make up the larger goal, so you can cross them off one by one. For example, instead of writing “plan Sarah's birthday party,” break it into items like “send out invitations,” “order the cake,” and “shop for decorations.” You can get as granular as you'd like. Using the above example, you could even split it up further, changing “send out invitations” to “design invitations,” “address the envelopes,” and “take the invitations to the post office.” Set specific deadlines for each item on your list so it gets done. Even things that don't have concrete deadlines, like doing the laundry, should be scheduled into your day. Determine a realistic time to complete each task by, and hold yourself to it. Use a planner or the calendar app on your phone to plan out when each item will be "due." Don't overwhelm yourself by setting unreachable deadlines. For example, if paying bills generally takes you an hour, don't set the deadline as 30 minutes from now. Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break to be more productive. This is known as the Pomodoro Technique. For the 25-minute interval that you're working on completing a to-do list item, remove all distractions, like your phone or social media sites, and focus 100% on the task. Then on your breaks, you can do whatever you'd like to recharge. Ideas for activities to do during your 5-minute breaks include texting a friend, doing some stretches, eating a healthy snack, or just kicking your feet up. While you're working, turn off all notifications on your phone, or even put it in a separate room if you think you'll be tempted to look at it. Reward yourself when you complete a task by doing something you love. To-do lists don't have to just be boring chores and errands. Schedule time for activities you actually enjoy to motivate yourself to complete the less-fun tasks. For example, if you have "finish presentation for tomorrow's meeting" blocked out from 12 to 2, pencil in "read a chapter of my new book" from 2 to 2:30. Spending time each day doing things you enjoy will also make you more efficient at your other tasks because it reboots your brain. Add finished tasks to a "done" list. There are few things more satisfying than crossing something off of a list. Take it a step further by listing those completed items on a "done" list, which you can keep as a reminder of how productive you've been. If you're using your phone, simply copy and paste the item to a new list. Write down everything you accomplish, no matter how small it is. It will motivate you to continue being so productive. Write a grocery list if you want to shop smarter and save money. Plan your meals for the week ahead, then write down exactly how much you need of each ingredient on your list. This prevents you from forgetting things while you're at the store or getting too much of one item. Update the list throughout the week as you think of what you want or need. Look at the weekly ads for coupons and sales if you're on a budget. Organize your list by grouping similar items together so you don't have to double back for things. For example, divide your list into categories like produce, bakery, canned goods, meat, etc. Find out if your grocery store has an app. These apps will often suggest items to add to your cart based on current promotions and even tell you in which aisle you can find everything on your list. Write your list on a piece of paper, in the Notes app of your phone, or in a grocery list app. Some apps will generate a list for you based on what recipes you want to make. Check your pantry when putting together your list to see what ingredients you already have and what you're running low on. Create a packing list to make sure you're prepared if you’re traveling. Check the weather forecast and consider what activities you'll be doing on your trip to decide what items to put on your list, like clothes, toiletries, and electronics. If you're going on a group trip, ask the trip organizer for an itinerary so you can see what's planned and pack accordingly. If you have limited space, like when you're traveling on an airplane, pare your list down to just the essentials. Stick to things like underwear, socks, and multi-purpose clothes. Write your list at least 7 days before you plan to travel. This helps you get organized so you know if there's anything you need to buy before your trip or if there's any laundry to do so you have clean clothes to pack. If you're going on a group trip or traveling for business, ask the trip organizer for an itinerary so you can see what's planned and pack accordingly. Brainstorm a bucket list if you want motivation to accomplish your goals. Writing down all of the things you want to do in life inspires you to actually get out there and do them. Include a mix of bigger dreams, like hiking the Great Wall of China or retiring with $1 million, and smaller goals, like opening your own Etsy shop to sell crafts. Don't simply copy “cliche” bucket list items. Pick things that actually have meaning to you and would make you feel more fulfilled. Use a site like https://www.bucketlist.org where you can update your list as you accomplish items, add new things whenever you want, and share your list with others to hold yourself accountable. Set deadlines for your goals. For example, instead of just writing “take a selfie at the top of the Eiffel Tower,” add “by the time I'm 35” to create more urgency. 
Make your to-do list the night before to feel more prepared. Create separate to-do lists if you have a lot of different projects. Prioritize your list so that the most important tasks are at the top. Break large projects into smaller tasks to avoid being overwhelmed. Set specific deadlines for each item on your list so it gets done. Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break to be more productive. Reward yourself when you complete a task by doing something you love. Add finished tasks to a "done" list. Write a grocery list if you want to shop smarter and save money. Create a packing list to make sure you're prepared if you’re traveling. Brainstorm a bucket list if you want motivation to accomplish your goals. 