Task management
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Estimate the time required for each task and write it next to the item on your list.
It makes the overall list feel more manageable and can serve as a timed challenge.
- Time estimates are rarely accurate, which may require revising the schedule after completing items.
5 people, independently
Start your to-do list with trivial tasks you would do anyway, such as showering or brushing teeth.
Checking these off builds momentum and provides a visual sense of accomplishment.
- This can create a false sense of accomplishment, leading you to stop working early.
- You might procrastinate on the list itself and fail to do basic hygiene.
4 people, independently
Pick one required thing and one quick win to complete, then stop.
It keeps the workload light with one move forward and one small reset, preventing a spiral.
one person who lived it
Use the Moleskine Actions app to jot down important tasks and plan your day.
It helps prevent forgetting tasks and priorities.
- Based on one person's experience; it is a companion to Timepage.
one person who lived it
Cut your to-do list down to a few items to avoid feeling behind and overwhelmed.
People who stack many items wonder why they are already behind by lunch.
one person who lived it
Check your pre-written to-do list when you arrive at work in the morning.
It helps show what you constantly overlook.
one person who lived it
Keep completed tasks visible in your schedule or list to see how much you have already accomplished.
It provides a picture of what you've done rather than focusing only on what remains.
- One person reported that fading out completed tasks made them feel like they were doing nothing.
one person who lived it
- List accomplishments you have already completed at the top of your to-do list.1
- Keep a 'done' list alongside your to-do list to see what you accomplished rather than focusing on unfinished tasks.1
Base your to-do list tasks on the specific effort required rather than the desired outcome.
Defining tasks by effort (e.g., 'do the dishes') is clearer than defining them by outcome (e.g., 'clean the kitchen').
one person who lived it
Include one task on your list that you know you will almost certainly never get done.
It motivates you to complete the other tasks since you don't want to do that specific thing.
one person who lived it
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Explicitly write down exercise on your list so you do not forget to do it.
It helps turn exercise into a habit.
one person who lived it
Limit your daily focus to completing just one or two specific tasks.
Large to-do lists without deadlines can become overwhelming and lead to indefinite procrastination or burnout.
- Doing only one thing a day may cause a large backlog of everyday chores like dishes.
one person who lived it
If you are stuck choosing a task, randomly select three options and commit to one of them for a set time block.
This avoids analysis paralysis while giving you the satisfaction of having chosen from a curated list.
one person who lived it
If you use a task deck and neglect it for a week, return to it without sorting through accumulated unfinished items.
Unlike a traditional to-do list, this method prevents shameful baggage from building up when you take a break.
one person who lived it
Separate your tasks by effort and complete the small ones first.
Completing many small tasks boosts confidence, which helps you finish the rest.
one person who lived it
Rip up or throw out the sticky note when the task is done for satisfaction.
It feels good to complete the task.
one person who lived it
Write tasks by hand on simple notecards and carry them in your pocket or wallet.
Using apps can make you feel like you are not in control and that others own your data.
one person who lived it
Use checkboxes on your to-do list and tick them off as you complete tasks.
This provides satisfaction and motivation while making the workload feel less overwhelming.
- One source suggests crossing out items with a line may provide better satisfaction than checking a box.
2 people, independently
Circle a task item when started and draw a line through it when completed.
This technique helps ensure you remember the task status.
one person who lived it
Strike through completed tasks on a whiteboard instead of erasing them.
This allows you to see the progress you have made.
one person who lived it
Avoid breaking down projects into too many small tasks if it causes overwhelm or takes more time than doing the work.
Overly detailed lists can triple the perceived workload and distract from actually doing the jobs.
one person who lived it
Delete tasks from your list if you are comfortable admitting you will not do them.
Deleting something you won't do is cathartic.
one person who lived it
Use sticky notes to visualize simple work actions and physically move them as you complete them.
It helps you think ahead to avoid missing steps and provides satisfaction from tracking progress.
one person who lived it
Track all tasks on a physical list, such as a desktop note, notepad, or whiteboard, to prevent forgetting them.
Task lists are designed to address forgetting.
one person who lived it
Keep urgent or quick tasks on a separate list from bigger tasks requiring preparation.
Separating them reduces intimidation from long lists and prevents small tasks from getting lost.
one person who lived it
- Keep task lists separated by context to make organization more manageable and less overwhelming.1
Wipe the bathroom mirror with shaving cream to prevent fogging while showering.
Saves time getting ready after.
one person who lived it
Use paper diaries to record tasks so completed items remain visible rather than disappearing.
Paper diaries avoid clutter and keep checked-off tasks visible.
one person who lived it
Subdivide overwhelming goals into individual list items to make them less daunting and enable prioritization.
Seeing tasks broken down makes them less daunting and allows for prioritizing; subdividing makes tasks more manageable.
one person who lived it