Do You Use a To Do List?

UPDATED 05/10/2025

Do you use a to do list? I have always kept one, ever since I was in high school, and it’s helped me so much in life. Here’s why you need to use one.

Before we go there, see if you relate to what my followers said about how they used a to do list:

• They don’t use one because of they’re lazy, just prefer a mental list, or just have the same routine all the time so they don’t need one.
• They love having a to do list because it helps them define their priorities, put them in order, prevents them from forgetting important things, and increases their focus.

Do you relate to one of these? I love a to do list! It helps me stay focused, organized, see progress when I don’t think I’ve made any, and allows me to think more clearly. It even removes the pressure of having to remember everything. My ADHD is thanking me for this last one.

If you’ve never done a to do list, there two types—a running list and a daily list.

• A running list is great for projects that take a long time or have a significant number of steps. This type of list works for bigger projects. Things like a kitchen remodel or a new product or service you’re getting ready to launch.
• A daily list is better for the day-to-day stuff. Things like house work, small personal development projects like courses you’re taking, or errands you need to run. This type of list is perfect for keeping you on track and giving you a sense of accomplishment each day.

Which list is right for you? The honest answer is BOTH! Each type is good for different tasks and different stages in life. Keeping both lists allows you to keep your projects separate and helps you be more efficient with getting things done.

Let’s talk it one step further, though. Making a to do list is not only good for your brain power and stress levels. It can also provide you with more order and structure to your days. A to do list will give you a sense of accomplishment. At the end of the day when you look back on your day and see tasks checked off, you’ll have this warmth and sense of pride grow inside your soul. The best part about making and using a to do list is that it give you peace of mind. Having the things you have to do out of your head and on paper gives back your thinking abilities.

Here are my top tips for making an effective to do list that work.

1. Use both a running list and a daily list. – They serve different purposes and can be used simultaneously or in different seasons in your life. Keep a running list for all the projects you have around your house and use your daily to do list for the things you have to do everyday.
2. Use categories to organize your list. – When you separate your lists into different categories, you can bulk tasks together. A few categories you could use are Home (for stuff needed around the house), Work (for all your work tasks), and Personal Life (for things you need to do for YOU).
3. Add timing to your tasks. – Give your tasks a due date, but also chunk like-tasks together. Your morning routine might include your workout, packing lunches for you and the kids, and making sure you leave the house on time. Your afternoon routine might include the errands you have to run. When you write out your list, put these tasks together so you can cross off a bunch all at once.
4. Keep sticky notes around your house. – Sometimes ideas come to you, but you’re not in a position to write them down. You might be washing dishes and have wet hands or be right in the middle of making dinner. So keep sticky notes in the main areas of your home to allow you to jot those ideas down. The thought is out of your head and on paper and you won’t forget it either.
5. Write things down and check them off even after you’ve completed them. – Doing this might sound silly, but I promise you, it’s not. When you write something down and cross it off it shows that you’ve accomplished something. Some days we might think we’ve gotten nothing done but in reality, we have accomplished a lot. At the end of the day, do a brain dump and write out all the things you’ve done. Then, cross them off so you track your progress.
6. Delegate the tasks that YOU don’t have to do. – This one might be tough, but I bet there’s something you do that you don’t really have to be the one that does it. Think about household chores like cleaning or laundry. If you can, hire someone to take that off your list and give you some time back in your day. What about school pick up or drop off? Organize a neighborhood schedule so you and your neighbors can alternate days of the week to do this. Any delegation gives you time back in your day and that can be hugely helpful.

So which tip do you think will help you the most?

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Jenn Mullen holds degrees in Psychology and Business Management, as well as a certification in health and wellness coaching. She combines over a decade of corporate experience with more than five years of small business expertise, bringing a unique blend of skills and insight to her work. Beyond her expertise, she’s a high-energy, passionate individual with ADHD who thrives on staying organized, bringing laughter to every project, and finding joy in the work she loves.