As our daily tasks continue to multiply, and as we start the new year focused on new goals and resolutions, we may be feeling the urge to get more organized. It is a challenge, of course, but we have some help in the form of a classic tool — the “to do” list.

Research shows that writing down what you have to do unburdens the brain, making you more productive.¹ A 2011 study documented that unfinished goals caused intrusive thoughts and inhibited completion of further tasks, but making a plan to reach goals reduced or eliminated those intrusive thoughts.² Taking an idea and putting it down on paper (or in a digital notes app) has been shown to decrease anxiety, and completing a task and crossing it off the list provides a sense of tangible satisfaction.³ The to-do list also provides a structure from which to plan and organize.³

TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE TO-DO LIST

First, find a system that works for you. There are a variety of approaches: jotting down items on a piece of paper, creating an electronic list on your computer or phone, using a designated app, or using a “bullet journal” (the latest organizational system that keeps track of anything you want).

It may take some experimenting to find the right method for you, but if you settle for a system that you don't like or find too complicated, you will not use it regularly.

Once you find a system you like, try the following:^4,5

• Make more than one list. Putting all your tasks for every aspect of your life on one list can be overwhelming. Instead, create more manageable, targeted lists. You may have one list for clinical work, one for committee work, and one for academic work. You may also have a separate list for home tasks.

• Use SMART goals. The items on your to-do list should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based, if applicable. For example, instead of putting “Taxes” on your to-do list, you might start with “Gather documents for 2022 taxes.” Or instead of “Exercise,” put “Walk for 30 minutes.” Including vague, large items on a to-do list can undermine the list's effectiveness.

• Limit the number of tasks on your daily list to what you can reasonably accomplish. If you don't accomplish an item, you can move it to the start of your to-do list for the next day.

• Remember your life's purpose. Write down your long-term goals in a document separate from your to-do list. Then, as you draft your to-do list, really think about whether your daily tasks are moving you toward your larger goals.

ELECTRONIC LISTS VS. PAPER LISTS

There are dozens of electronic to-do list and organizational apps available. Benefits of digital lists include that you are less likely to lose them, can easily transfer tasks from one day to the next, can access them from a variety of devices, and can sync them with your calendar. I reviewed five online recommendations for the best to-do list apps.^6–10 The websites detailed 34 different apps in all, but the seven highlighted below were mentioned most frequently.

I have experimented with several different types of to-do lists, both paper and electronic, but I usually end up back with my tried-and-true piece of paper. Nothing beats the sense of accomplishment I get by crossing off a task on a paper list.

As we move into the new year, consider updating your to-do list process and see if it helps you spend your time more effectively each day while you pursue your longer-term goals.