The to-do list is probably one of the simplest work organisation tools of all, and if it is used well, it can be very effective. Unfortunately, due to its simplicity, it is often used without careful attention, and risks creating more problems than it solves. Let’s look at the most common mistakes that often transform a to-do list into a hindrance.
The first problem is that we often make lists without setting deadlines, in doing so we simply make a list that is not very useful: deadlines are an important component to help us manage priorities in the right way, and to avoid putting things off. Let’s face it, most of us tend to postpone things that we don’t like doing, the lack of a deadline takes away the impulse to get a task done.
The second thing that can damage the to-do list is its length. In this case there are two negative effects: first of all, endless lists distract our attention instead of helping us focus. Especially if you are not good at prioritizing, you risk losing sight of important things that are “lost” amongst the many other activities. In addition, long lists are demotivating: putting too many things on our list is unrealistic and leads to discouragement. By failing to complete the tasks we set day after day, we begin to accept our inability to finish them and worsen our tendency to procrastinate.
