Making and using lists | Round Table Topics | Forum

I haven't yet figured out how to make lists really work for me. I love lists and make them all the time, but judging from the amount of stuff I still don't get done, I'd say I haven't found a good list system yet.  I've started trying to use apps on my phone for some lists, like the grocery list.  Very much like the article you linked to, I started with an initial list and each time I need something different, I add it to the master list in the app on my phone.  From the master list I can create a "Today's Shopping" list and go from there.  It's just a few taps on my phone, I don't get ink all over me when I'm pushing the grocery cart and trying to cross items off the list at the same time and no more finding crumpled pieces of paper in my purse with last week's grocery list.

I'd definitely say the app works for my grocery lists, but I've got a task manager app that I never use.  And when I have listed a few to-do tasks, I've forgotten about it after work once I get home and that doesn't work.

I've noticed that sometimes list-making for me is more of a way to organize my thoughts, so even if I don't follow up on it later, it can be helpful in that manner.

I also have a habit of being very specific with my to do lists and making a schedule, down to 15 minutes.  So I'll write, "7:30 to 7:45 – make breakfast" and "4:00 to 4:15 – Pinterest break" etc.  But I'll do that for my entire day, from when I want to wake up to when I want to go to bed.  I suppose if I were consistent with it, it might work for me, but so far it hasn't increased productivity or focus or anything.

Whew, long comment! ;)