Do you write list of things to do?

@maximax8 (31053)
United Kingdom
November 22, 2009 5:52am CST
I was sorting through some of my papers and I came across a list of things I had to do six months ago. I got a pen and ticked off the ones that I have done. Some of them are still to do. I bought a sofa bed for guest to sleep on at night and people to sit on in the day. I bought some albums and began putting post cards in but I still have box small boxes of them to sort. I bought cases to put away my disks. All my disks are still in the cases. My failure was not sorting all my photos. I still need to buy some toy boxes. So I did about 50% of what I wanted to do. Do you ever write lists of things to do? If so how successful are you in achieving everything? Do you ever feel too emotional to throw some things out?
10 people like this
61 responses
@zhangfzoe (432)
• China
23 Nov 09
I have the habit of writing the to do list. After finishing a task I tick off it on the list. I think it is successful for me to do so as it's more efficient to let me know how to arrange the time properly.
• United States
23 Nov 09
But still did you continue with that are you still doing that now.....think about it living everyday of your life like a play you have to do everything in order or else........
@ram_cv (16513)
• India
22 Nov 09
I actually do that almost every day. Every day in the morning I will list down the tasks that I want to get done every day and enter it into my calendar. Over the day I will keep validating the completeness of the task and if it is over, then I will close it. I have been doing it for some time now as it helps me manage my time better. If you are interested in tips for Time management you can check out my article at: http://ramadvice.wordpress.com/2008/10/09/time-management-a-structured-approach/ Cheers! Ram
@Lornal (113)
• China
22 Nov 09
It is a good habit.List make us the every day task clear and can help us to save the time. And it is better for us to manage our limited time. I benefit it especially for my working. I list my daily working and close one task when it is over.
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
16 Dec 09
Hi max! I always make a list of things to be done. It helps me executing the tasks in a better manner. I also believe that any written would be handier than solely relying on our own mind. Our mind has certain limitations and we tend to forget one of other things. It is also said that – “palest of ink is sharper than any memory” and I rely on this saying and do accordingly.
@azlin_04 (112)
• Malaysia
11 Feb 10
Hi maximax8..... I always write the list of things to do either at office or at home in order for me not to forget the task that need to be done. I am always forgetful..so for me the list of thing to do is sort of my personal helper hehehehhehe...especially at my office due to my hectic schedule. I normally do the list at home usually on Sunday whereby i need to organised my home..to be more homely and cosy...if not i sometimes will forget what to finished at home.
• United States
5 Jan 10
I am compulsive about writing lists. Things to do today, things to do by next month, people to call, things I have accomplished today...you get the idea.
@ruchimom (280)
• Australia
16 Dec 09
Hi I was very bad at remembering things specially when my second one was born I had to write each and everthing.I had a whiteboard in the kitchen and i used to write everything what needs to be done I was so worried that I ahve so forgetful,But things are improving,they aren't as bad as they used to be I used to write everything like putting clothes on the clothesline folding newspaaers and magazines paying bills etc etc etc
• United States
1 Dec 09
I write out lists so I won't forget anything. I do get attached to things but I have places for them.
@pp_earn (210)
• India
27 Nov 09
Yes, I have lately learn t to make a note of all important items on my plate.It helps me not to miss any important task and also helps me to prioritize everything and use my time to optimally achieve the results. In this busy monotonous life,individuals tend to forget things and then provide excuses of not being able to achieve the target,if they start making a note of everything, it would be highly unlikely that they miss out on any important work that they have to do.
@dorcam (320)
• Malta
29 Nov 09
yes I do sometimes
@jdyrj777 (6530)
• United States
25 Nov 09
Congratulations!!! You got more done on your list than i did and mine wasnt lost. Some of the stuff has been on my list for years. Lol!!! No kidding. This horrable habit is called procrastination. To make matters worse for whatever reason im a packrat. I have been that way all my life. I pick up anything thinking that i can somehow use it in crafting. It sits around with my craft stuff.
@minx267 (15527)
• Hartford, Connecticut
8 Dec 09
I write lists of things to do or things to get. And often I never get to them. It is a rare occasion I get it all done.. I do usually feel a sense of accomplishment when I do..
• India
13 Dec 09
I sure do have this good habit. But the bad habit I have is, that I rarely stick to it. My job is such that I need to be dynamic and answerable throughout the day to my clients and it is indeed a surprise If I do manage to stick to my list of 'to do' list. But I do give it a try and ensure that I stay true to the list as much as possible.
@wzsj0501 (157)
• China
25 Nov 09
It is a good question. I always write list of things to do,almost everyday.I have many things to do during one day,If I don't write them down,I cannot remember all things.But the effect of writing is not only keep remembering,but also alleviateing the pressure in the brain.When I write them in paper,I can class them and distinguish which one is the first to do,which one is more important.The list can help me save time,raise efficient,make my brain clear.
• Indonesia
12 Dec 09
Hi maximax8 Always! Everyday I write to-do list on my planner or handphone. That is my habit. I easily forget something because once I concentrate on one thing, I can't remember other things anymore. Plus, I like to imagine/dreaming, so without the list, I will forget what must I do. Usually I do around 60-70% of my list successfully. Some of them (around 30%) are delayed.. I do it on the next day or next week My parents say, that is the difference between life-creature and things. You can't throw away plants or animals and of course human without emotion, but you can do it with things. Well, not for me. Same with you, I always feel too emotional to throw some things out, especially when I have memory with it or if that things remind me of my past or my friend.. I have one boxes, I call it "things that I don't need now but I'll need them someday" although I know I'll never need them in the future, but I need a logic reason not to throw the sweet 17 b'day party invitation from my friends, wrapping papers and birthday cards from my friends, the photo of my daddy's when he was young, even calendar from 2 or 3 years ago! I even still save small yellow music box from a boy who was flirting with me in 3rd elementary Guess I'm worse than you in throwing things,,hehe..
@haiershen (1080)
• China
24 Nov 09
it is a good habit to write list of things which you would be done. that's very useful in the daily basis and i have this experience on this. if i write list,it's very clear to know that which thing is urgent and which things is very important and which things is small but very easy to be forgot it. so that i always can be done before duty off, but if no list,i'm often do not have no mind and do everything not timely.good luck and have a nice day!
• Philippines
24 Nov 09
Yes, I make a monthly list of all the things I have to do and I have to buy. If I dont make a list probably it all gone in my mind like a bubble. And in photos I love sorting them all.
@sasalove (1709)
• China
24 Nov 09
I think it is a good habit that we write list of things to do. When we write an article, we may have many ideas on the same topic, it is good way to write down the point otherwise it will be easily forgotten all at once. For my job, I have the habit of writing down my workload at the first time I come back to office, it could help efficiency the job. When I leave the office, I will check my list just in case any job missed. It is a good way for the weak memory. But I can not extend the habit in the daily life as there are so many trivial things that I can not write down so much in the list and some of the tasks are easily to be completed. Have a nice day.
@cerebellum (3863)
• United States
24 Nov 09
I write lists for everything. If I don't I'll forget something. I always take a list to the store and I make lists of errands I have to run or things I want to do. Sometimes I write things on the list that I have already done, just so I can cross it off and it looks like I got more done. If there is something I dread doing I put it on the list and then I'll do it so I can cross it off. A list usually makes you more organized also. When the things you have or want to do are written down you can read it and see what should be done first.
@emptydb (80)
24 Nov 09
I always write a list of things to do always and with all those been written 2 or 3 out of 5 that has been done and the rest was way longer than the expected time to finish it. I always write every bit of things i need to do cause i always forget a lot of things, my memory isn't that good so need to write it for me to remember it and so i will be reminded of the things i need to do and finish.
• Philippines
24 Nov 09
Well, i usually make a list of things to do especially at work. This will ensure that i don't forget anything. I usually make a list by priority and i put a tick on the activity or work that i have done already. At the end of the day i review my list and those that were not done, i make sure that it would be the first thing i will do the following day, unless there are other more important things to do first. It will make me feel productive for the day too.It is also my habit to list the things i will bring when i am traveling, from clothes to toiletries. I usually make a schedule of clothes to wear per day and bring one or two extra clothes and underwear for emergency needs. I also plan my household chores, sometimes i list it down with time allotment. I have proven that making a list of things to do is very useful.