# To-Do List Formula
## Metadata
- Author: [[Damon Zahariades]]
- Full Title: To-Do List Formula
- Category: #books
## Highlights
- control over your workday. ([Location 178](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=178))
- meet your deadlines. ([Location 179](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=179))
- ensure you’re working on the right tasks at the right time. ([Location 181](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=181))
- avoid wasting valuable time ([Location 183](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=183))
- few “crises” are true emergencies. ([Location 187](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=187))
- more done in less time. ([Location 189](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=189))
- get the right things done. ([Location 189](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=189))
- reduce your stress. ([Location 191](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=191))
- improve your focus. ([Location 195](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=195))
- eliminate the frustration and guilt you feel when you fall behind on projects. ([Location 198](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=198))
- many to-do lists are too long. ([Location 217](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=217))
- The main purpose of your to-do list is to help you organize your tasks and projects, and highlight the important stuff. ([Location 242](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=242))
- A to-do list without deadlines is a wish list. ([Location 259](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=259))
- Deadlines are the enemy of procrastination. ([Location 268](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=268))
- they’re distracting. ([Location 279](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=279))
- they’re unrealistic. ([Location 281](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=281))
- they’re discouraging. ([Location 282](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=282))
- they encourage procrastination. ([Location 284](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=284))
- no connection between the various tasks. ([Location 300](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=300))
- too much variability in your to-do lists increases your stress levels. ([Location 306](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=306))
- Too Many Options ([Location 314](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=314))
- decision fatigue. ([Location 324](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=324))
- To-do lists that present too many options exacerbate this problem. ([Location 331](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=331))
- lack of context for individual tasks. ([Location 341](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=341))
- without any indication about the time needed to complete them, their priority, and the roles they play in achieving specific goals. ([Location 342](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=342))
- to-do lists that offer no task-level context are ineffective. ([Location 348](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=348))
- a growing record of things left unaddressed and unfinished. ([Location 356](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=356))
- broadly-defined tasks is that they’re too large in scope. ([Location 361](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=361))
- a narrowly-defined task implies clear starting and ending points. ([Location 370](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=370))
- Projects masquerade as tasks when they haven’t been broken down to their constituent parts. ([Location 372](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=372))
- defining tasks too broadly is detrimental to their completion. ([Location 382](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=382))
- Everything you do has a purpose. ([Location 388](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=388))
- fail to associate these tasks with specific goals. ([Location 393](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=393))
- you must attach a specific goal to each task on your to-do list. ([Location 400](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=400))
- take stock of your emotional state. ([Location 461](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=461))
- In the end, you’re left with multiple lists, one per project. ([Location 607](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=607))
- project-based system is that it offers very little structure with regard to how you spend your day. ([Location 621](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=621))
- opens the door to task switching ([Location 623](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=623))
- limited context ([Location 624](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=624))
- Tasks are not given context related to the time required to complete them, ([Location 625](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=625))
- “Eisenhower Box.” ([Location 691](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=691))
- the matrix may grow to the point that it presents too many options. ([Location 712](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=712))
- GTD seeks to get this stuff out of your head and onto a list. ([Location 731](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=731))
- forces you to add context to each task. ([Location 735](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=735))
- separates tasks based on importance. ([Location 737](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=737))
- GTD advises performing a weekly review. ([Location 739](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=739))
- as flexible as you need it to be. ([Location 741](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=741))
- focuses more on processing the ideas in your head than actually getting them done. ([Location 743](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=743))
- not enough attention is given to how each item captured on the “brain dump” list relates to your goals. ([Location 744](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=744))
- flexibility inherent in GTD can prove to be detrimental to some users. ([Location 746](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=746))
- it’s easy to get overwhelmed while using GTD. ([Location 748](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=748))
- not everything in your head deserves a place on your to-do lists. ([Location 749](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=749))
- Recording every item can make you feel as if you’re getting buried under a mountain of minutiae. ([Location 750](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=750))
- “Is GTD actually effective?” ([Location 753](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=753))
- focus on “next actions” detracts from project-level focus. ([Location 762](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=762))
- GTD doesn’t provide a method for choosing among competing tasks. ([Location 764](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=764))
- GTD is also weak with regard to attaching tasks to specific goals. ([Location 765](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=765))
- GTD lacks a meaningful framework for goal setting and goal achievement. ([Location 767](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=767))
- Goals provide vision, focus, and motivation. ([Location 769](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=769))
- one of the biggest downfalls of GTD is that it doesn’t distinguish between high-value and low-value tasks. ([Location 770](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=770))
- whether the right things are getting done. ([Location 771](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=771))
- How To Create The Perfect To-Do List ([Location 777](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=777))
- Recognize that your to-do list plays a vital role in how your day progresses. ([Location 785](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=785))
- Step 1: Isolate Current Tasks From Future Tasks ([Location 788](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=788))
- separating current tasks from future tasks, is critical. ([Location 798](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=798))
- the current task list takes the spotlight. ([Location 803](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=803))
- the “next actions” list could potentially go on for several pages. ([Location 807](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=807))
- Step 2: Define Tasks By Desired Outcomes ([Location 811](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=811))
- We take action to effect specific outcomes. ([Location 818](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=818))
- daily to-do list is to assign a “why” to each item ([Location 822](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=822))
- It’s not enough to keep the reasons for doing tasks in your head. You must write them down. ([Location 828](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=828))
- Step 3: Break Projects Down To Individual Tasks ([Location 833](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=833))
- the reason many to-do “items” remain unfinished at the end of the day. They’re technically projects. ([Location 842](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=842))
- Make sure your to-do lists are limited to actionable tasks, not projects. ([Location 859](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=859))
- Step 4: Assign A Deadline To Each Task ([Location 861](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=861))
- every task on your master to-do list should have a deadline associated with it. ([Location 868](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=868))
- Attaching a deadline to every item on your master to-do list makes it easier to know which tasks to select for your daily to-do list. ([Location 872](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=872))
- make sure each deadline is realistic. ([Location 876](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=876))
- come up with a reason for each due ([Location 878](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=878))
- date. ([Location 878](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=878))
- Step 5: Limit The Number Of Current Tasks To Seven ([Location 888](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=888))
- My “limit-to-seven” suggestion refers solely to tasks that require at least 15 minutes to complete. ([Location 903](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=903))
- These are “tiny tasks” that don’t belong on your daily to-do list. ([Location 908](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=908))
- “batch list.” ([Location 910](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=910))
- Step 6: Organize Tasks By Project, Type, Or Location ([Location 913](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=913))
- I now organize tasks based on various contexts: by project, type, and location. ([Location 922](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=922))
- master to-do list ([Location 926](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=926))
- a separate list for each project, each type of task, and each location. ([Location 927](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=927))
- projects ([Location 928](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=928))
- types ([Location 930](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=930))
- locations ([Location 932](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=932))
- Some tasks can - and should - be assigned to more than one context. ([Location 937](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=937))
- You may find it useful to keep a separate list for high-priority, high-value to-do items. ([Location 947](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=947))
- Step 7: Prune Your List Of Unnecessary Tasks ([Location 952](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=952))
- Task management is made simpler when irrelevant items are removed, or crossed off, your list. ([Location 959](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=959))
- types of tasks are candidates for removal? ([Location 962](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=962))
- Wishes Unclear tasks Trivial tasks Resolutions ([Location 962](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=962))
- Unclear tasks are those that lack context. ([Location 967](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=967))
- Trivial tasks can be eliminated without repercussions. ([Location 971](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=971))
- don’t confuse them with actionable tasks. ([Location 976](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=976))
- Step 8: Estimate The Amount Of Time Each Task Will Take To Complete ([Location 984](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=984))
- You should know how long each to-do item on your master list will take you to finish. ([Location 987](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=987))
- know what is required to do the task. ([Location 993](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=993))
- Step 9: Lead Each Task With An Active Verb ([Location 1014](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1014))
- Not just any verb will do. ([Location 1030](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1030))
- Step 10: Note Which Tasks Require Input From Others ([Location 1043](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1043))
- Your master task list, context lists, and daily to-do lists ([Location 1068](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1068))
- organize all of your tiny tasks in one place. ([Location 1079](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1079))
- items that take less than 10 minutes to complete. ([Location 1079](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1079))
- Tiny tasks don’t belong on your daily to-do list. ([Location 1080](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1080))
- place them on a separate batch list. ([Location 1083](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1083))
- Don’t underestimate the demotivating power of feeling overwhelmed. ([Location 1116](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1116))
- Weekly reviews are critical. ([Location 1140](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1140))
- Note that you’ll need to focus. So, set aside 45 minutes during which you can work undisturbed. ([Location 1152](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1152))
- Break down new projects into individual tasks. ([Location 1155](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1155))
- Separate new tasks according to context ([Location 1156](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1156))
- Clear out your email inbox. ([Location 1157](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1157))
- Review your master list and context-based lists. ([Location 1159](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1159))
- tasks that are both important and urgent. ([Location 1160](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1160))
- waiting on input ([Location 1161](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1161))
- Review your current deadlines for high-value tasks. ([Location 1162](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1162))
- Assign deadlines to new tasks ([Location 1163](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1163))
- They make you accountable. ([Location 1173](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1173))
- assigning a specific goal to each task on your list. ([Location 1175](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1175))
- create goals that are specific. ([Location 1178](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1178))
- write down your goals. ([Location 1184](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1184))
- review them monthly. ([Location 1192](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1192))
- Review and update your goals each month. ([Location 1196](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1196))
- Avoid Getting Bogged Down In Methodology ([Location 1198](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1198))
- your to-do list system is there to aid you, not control you. ([Location 1220](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1220))
- a methodology that works for you. ([Location 1235](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1235))
- The most important thing is that your approach complements your workflow and circumstances. ([Location 1239](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1239))
- Your to-do list system will only be as effective as the consistency with which you apply the principles ([Location 1244](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1244))
- First, learn the 10 steps to creating an effective to-do list system. ([Location 1256](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1256))
- Second, memorize the eight tips for ensuring your system runs smoothly ([Location 1257](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1257))
- Third, buy a wall calendar that displays the entire year on a single sheet. ([Location 1259](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1259))
- master list, ([Location 1260](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1260))
- context-based lists, ([Location 1260](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1260))
- daily to-do lists ([Location 1260](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1260))
- Expect to face challenges as you work to keep your to-do list system running smoothly. ([Location 1277](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1277))
- combine your to-do list and calendar. ([Location 1355](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1355))
- “where the heck did I spend my time?” ([Location 1383](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1383))
- your to-do list system should complement your workflow. ([Location 1423](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1423))
- purpose of your task lists ([Location 1427](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1427))
- focusing your limited time and attention on your most important work. ([Location 1428](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1428))
- Consistency is the oil that keeps the engine running. ([Location 1434](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B01JJ5CURW&location=1434))