by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com
I’ve been a list-maker for years, but I’ve learned that effective lists require more strategy than just jotting down tasks. With the new year, it’s a perfect time to rethink how we organize ourselves. Here’s what I’ve discovered about creating lists that reduce stress instead of adding to it, for both writing projects and everyday life.
Find Your Format
I use a paper planner because physically writing tasks helps me remember them better. I download template 26 from calendarpedia.com‘s weekly planner templates and keep it in a simple three-ring binder. But there’s no wrong way to do this—some people thrive with phone apps, others prefer whiteboards. The key is consistency with whatever format you choose.
The Strike-Through Strategy
Here’s something that changed my relationship with unfinished tasks: when I don’t complete something on my list, I strike it off anyway and move it to the next day or following week. This might sound counterproductive, but I’ve “done” the task by consciously considering it and making a deliberate choice to delay it. This makes me avoid the psychological weight of carrying incomplete items forward (which is a real thing).
Mix Personal and Professional
I don’t separate my writing tasks from my personal ones. Grocery shopping, finishing a chapter, and scheduling a doctor appointment all coexist on the same list. This integrated approach helps me see my whole day more clearly.
Write Everything Down
If it’s in my head, it’s going on a list somewhere. I’ve learned that trying to mentally juggle tasks creates background stress even when I’m not actively thinking about them. Writing things down frees up mental space for creativity and allows me to be fully present in whatever I’m doing.
Keep Weekly and Daily Lists
I maintain both weekly overview lists and daily detailed lists. The weekly list captures bigger projects and appointments, while daily lists focus on what I can realistically accomplish today. This two-level system prevents me from feeling overwhelmed while ensuring nothing important gets forgotten.
Regular List Maintenance
Every week, I spend about 10 minutes reviewing my lists and planning the upcoming week. This helps me feel prepared and in control. It’s also when I notice patterns—like consistently moving the same task forward—which signals I need to either prioritize it or eliminate it.
Lists should serve you instead of stressing you out. When I approach list-making strategically, my days feel more manageable and my productivity improves naturally.
What’s your favorite approach to staying organized?
An approach to list-making that actually reduces anxiety while getting more done: Share on X
Personal stuff goes into my phone while writing and online stuff go on a monthly calendar. And I try to keep both lists short!
Short lists are a good thing!
This is good advice, Elizabeth! I like the idea of blending writing-related tasks with other tasks, so you can get a clear idea of what the day/week will be like. And yes, crossing a task off the list can amount to just moving it to another day. You've thought about the task, you've planned for it, so it's dealt with for the day. For me, the to-do list impacts everything, too, from what I wear to what I do with my time to what I do about dinner. It really helps me to focus, if that makes sense.
Writers can all use a little focus! To-do lists can definitely help.
I have a daily to-do list on paper. Plus a monthly calendar where I keep track of upcoming events, appointments, a big things I need to do. I know a lot of people use their phones, but I never have. I don't even know how to do that! LOL
I think whatever works best is certainly the thing to stick with, ha!
I really like your strike-through strategy. I write short lists for myself and need to do one for old tasks that I never seem to get to.
Sprinkling in old tasks is a good idea!
"If it’s in my head, it’s going on a list somewhere." I learned early on to do this one. If I don't write it down, then whatever it is will circle my brain until I do. You reminded me that I need to check my calendar and to-do list each week. One thing I don't do well is actually look at my lists, on a daily basis, but instead often wing it. My ADHD is definitely an enemy.
Sometimes seeing my calendar from a global perspective really helps . . . what’s coming up for the next week and whether there might be conflicts. I can get bogged down in looking at a single day and not see the big picture.