Best ways to manage a TO-DO list?

edited February 2013 in Chit chat
Hello you all,

I have entered a period where I'll have lots of 'errants' to do, mostly paperwork related: collect some papers, make some copies, check when are opening hours, make appointment somewhere, and when done, cross that off my list.

Many of these things I'd like to get done ASAP, but have dependencies between them (can't do Z until X and Y are done).

So I was wondering: what do you guys do (or would do) to keep track of such jobs? :-?

For example a plain stack of paper notes might work, but bits of paper are lost all the time. And when chosen too small, it becomes 2 bits of paper, or you'd have to write the stuff onto another paper (= waste of time).

A to-do list in electronic form is easy to update, extend or re-arrange, but requires some electronic device (like a laptop) to work on it. Any time the data needs to be on paper (or comes from paper), there would be some copying back & forth involved (= also waste of time). And of course electronic files might involve maintaining backups of those.. :evil:

So: any suggestions there, or do you know any methods / principles I might apply? Especially appreciate suggestions that help to keep redundancies to a minimum, as I don't like doing double or unnecessary work (who does? :lol: ).
Post edited by RetroTechie on

Comments

  • edited February 2013
    I wouldn't have thought you'd need a "To Do" list if you are going to be "Errant"...I'd have thought your "To Do"s would have come to you? ;)

    I usually track my "Errands" dependent on the situation, if it's personal stuff that I need to do during the day whilst I'm at work, then the S3s task list is the bunny.

    Anything else (the "Pay Bills" type stuff) literally tends to be stuck on a list on the fridge or something similar.
  • edited February 2013
    Create a Trello board at Trello.com. This is an exceptionally simple yet versatile tool tracking the state, completion % of issues and tasks and lists of them, either for one user for in collaboration with a small team.

    or if you want a mobile solution get a tablet or smartphone based todo list:

    I recommend Clear as a slick, easy to use and quite attractive app available on both Android and iPhone/iPad.
    Calling all ASCII Art Architects Visit the WOS Wall of Text and contribute: https://www.yourworldoftext.com/wos
  • fogfog
    edited February 2013
    get a decent sized diary... and use pencil to fill in stuff.. so it's easy to remove

    a few people I know still use that method.. a PC etc is sod all use to you if the hard drive goes or there is a powercut :)

    I use my phone to remind me of folks birthdays.. it impresses loads who hide theirs on FB etc.. and NO I don't let on it's my phone reminding me a day before ;-)

    memory is flippin awful otherwise.. as my mum + sis are born in the same month.. but I always confuse which is which.. my sis's mother-in-law died on her birthday, she was a nice lady, a good laugh also :).. but I guess it's just odd the chances of such stuff happening.

    at the start of the year you fill in what you need to for the rest.. I have various reminders on my ancient low tech phone also.
  • edited February 2013
    Erm start at the top and work your way to the bottom... Bit obvious in it.
  • edited February 2013
    The best way to start managing your to do list is to ignore the advice of anyone on WOS :p
    Every night is curry night!
  • fogfog
    edited February 2013
    The best way to start managing your to do list is to ignore the advice of anyone on WOS :p

    you STILL haven't picked up ya speccy collection.. it's on MY to do list :)
  • edited February 2013
    Procrastinate or delegate.
  • I used to use the 'ta-da' lists on Backpack (aligned with 37 Signals' Basecamp) in a job a few years back. They don't support it anymore but it worked pretty well and was web-based so useful to keep in touch with colleagues and clients. I was in a scheduling/project management job then so it was a big part of my role.

    I'm mainly pen and paper these days :)
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