Do to-do lists really help? I mean, how many times have you taken the time to write out a to-do list and then at the end of the day, just about everything on the list is NOT checked off.

Are they helpful?

Well, I think they are if you use them correctly.

See, we all have things popup in our day to day lives, and this is usually what makes our to-do lists not so effective.

For instance, I usually print myself out a daily to-do list. Well, today’s to-do list only has about half the things done on it. Things came up and one or two things took a bit longer than I thought they would – this happens though. BUT, I know everything will get done because I’ll be adding the things not done to the top of tomorrows list, and making sure I do them first if possible.

There’s also the issue of not writing out your to-do lists in the best productive way also.

I LOT of people are a victim to this. Even I was for a long time.

If you just simply write out a to-do list and you don’t give yourself any added info with each item, there’s a good chance you’ll end up doing to much (compared to what NEEDS to be done) or not enough for each of the items on your list.

Here’s an example for you.

Let’s say one of the items on your to-do list is to write follow up emails that go out to your eNewsletter or optin list subscribers (follow up emails are used in autoresponders to help in keeping communication open with your list on an automated basis).

Well, if you just start writing emails you could easily end up writing 2, 3 or even 15 emails in that one session.

Will this help with your follow up emails? YES! But is it productive for the other things you NEED to get done in the day and that are on your list. NO!

See, if you were to add a small note to that one item on your to-do list, you could tell yourself how many emails to write so you know you have enough done, but also have enough time to work on the other important things you have listed as well.

Here’s an example

In the example above you’ll notice a “Notes” section just under the actual to-do entry.

This tells me that I only need to write three emails for that list item in my to-do list.

Adding notes to your to-do list is a HUGE way to improve their effectiveness, and make your day much easier to.

Here’s another tip.

Only add things to your to-do list that actually NEED to be done.

If you don’t NEED to run to the store to pick up bon-bons, don’t put it on the list.

The less cluttered your list is, and by having only the important things on it, you’ll be making sure you actually get real work done throughout the day.

Here’s a GREAT and FREE website for you to check out. It’s called “ListAMania“, and it allows you to make your own to-do lists in a good, easy to read and manage format.

And they offer the added ‘Notes’ section you see in the example above to.

Here’s the link to their site: http://www.listamania.net/

I use them, I love them and I recommend you give them a try. Heck, it’s free right