I taught myself how to code websites through trial and error two decades ago. It was a significant learning curve, and while coding came with its own set of challenges, it was surprisingly another common tool—a to-do list—that took me even longer to master effectively. I had just turned 50 when I finally started to understand them.
Rethinking To-Do Lists
Let’s clarify one thing: my method of using a to-do list, as an ADHD’er, might differ from what’s considered ‘neurotypical’, especially compared to structured approaches seen in productivity apps and guides. It might also vary from methods that work for you. I’m sharing my strategy to provide new ideas for those looking for different or simpler ways to do things.
One of the biggest things I’ve come to understand is that to-do lists are more than just reminders; they are part of a broader organizational system that includes project planning and event scheduling. What’s amazing is that some people can a) skip several organizational steps and still be productive, or b) handle these steps simultaneously.
That’s not me. I need to write down everything—both major tasks and minor details. Trying to sort everything on the fly, which many apps and guides seem to assume is easy, just overwhelmed me and resulted in nothing getting done or even listed.
What makes the perfect to-do list?
Previously, I tried various methods—notebooks, Trello, pads of paper—but I kept losing them, juggling several at once, and mostly not using anything at all. Realizing I needed something simple but still structured, I looked for a to-do lit. None that I came across appealed to me though.
So, I created a simple, printable To-Do List which you can find here.
I doubt the average person is quite as picky when it comes to a to-do list as I am, but, it turns out there are a few things that are essential to me if I have any hope of using one:
- Aesthetic Appeal: It must be attractive; otherwise, I won’t be motivated to use it. It might sound trivial, but these details can be significant barriers.
- Minimalist: If there’s too much going on or I have to fill in too many sections, my brain associates the act with overwhelm. Simplicity is crucial. Otherwise, it feels like scratching a chalkboard when using it—which means I won’t use it.
- Calming Design: I can’t stand to-do lists that make you write in a tiny font. The layout must be spacious, avoiding the stress that small, cramped writing spaces bring.
While I’m proud of the Mindflows To-Do List, this post is about how to use any to-do list more effectively. The reason I mentioned mine is that for me, having the right to-do list is an important part of the process to me. And, if you feel the same, hopefully this one will work for you too.
Using Any To-Do List Effectively
These are things that I have found to be important when it comes to using my to-do list effectively.
- Immediate Task Addition: Add tasks as soon as they come to mind.
- Flexible Task Selection: Each day, choose tasks based on what you feel like tackling, organizing them with a notepad or planner if necessary.
- Completion and Recognition: Check off completed tasks. If you accomplish something not listed, add it and check it off. This definitely counts! (You had to do it, you did it, and you deserve a gold star!)
Some other things you might want to do, which I’ve made easy with the Mindflows To-Do List is this:
- Identify quick tasks.
- Note deadlines for important tasks.
- Highlight urgent tasks clearly
Don’t Make It Too Hard
In the past, I made the mistake of trying to organize all my tasks into tidy lists for each project, planning every detail. This approach never worked for long.
My take, for us, is this: Don’t make it too hard if you don’t have to. And luckily, a to-do list isn’t project planning, which can definitely be daunting; it’s about list-making, which lightens the mental load instead of overwhelming it. There’s comfort in knowing that your tasks are neatly laid out, which can bring a lot of calm.
Will This Method Work for You?
I can’t say for certain, but, depending on your situation, it’s possible you don’t need anything more. I know I don’t a lot of the time. Plus, choosing tasks based on your current mood can lead to more progress. It does for me. Then, each of these completed tasks provides a motivational boost, making it easier to tackle less appealing tasks. These are all important considerations for ADHD brains.
When You Need To Be More Organized
Sometimes, when you have a lot going on, you might need more than just a to-do list. Often, I use a daily or weekly planner to jot down what I plan to do on a certain day or week. Your daily or weekly planner can also be a handy place to chunk down tasks and figure out what’s involved in getting something done. You can also put things into a monthly, quarterly, or yearly plan if you’re able to think that far ahead.Â
When I’m thinking about plans in a bigger picture way like this, the Mindflows Planning & Goal Setting Framework really helps me break things down.
For me, though, the to-do list on its own has been immensely helpful. I’ve been using it for at least 2 months now—which is the longest I’ve ever used a to-do list—by 59 days! I think it’s because it makes my life simpler, makes my brain feel lighter, and genuinely makes me feel happier.
