The Wrong Way to Make a To-Do List

I'm a big fan of the to-do list. There's nothing more satisfying than writing out the day's important tasks, then crossing off each one as I complete it. In fact, it was just about a year ago that I shared my advice on the best to-do list you'll ever make.

Of course, as with anything, there's a right way and a wrong way. And according to Psychology Today's Kathleen McGowan, your to-do list might be hampering your productivity, not helping it.

So, what's the wrong way to craft your list? Here's McGowan's explanation:

According to procrastination researcher Timothy Pychyl, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, people often draw up a to-do list--and then rest on their laurels. The list itself becomes the day's achievement, allowing us to feel we've done something useful without taking on any real work.

For example, look at these two potential to-do items:

• Work on proposal
• Finish two pages of proposal

McGowan offers a lot more advice on creating to-do lists that work (including making a flow chart, which to me just seems like more work), but I think my system is better: write down three small, manageable tasks, then do them. If they don't fill your day, bump the list up to, say, five tasks. You'll reap that much more satisfaction from completing it.

What are you thoughts on to-do lists? Do you find yourself making them but never completing them? If you've discovered a method that works, tell me about it in the comments! [via Lifehacker]

More on BNET:

• The One Thing You Should Never Do First Thing in the Morning
• The Pomodoro Technique: Make Your Productivity Soar
• How Do You Manage Your To-Do List? (Poll)