The Simple Tweak That Makes To-Do Lists Work

To-do lists are great for clearing your head, but they don’t always tell you what to do first. A small change in how you handle them can turn a messy list into a clear plan you’ll actually follow. In this newsletter, I’ll share the simple 2 minute approach that helps me move forward without getting stuck or turning it into something more than it needs to be.

Why Lists Fall Short

Writing down tasks is useful, but it’s not the same as having a plan. A long list can make it easy to get lost in small items or jump from one thing to the next.

I’ve been there—checking off low-impact work just to feel productive, while the real priorities sit untouched. That’s when I realized I needed a way to cut through the clutter and focus on what mattered most.

Turn Lists Into Plans

Here’s what I do: after writing out my list, I mark the most important task with a “1.” Then I pick the next most important and write “2,” and so on.

Sounds simple? It is. And that’s why it works.

I usually only number the top three or four. That way, I don’t get overwhelmed, and I know exactly where to start.

If you use a task app, the same rule applies. Move your top three to the top, add numbers, or tag them so they stand out. When I open my list, I’m not guessing—I see the order right away.

Another trick is working in small batches.

Pick three, finish them, then stop to choose the next top three. That little reset helps me stay flexible while keeping focus sharp through the day.

Extra Extra

Here are a few helpful resources that expand on prioritizing and working smarter with lists:

1. Todoist Blog – The Eisenhower Matrix: Prioritize Tasks by Urgency and Importance – A simple framework for deciding what truly matters.
   https://todoist.com/productivity-methods/eisenhower-matrix

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