I've been doing to-do lists for YEARS: Here's how it's done

I'm personally perpetually perplexed (yes the three P's) by those that don't have to-do lists. Firstly, how do you go about your day without an action plan? How can you survive this life without day to day structure? I've been doing to-do lists for close to 15 years, and I've narrowed it down to a fine art.

Firstly, you need to separate the fluff from the real. As in, remembering to do your daily Duolingo is not nearly as important as picking your Mother up from the airport.

I personally like to have a blank notepad, a trusty biro and a pencil. My Father used to have a highlighter pen also to elevate the most important stuff. That's the next level, and entirely up to you.

But first prioritise.

1. Prioritise

I can actually write down two lists. First is a stream of consciousness of things rattling around in my head that need to be done. Once I've emptied the tank, I'll turn the page and write them down in an order of priority.

If there is routine stuff like a work out in the morning, or a meditation session, that goes in a separate box. That's not to say it's not important, I just know it will always get done. The reason I still write it down is because I like to chalk it off once I've done it in pencil to get that sense of accomplishment.

2. SIDEBARS of POSITIVITY

Everyone needs to give themselves pep talks every now and then. The reason why I like to-do lists is that it feels more affirming to me when I write something positive down. And trying to get at least one positive thing down on paper each day can only be a good thing. I like to do my to-do lists at night for the next day, but then crown the day with something life affirming. Like 'Everything you do, be Excellent doing it.' Or, 'You never thought you would, but you found someone who loves you.'

3. Keep repeating

One thing I've noticed about doing to-do lists, is they're never complete. There's always the next day. And if you happen to keep writing down the same thing over and over, like 'check the tyre pressure' or 'clean the gutters' eventually you'll get so tired of writing them down day after day, you end up just doing it because it's annoying.

4. Press Up Count

I know this is a silly one, but I always have a press up count on my to-do list. In fact, as part of my new year's resolution I told myself I'll do 50 press ups a day. If I don't hit 50, then I roll it over to the next day and add another 50. This gives me a great sense of pleasure competing with myself, and seeing the number rise and fall over the months. (Currently on +170, meaning I've done 4,950 press ups this year already). Only by keeping a tally on the to-do list am I able to keep playing this game.

5. Something for someone else

My to-do list is never just about me. Yes I need to ensure there's a lot of stuff I need to remember to do, but I'll always add in one where I'm doing something for someone else. Even if its just calling someone I've not spoken to in a while. Or taking a chore off the table for the wife. For example, right now I have to wash the dog. I have that on the list as something we'll do together, but I'll do it solo so she doesn't have to worry about that when she gets home. Try and put something on the list that will add value to someone else's life, and not just your own.