The To-Do List

How many times have you forgotten to do something you mean to do repeatedly?  How many times have you gone to the supermarket only to come home and realize you didn't purchase the item that brought you to the market in the first place?  How many times has someone suggested a great restaurant to eat at, or a movie to watch, and you said you would remember, but you forgot the next day?  How many important thoughts pop into your mind each day that you forget hours later?

Forgetting to do things is silly and inefficient.

If you don't write it down, then you may never get to it.  It took me a while to realize how powerful a to-do application really is.  We're all busy; we're all lazy.  Sometimes we think of things that we need to do at the most inopportune times - like 1am laying in bed trying to sleep.  By the time morning comes around, we forgot what we were supposed to take care of.

What is the most powerful app on my iphone?  Paperless Lite.  This free app provides a service that is essential to making my life more efficient.  Yes, there is a paid version, but I have found the free version is more than sufficient for my needs:

Paperless Lite

I write down any thought I have as to something I need to do at a later time immediately.  I know that if I don't write it down right away, I may never get around to it at the most efficient time.  I'll remember days or weeks later, or will forget it all together.

My main categories:

Today.  Everything in this list gets completed today, it is the top priority.

Tomorrow.  Some things can wait until the next day.

Money.  I write down the amount and date of all bills, debts owed to me, or any future money expense.

Groceries.  Always go into a market with a purpose.  Get the items on your list and then leave.  This saves you time and money.

Personal.  These are tasks that you would like to do sometime in the future.  When they become urgent, move them into your Today or Tomorrow folder.

Movies.  I absolutely hate wasting time deciding what to watch.  If there's a movie I hear about, i'll put it in this list.

Restaurants.  If friends suggest a good restaurant that I'd like to try some time in the future, I list the name and city of the restaurant.  This way I never waste time deciding where to go out to eat.

The to-do list has changed my life.  I never forget important tasks. 

How will a to-do app change your life?