Organizing Eye-Candy: To-Do Lists To Die For

Community Manager — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 13:41:00 GMT

There are two kinds of people. Those who love a to-do list, and those who don't. We're firmly in the to-do list camp: Nothing makes us happier than getting from to-do, to done.

If you are a fellow list lover, you won't want to miss the organizing eye-candy we've rounded up. Who doesn't love a little pizzazz with their productivity?

Mad for the Pad

Classic: Billed as a "stylish reinterpretation of a stressed-out classic," these to-do list pads from Knock Knock will have you knocking off those to-dos in no time flat. From a classic list to a packing list, there is something for everyone.

Sarcastic: Appreciate the tongue in cheek? You might enjoy the "Crap I Need to Do" pad or its sarcastic sister, "The Freakin' Never Ending To Do List."

Renewable: This Etsy seller offers a downloadable PDF that lets you print and reprint the classic take on a to-do. And these stylish dry-erase boards let you organize your to-dos over and over again.

Digital: Not everyone loves paper. For you high-tech list lovers, check out the findings from ABC tech correspondent Joann Sterna. She examines three popular digital to-do list apps and favors Wunderlist over Remember the Milk and Astrid. An attractive design and useful collaborative functions puts Wunderlist at the top of her list.

Finally, we leave you with something decidedly non-digital: this awesome chalkboard from another creative Etsy seller which reads, "Keep Calm and Keep a List." Fabulous advice, fabulous chalkboard.

Happy list making!

What is your favorite, zippiest to-do list accessory? Share your thoughts here and on the Pendaflex Facebook and Twitter pages.

From To-Do to Done: Managing Your To-Do Lists

Community Manager — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 16:01:00 GMT

Like death and taxes, to-do lists are an inescapable part of life. But sometimes it can feel as if the to-do list never quite gets done.

We've rounded up some tips, and some tools, that will have you happily checking off your action items in no time flat.

Get from to-do, to done, with these three simple steps:

Write a short and specific list: Craft a list that prioritizes what truly needs to get done. If you swamp your list with too many items, you run the risk of running out of time. Each day, focus on no more than three items at a time and keep a running list of smaller, less consequential items that can wait for a later date. Once a week, knock off that running list.

Create a realistic action plan: Once you've honed in on three items to focus on, establish a deadline for each task: some may take an hour, others may take all day, and still others may require a few days to knock off. Setting a deadline keeps you honest and on track. Next, determine what steps you need to take and then start to schedule the blocks of time required to move the ball forward. Determine if you need to enlist help, or obtain certain resources, for success. Having a realistic action plan gets you across the finish line.

Reward Yourself: Nothing motivates like a fabulous reward. Pick something that will make finishing the list gratifying. Link the reward to your labor when it makes sense. Decluttered a closet? Treat yourself to a new accessory. Cleaned out the kitchen pantry? Order in dinner that night so you can put your feet up. You can also use rewards to help you move through your list: take a short-break when you cross off a specific item or treat yourself to coffee or snack when you get half-way done.

Finally, we have some tools that can help you put the "list" into your to-dos. Whether you're a digital list making convert or an old-school pen and paper fan, the round-up of resources in The Best Online & Offline Tools for Managing Your To-Dos has something for everyone.

How do you manage your to-do lists? Is your go-to tool digital or paper and pen? Share your thoughts here and on the Pendaflex Facebook page.

Beyond Folders : organization tips, to do lists

Organizing Eye-Candy: To-Do Lists To Die For

From To-Do to Done: Managing Your To-Do Lists