Ask HN: How to maintain a productive Todo List | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: How to maintain a productive Todo List

9 pointsrammy123414 comments

Let me give you a background. I have tried few todo apps but they all want me to go and add. Is there a simpler way to add and have them synced up across devices. If there is a best practices or share something you do to maintain a running todo list. It will be helpful. sometimes it is overwhelming

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There's no magic bullet, you have to put some effort to maintain your todo list. Years ago, I naively thought that I could come up with an algorithm that would prioritize tasks for me based on a formula and I'd have to open my app and it would tell me what to do. No such luck.

I've been using GTD with great luck. The short version is:

- everything that you have/want/need to do goes into the inbox.

- inbox gets periodically reviewed. At this point you must ask yourself "do I need to do this". I made the mistake of dropping YouTube links and various other links into my inbox. Don't do this as it increases the cognitive load of processing your inbox. Be honest with yourself if this is something you wish to do or need to do. if it's only a wish that you'll never act upon delete it. If you can't delete it, stick it into a "later" file. If this is a must do, stick it into an appropriate category ("House tasks", "Project work" etc).

- periodically review all your projects. Be honest with yourself here as well. Are you going to do this or did it slip past your "Do I need to do this?" filter.

The inbox gets rid of anxiety, trying to remember everything. I can't stress enough about reviewing your task list and throwing out things you're not likely to do.

learnt something new about GTD. Will read up.

I had the same issue. I have moved to obsidian and it's working well. Just look up Obsidian app...you can of light and manage your own simply...or there are many special features that can help. One thing for sure... a to do list is more useful as a actionable schedule...otherwise you can easily get overwhelmed and give up on any system....

Great app for markdown-style notes. I use it to write my notes for a Jekyll blog.

thanks will take a look.

Todo list or apps won't solve your problem per say. It's about designing a system that would allow you to work more effectively.

Some suggestions

Review your list and remove the fluff.

Keep your list short if possible. Focus on 2 to 5 things you won't to accomplish each. If that isn't possible you can prioritize using eisenhower matrix.

Time box the items in your list

I spent one year researching this space and making my own cross platform todo app.

After all that time I reached the conclusion that a simple text file is the best solution. I have it sync to dropbox and use it every day.

> but they all want me to go and add.

Would you mind clarifying this?

I use todoist with my inbox as the sole list, and I don't utilize 90% of the features. The biggest thing is to just get in the habit of grooming it regularly.

problem with Todoist or any other apps is , requires you to go and see whats on your todo list. if there is a way that it can come to me.

I use a https://tweek.so , this is something new...The most important thing is simplicity

I have a physical notebook for personal Todo lists.

At work I pretty much follow GTD but use 3 text files. One is my Todo/inbox where I write everything down I need to do. I have a schedule file where I schedule things under dates from the Todo/inbox list, I check this everyday. I then have a done list which lists everything under dates they were done.

I have a someday maybe list too but don't use it daily.

How about using a notebook? An actual little book to write in with a pen. It's super-simple, absolutely no syncing worries. Many other advantages. You can keep it in your pocket at all times and pull it out any time you have a spare second. (Also good for writing down your thoughts, wherever you are.)

that problem of you going to it. why not it come to us. even taking a note should be seamless. Like adding to a list and retrieving it.

> that problem of you going to it. why not it come to us.

I'm not sure what this means, sorry.

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