Rules of organization No. 1: Conquer the 'To Do' list of death with a healthy dose of preparation

Some To-Do lists never get done. Others are used to streamline and expedite work. 

Ok, so who would want to be included with the first group?

We kinda had a feeling you'd agree, which is why we're sharing some great To Do list tips from the folks at MindTools.

Rule No. 1: If you don't prepare your lists with care, why bother making one to begin with?

1) Start by writing down the tasks that you need to complete. If some items seem too daunting, break them down into smaller elements.

If
these items still seem like too much, break them down again. Do this until you have
listed everything that you have to do, and until tasks are will take no
more than 1-2 hours to complete.

2) Next up? Prioritize.
Run through your items and assign them colors. Use the green, yellow, red system to help you visualize. Red being highest priority (something you have to get done for tomorrow).

Try using Label Value Yellow 1" round labels

3) Tackle the beast

You now have a prioritized plan to eliminate the problems you face. You separate important jobs from the less-important time wasters