I’m a notorious list maker. I create lists for all sorts of things from basic to-do lists for work and grocery lists to the books I plan to read from my TBR shelf and events I want to attend. I’ve also kept lists for not-so-obvious things, like foods I want to try (every try dragonfruit?) and music I want to eventually download. Anyone who saw my lists would either think I’m incredibly organized or hopelessly scatterbrained!

But I’ve found over the years that lists can be a useful tool not just in your personal life but in your professional life. As writers, it’s important to keep track of all sorts of details for our work and list making is one way to keep it all organized so the information is accessible.  

For writing purposes, lists can help you perform the following tasks:

• Brainstorm story or plot points
• Create characters with roughly drawn traits and possible names
• Draft scenes for a story before you begin writing
• Jot down blog post ideas
• Track ideas for website content
• Jot down article ideas to pitch to an editor
• Track potential clients to contact for assignments
• Track subject matter experts to interview for a story you plan to write
• Prioritize errands and chores you want to finish in a week
• Keep track of small tasks needed to complete a larger project.

Lists have made my life easier in many ways. Jotting down story ideas as soon as I think of them helps to get them out of my head so they don’t become a distraction and get in the way of what I need to do. Keeping lists also helps me stay focused on the most essential tasks I need to work on, and it helps me prioritize the tasks that are most important. This process works whether the list is a home to-do list or a work task list.

But there are downsides too. Looking at a lengthy list can make you feel overwhelmed. Even looking at my list of books that I want to read can feel overwhelming. I often think there’s no way I will ever finish them all, especially when I keep adding to the TBR shelf.

Fortunately, there are strategies for dealing with feelings of overwhelm.

1. Tackle one task at a time. Rome wasn’t built in a day, so neither should you feel you have to tackle the entire list in one afternoon. One step at a time will get you where you need to go.
2. Review your list often, if not every day. Prioritize and highlight the three most important items on the list. Then focus on completing the most important items first. If you get to the fourth or fifth task, that’s a bonus.
3. Remember that you shouldn’t be at the mercy of your lists. The most effective list is one that serves you, not put obstacles in your path.
4. Find a tool that works best for you, whether that’s an old school notebook or an app on your phone. PC Magazine has a nifty list of apps for creating and tracking your tasks.
5. Keep lists separate for work and home, so your shopping list doesn’t end up with your work tasks. Review your lists and revise every day.
6. Write down ideas and tasks as soon as you think of them so you don’t forget them.
   
   Remember that lists are meant as a guide for your work life, not a set of rules etched in stone. Be flexible and shift priorities as deadlines and needs change. When you get to the bottom of your list, congratulations. Imagine how good it will feel when you cross that last item off your list.

Not everyone is a big fan of lists, but give them a try. In time, you may find that they can be one of the most helpful tools you’ll ever need.

Do you use lists? What kind of lists do you use? Does it make you feel more organized or more stressed?