'To Do' lists are a great way of pinning down all the tasks you need to complete, and then ticking them off as you complete them. Here are some tips for making best use of your list:

To do list
Make the items on your list as specific as possible. Try not to put something huge like "do dissertation" as a single item on your list. It will feel insurmountable! Instead, try "Complete first draft of literature review for dissertation" or "read three journal articles for dissertation". Each week you can then amend or add steps. There is more on setting 'SMART' targets for yourself later in this course. If there are small items on your list such as 'phone the bank', try getting them done first so that you can de-clutter your mind of the little nuisance tasks that sometimes linger on your list for weeks! It can also help if you do the less interesting tasks first, or anything you are anxious about, in order to get them out the way. Review your list regularly and if you are falling behind, make adjustments - don't panic! Divide your list into high, medium and low priority items. Try putting short-term deadlines next to the high priority items.