Writing to-do lists reduces stress. When you are busy, when you’ve got a lot going on and a lot that needs doing, it can be easy to forget things or muddle up priorities when you need to focus on something more important.
Conversely, with everything written down, you can see what needs to be done more clearly, plan your time more easily, and stop worrying about things that don’t matter. Professionals, students, and knowledge economy workers can’t stay “switched on” and focused on work 24/7. Being effective also means allowing your brain to switch off for a while, certainly when you are trying to sleep, and a to-do list is a great way to do that.
Advantages of writing to-do lists
Todoist is the app that much of the team here at CIG uses. It has a fairly minimalist. The Hit List helps you manage the daily chaos of modern life. It’s easy to use — as easy as making lists. And it’s powerful enough to let you plan, let it go, and then act at the right time. The perfect balance of app power and ease of use. Also for iPhone iPad + Apple Watch. The Touch Bar is a relatively recent Mac-oriented input innovation from Apple. If you want to enhance your own apps with Touch Bar goodness, this quick-fire video tutorial from Zappy Code shows you how. Bring your iPad app to Mac (Image credit: Apple) It's not difficult to turn an iPad app into a native Mac app.
The best thing about to-do list is the act of writing them in itself. Yes, there are a few tips and tricks, and some to-do apps are just stellar, but overall, once you make writing to-do lists part of your life, advantages will follow right away.
It doesn’t have a mobile app. (Maybe the Reminders integration is a cop-out to save money developing a mobile app. ?) No recurring tasks feature. It’s still a list-making app. What can you do? (Don’t worry — everything else on this list will have a recurring tasks feature!) Unusable after free trial (unless you pay).
1. Get better sleep
Studies have found that those who write specific to-do lists for the day ahead, either at the end of the working day, or before bed, get to sleep quicker than those who don’t. Your brain is liberated from thinking about the tasks it needs to do next because everything is written down, either in an app or on paper.
2. Become more productive
Simply writing down specific actions you are going to perform makes you more effective at doing them. Guessing, or winging it, isn’t enough to ensure you accomplish your objectives on time.
When you have a full schedule, you have a structure, as an expert in productivity David Allen notes, without which people “struggle to cope.” Scribbled notes on hands, in phones (unless you are using a to-do list app), and Post-It notes are just not enough.
3. Make big tasks more manageable
Insurmountable tasks, such as “launch our Q4 marketing campaign” or “write a book,” sound daunting. Often, these are put off till the last moment, even when they're important. It is far easier to break big tasks into smaller ones, and then tick those smaller tasks off the list as you work through them. You will gain a greater sense of accomplishment and achieve your goals more easily.
4. Control your time realistically
One of the worst things people can do when juggling a lot of tasks is have an unrealistic expectation of how long something is going to take. Unexpected interruptions or something taking longer than planned can cause mission creep. Tasks rolling from one day into the next. It can cause stress and delays, even sleepless night, anxiety, and panic.
Writing to-do lists down on paper has limitations. Quantifying and measuring time taken or the time you expect to take on tasks is one of them. With a paper list, you’ve got no way of that having effect on your agenda, which is another disadvantage. The perfect way out — creating to-do lists using specific apps.
Most effective apps for making lists
Truth to be told, there are tons of to-do apps out there. Some iOS, some web-based, some are for Mac. The choice is endless, and the risk of coming across a bad one is quite high. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best to-do apps available, so you can compare them quickly and choose one that’s right for you.
Make simple to-do lists with TaskPaper
With TaskPaper, you can make plain text lists of everything important to you, which will also be easily editable anywhere. The interface is distraction-free, so you can concentrate on tasks rather than complex settings.
The app is really as simple as download, write your lists, and then cross tasks off (using a @done tag) when you’ve completed something. TaskPaper makes it effortless to get what you need done quickly.
Create tasks the way you want with 2Do
Some people love writing lists, but hate to-do and productivity apps because it means sticking to a certain way of writing down tasks, which doesn't work for everyone.
But with 2Do, there is no wrong way of using it, and unlike other to-do apps, it won't force you into adhering to a particular task management methodology. Tasks can have notes, attachments, and multiple alarms. Focus and Smart Lists let you view tasks in different ways so you’ve got a clear idea of timelines involved in various projects and steps needed. The app comes with numerous other features and is well worth a look for those considering taking a new approach.
Break large projects down with GoodTask
Integrated with Apple Calendar and Reminders, GoodTask is a smarter way of organizing and prioritizing your tasks and projects, which lets you get big things done easier.
Combine your tools to succeed with NotePlan
To-do lists evolve. A call or email now might rearrange tasks in an instant. Or you might need to write a more detailed note that relates to a task coming up. Paper notes and the default note-taking app in your phone aren't really effective solutions here, leaving everything scattered around and disconnected from your primary list of what needs to be done.
NotePlan, on the other hand, helps you build a productivity machine by offering not just note-taking, but a calendar, bullet journaling, and lists. Most importantly, it makes it easy for you to write down, find, and keep notes.
Get visual with Cloud Outliner
During the early stages of any big project, whether it is academic or business, people who are trying to solve problems find it helpful to write notes and outline their ideas.
Paper notes can be useful as part of this process. But if you want to take these ideas to the next level, especially when it involves creating something on your Mac, you are starting from scratch. Hence the value of a list making app. With Cloud Outliner, you can create, manage, store, and edit visual outlines and notes in a fun, consistent, and smart way.
Map your challenges with iThoughtsX
What happens when you’ve got a project with multiple moving parts and areas of focus? Or even a team to coordinate and work with? Mind maps are a great way to get started. Mind maps can be put down on paper; but often, that won’t get you far when tasks need assigning and to-do lists need to be made.
iThoughtsX is a mind mapping app for macOS (with Windows and iOS versions available as well). Put all of your ideas down quickly and visually. Map out next steps. Make it easy to see what needs to happen, who owns different areas of the project, and the questions that remain unanswered.
Mind maps created in iThoughtsX can be exported and shared on other platforms too. You can import information from multiple other sources and platforms, and synchronize with various other services and platforms, including email and iCloud.
List Making App Mac Pro
Find time for work with BusyCal
And finally, BusyCal is the most powerful, flexible, and reliable calendar app for macOS. It's packed with innovative, time-saving features, including customizable views, integrated to-do’s, travel time, maps, natural language input, weather, moons, graphics, tags, and more.
So when it comes to picking a to-do list app, or more than one, consider what you need. Work out — maybe through trial and error — the most effective way for you to make lists and manage your workload and time. And then pick an app or two that makes it easy for you to juggle projects and work you’ve got to get done.
Good news is, all the apps mentioned above are available for you to try free with Setapp — a growing subscription to over 150 high-quality macOS apps. Get started with a free 7-day trial today and check out all the list-making apps you might need.
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Let’s solve your to-dos
Get 2Do, a handy task manager that fits any schedule.
With life’s busy schedules and numerous distractions, staying on top of tasks can pose a challenge — that’s why every single productivity guide recommends you to keep track of everything in your mind with a to do list to achieve your goals.
List Making App Mac Download
While, historically, to do lists were handled by pen and paper, with the rise of mobile technology and modern software, it’s far more efficient to use a specialized to do list app to stay on top of your tasks.
That said, the beauty of pen and paper lies in the ability to format, write, and manage however you see fit, whereas apps force you into their predefined frameworks. And exactly because to do lists can be so personal, it’s worth exploring the differences between them before picking one for good.
Download Setapp to get things done
From note-taking to scheduling events, Setapp has a huge collection of apps for all your jobs. Solve tasks faster than ever on Mac.
Why Should I Use A To Do List?
From tasks at work to chores at home, to catching up with friends and family, and everything in between, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with things to do. The trouble is finding the time to do them, prioritizing them accordingly, then actually remembering to carry them out. That’s where even simple to do lists can be a powerful productivity tool, freeing up your time and mental space to focus on what you do best.
However, there are now so many different to do list on Mac options in the marketplace that getting around to selecting one is a chore in itself. That’s why this guide just saves you some time by picking some of the best ones for you to consider.
What are some tips for using to do lists?
There’s an art to using to do lists effectively, no matter the technology. You don’t need to be a project manager or have high attention to details to make a Mac task manager work for you. Simply follow a few of the most important tips:
- Understand what should be on the to do list versus what should be a daily habit or calendar item. Brushing your teeth probably shouldn’t be on the to do list, as it would ideally be baked into your daily routine. Whereas your friend’s birthday should probably be put in your calendar. However, you might write “purchase gift for friend’s birthday” as a to do item.
- Try to keep a manageable level of to do items at any time. Having a list of 300 probably won’t do much for your productivity, as it becomes difficult to quickly ascertain the correct priority and order. Make sure your to do list stays below 15 items to not get overwhelmed.
- Focus on completing one item at a time. Multi-tasking is never as productive of a method of executing a task as you might think. So when it’s time to action your to do list, focus your energy on the task at hand.
With these tips in hand, you’re ready to get out and find the technology that works best for you.
What should a good to do list app for Mac do?
When it comes to selecting a to do list on Mac, there are a few aspects to consider. Some of the apps aim for total simplicity, whereas others come packed with useful features for more advanced users. Here are a few things to look for in your next to do list app:
- Simplicity is most important. Adding new tasks and organizing them should be done in just a few clicks or taps.
- The ability to categorize your to do list in such a way that it’s easy to find similar tasks. This might be done by grouping, tags, due dates, and more.
- A notification system for reminding you of upcoming or late tasks. These hold you accountable and are something pen and paper can’t beat.
- Syncing of your data across devices and operating systems can be useful for those who like to work on the go
- At a more personal level, your to do list should look and feel easy to use, as friction points in the user experience might prevent you from making the most of it
Now that you know what a good to do list should be, let’s take a deeper dive into some of the best to do list apps for Mac on the market.
Comparing the best to do list apps for Mac
Honestly, there are too many to do list apps out in the world to count. To make your decision easier, many of those have been evaluated and narrowed down to just five — each with its own pros and cons that could sway your decision depending on your preferences.
As a Mac user, you’ve probably heard of Apple Reminders, which comes pre-installed in iPhones, iPads, and, of course, Macs. One of the main pros of using Apple Reminders is the fact that it’s ready to go — no additional tinkering required. It also has the benefit of looking and feeling like the rest of your Apple software, including Siri support, so it’s a familiar experience. Reminders works well with other Apple users by allowing you to share tasks in iCloud, but, unfortunately, you can’t assign tasks to people outside of that ecosystem, or to multiple people.
Key Features:
- Smart location-based reminders which prompt depending on where you are
- Task list sharing through iCloud
- Simple, Apple-based interface that includes a quick calendar view
If you’re looking for the best task manager for Mac with more features, then you can’t pass Omnifocus. Made exclusively for Apple devices, Omnifocus takes everything one step further by allowing lists to be grouped into different projects, depending on the type of activity you’re doing, making it useful for work. Everything syncs, but only between Apple devices, of course. All in all, Omnifocus is definitely a strong candidate for any power user.
Key features:
- Full-featured software designed exclusively for Apple
- Multiple project types for any given workflow
- Six handy views right out-of-the-box, including calendar, due date, projects, tags, and more
Another to do list on Mac that comes with a strong set of features is Wunderlist. Unlike Apple Reminders and Omnifocus, it can be used across all devices and operating systems, including Windows. While the app features a clean interface, it does have some complexity to it, so overall Wunderlist targets users who would like to collaborate on tasks together.
Key features:
- Task reminders with notifications
- Multiple assignees and collaborators on projects and tasks
- Add hashtags to any descriptions to help search and organize task lists
If you care about speed and efficiency, you need 2Do — a perfect to do list app for people on the go. The quick-add feature makes creating new tasks a breeze, and you can even break your agenda up into a checklist format for subtasks.
A better version of Reminders
Get a top-notch app for busy folks. 2Do will help you organize any number of tasks into smart lists and break big jobs into subtasks.
While 2Do isn’t as full-featured as some of the alternatives, its upside is simplicity — essential for those who just need to get things done.
Key features:
- Quick-add feature for maximum efficiency
- Extra context for tasks via the tagging system
- Smart lists let you view critical information at a glance, including due date, tags, and reminders — nothing more than what you need
One more of the best to do list apps is GoodTask. The beauty of GoodTask is its native ability to integrate with Apple Reminders and Apple Calendar, while adding some extra functionality on top to help you become more productive. The downsides are few and far between: for example, it doesn't have the extended functionality of something like Omnifocus.
Key features:
- Automatic sync with your iCloud or Outlook calendar
- Reminders (and repeat reminders) to help you stay on top of tasks
- Smart sorting to organize your list by alphabet, due date, time created, or manually
With one of the best to do list on Mac options in hand, you’re ready to go out and become more productive than ever. Just remember to consider the difference between a task and a habit, keep your task list below 15, and pick an app that suits your preferences.
While you’re at it, give Be Focused a try. Be Focused is another task manager for Mac with a welcome twist — alongside the standard features, such as multi-device support and task list organization, Be Focused lets you set timers for each task. Now you can get to work knowing that you’re on track by the minute. Want to look further ahead? You can even breakdown your annual, quarterly, and monthly tasks into groups for a wider view of your life’s goals.
Best of all, 2Do, GoodTask, and Be Focused are available to you on a free 7-day trial via Setapp, a subscription service for Mac that grants you access to more than 150 indispensable apps across all categories imaginable. Now that’s a definite boost for your productivity!
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