We make lists of cases with the best motives: to save time, to unload thinking, not to forget about the most important. But making mistakes when creating them is worse than not having a to-do list at all.

The main mistake everyone admits is a lack of reflection. Yes, there are simple lists that do not require reflection. But there are lists of difficult, important for us, where you can not just write a few words and are ready. Before you create a to-do list, you need to analyze your schedule, time limits, motives, values. Only in this case it will be reasonable and correct.

![5_main.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmbofzk7dSW3uNuzxdzxNnEKRZkRi4v1sYjaky2CA2dHhJ/5_main.jpg)

Get rid of the main mistake and go to those that are smaller. Here are the seven mistakes that distinguish a bad to-do list from good.

1
Writing a Too Long To Do List
Many people write lists that contain ten cases. Despite the fact that we do do dozens of tasks per day, the list should not cause stress. He must motivate and clarify thoughts.

Write down no more than three important tasks per day. These are the actions that will bring the greatest benefit, so they need to be given priority attention. This will also help to perform tasks in order of importance. So you start your day with important things. Keep this list before your eyes, until you cross out all the cases.

After the completion of important cases, you can create another list, consisting of dozens of small cases. Since you have already completed the most difficult and important, this list will not irritate, but will only give new strength.

If you start your day with the most important things for several years, you will achieve what 99% of all people can not achieve.

2
Uncertainty and ambiguity
Many people record their affairs without a clearly defined first and last act. What prevents us from starting more often? Fear of the first step, which is incomprehensible. Therefore, clearly define how it will be and prepare for it.

For example, you recorded a task "Working with a presentation". This is an indefinite matter, because it does not include specific actions that need to be carried out. You could better formulate them if you wrote:

View five presentations with TED
Think about three ideas for presentation
Write a draft of presentations
Remember that each task must include a certain and clear action. In this way, you will know if it was completed.

![taskler-minimalist-to-do-list-for-iphone.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmakK7F54CzWjHhoRBBrGeDxfFBE8PqZ6SB7GkZbjFdXjP/taskler-minimalist-to-do-list-for-iphone.jpg)

In addition, each task must meet three requirements:

Measurable result
Can be performed within a set period of time
Include a well-defined endpoint