Hey Lykkers! Let’s talk about that to-do list that’s staring back at you from your tablet or planner. Does it ever feel like a jumbled mess of everything?

Emails, big project tasks, phone calls, that report you need to write—all thrown together in one endless scroll. No wonder we sometimes just shut the laptop and walk away!

What if there was a kinder, smarter way to organize it all? Not one daunting list, but two simple lists that work as a team. Let’s break it down.

Think of your brain like a computer. When you have too many programs running at once, it slows down and freezes. Your to-do list works the same way. The "Do It Now" vs. "Do It Later" system is like clearing your mental desktop so you can focus on one program at a time.

It’s a concept backed by productivity science. David Allen, creator of the famous Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology, emphasizes the power of what he calls the “Next Actions” list. (Allen, 2001). He says, “Your mind is for having ideas, not holding them.” (Allen, 2001). The goal is to get every task out of your head and into a trusted system, and then clearly identify the very next physical action required. That’s what your "Do It Now" list is: a shortlist of those clear, immediate next actions.

How to Build Your "Do It NOW" List

This isn’t just a list of things you should do. Your "Do It Now" list has strict rules. It should only contain tasks that are:

Actionable: A clear, specific action (e.g., "Email client draft proposal" not just "Work on proposal").

Short: Can be done in 30-60 minutes or less.

Important & Urgent: These are your true priorities for today. Think deadlines, key communications, or tasks blocking others.

Energy-Matched: Save deep-thinking tasks for when you’re fresh; put admin work when your energy dips.

How to Build Your "Do It LATER" List

This is your brain’s parking lot. It’s where you put everything else, so it’s safe but not in your way. Your "Do It Later" list can include:

Non-urgent tasks: "Research new software options."

Big projects: "Plan Q3 marketing strategy" (you’ll break this down later).

Someday/Maybe ideas: "Update website bio."

Waiting-for items: "Follow up on invoice after Tuesday."

The key is to review this list once a week. This is your planning session. Here, you’ll move tasks from "Later" to "Now" as they become relevant.

Putting It Into Practice: Your Simple Weekly Flow

Morning (Daily):

1. Look only at your "Do It Now" list.

2. Pick 1-3 items to tackle first.

3. Work through them without jumping to other lists.

Friday Afternoon (Weekly):

1. Open your "Do It Later" list.

2. Ask: "What’s coming up next week that needs to move to "Now"?"

3. Move 3-5 items over, breaking big ones into small "Do It Now" actions.

4. Clear or update your "Waiting-for" items.

This system isn’t about doing more; it’s about thinking less about what to do, and actually doing it. It turns that chaotic, multitasking energy from the image—with charts and devices everywhere—into calm, directed focus, one screen at a time.

So, Lykkers, your challenge is simple. Grab a piece of paper (or open a fresh note), draw a line down the middle, and make your two lists. Feel the relief of getting it all out of your head, and the clarity of knowing exactly where to start.

Here’s to less stress and more done. Happy organizing!