To-do lists are very individual and everyone has their own techniques. Some like to write down every minuscule task that needs to be done on a neat and organised list, while others jot down one or two jobs on a spare bit of napkin, which may or may not get lost before the jobs are ticked off.

According to strategic planner and writer Robin Camarote, however, there are certain strategies for improving your to-do lists and improving productivity.

Writing for Inc., Robin shares four to-do list tips to make sure yours is as helpful as possible...

1. Only create one list

Writing everything down on one document is a good way of managing your priorities and making sure you feel less overwhelmed. To be really official, you could try writing your to-dos the previous evening so they are ready for the following day. This might just help you sleep better, too.

2. Write all of your jobs down

A good practice for easing your mind is to write everything down on your one list, however big or small the task. Once you know it is on the list you will feel more relaxed and in control. Your brain will not have to remind you of what needs to get done as it will be on the paper in front of you.

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3. Declutter your lists

It can be tempting to pour everything out onto the page, including tips and bits of advice, but make sure the items on your list are only things that can actually be ticked off, as opposed to general musings. This will make you more efficient and feel more satisfied when you get that tick. Your feeling of accomplishment will also be greater and there will be no guilt at not completing an item.

If you have any jobs that are not immediate or perhaps the idea behind them is half-formed, put them on a running list in a separate file.

4. Prioritise and organise your tasks

Arrange your list in a way that can help you manage your day. That might mean grouping similar tasks together, putting the hardest ones in a group, or splitting them by morning and afternoon. This allows you to achieve the most difficult tasks in your most productive hours of the day.

Things to avoid

Writing multiple lists

Having too many things on the list making it unachievable

Compiling lists that include both long-term and short-term projects

Not looking at your list once it has been created

Getting though the easy stuff first and neglecting the bigger things

Now you've got the expert advice, you can make sure every item on your to-do list gets a big red tick next to it.

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