Regarding the large master list of actions, managing it can be done in
a few ways. Some people like having a “flat” list, with all actions
ungrouped. Others use the GTD idea of “contexts” – “What can I do
where?, or alternatively, “What place, person, or equipment is needed
to do the action?” However, when you start approaching hundreds of
actions (I had a client with ~400), you will probably need a tool that
slices and dices appropriately. There are many on both platforms, but
I’m not familiar with any particular ones.

And your suggestions are good too: Choosing areas of responsibility
like heath, business, etc. can work – it’s a personal preference and I
suggest you try something, see how it works, then adjust. But try it
for a while – say a week or two. Beware “endless tool tweaking
syndrome.”

That said, having a list this big might tell you something about how
committed you’ve made yourself. :-)

>I’m not sure how “organized” my (large, “someday”) Master ToDo list should be…

I suggest starting simple, and adding complexity only as needed.
Einstein is reputed to have said “Make everything as simple as
possible, but not simpler,” which is good advice, I think.

Hope that helps!

The thing I am wondering about, is… What’s the best way to keep your Master List organized?

As was mentioned, it tends to be an ever-growing list…. And can easily swell to HUNDREDS of items.. So how can I keep it orderly enough to be able to quickly pick those THREE most important tasks for today…?

Do I outline each task under sub-tasks & those under Projects, etc… And those by major categories…. like Business, Money, Health/Fitness, Relationships,…..?

I’m not sure how “organized” my (large, “someday”) Master ToDo list should be…

And, best organized in what way….?

Bruce Wagner
brucewagner.com

o The night before (or first thing in the morning) create a short list of actions to do for the day from your master action list.
o During the day work from this list. This gives a sense of closure. This is because it’s what Forster calls a closed list – you don’t add to it, and you finish it all.
o If you do process new incoming, add it to your master list, unless it’s urgent (must be done today).
o At the end of the day, tear up the list. The risk is that you’ll focus on the daily list, and ignore work that is more important (or has *become* more important) on the master list. In the morning, start over with a new list built from your master list.

Another thing I do as part of my weekly review is to plan out what I want to accomplish this week. I try to take 5 tasks for home and 5 for work that will directly impact my longer term goals. I don’t plan out what specific day to do them, just that I want to get them done. I found this helps to tie in the daily tasks to the larger picture of your life. Then each night I can pick off this list to make progress to my goals.