A to-do list helps you to enlist pending work and prioritize it accordingly. As we all have so many tasks to do these days, we tend to overlook a lot of them.
Getting overwhelmed by the myriad tasks is not uncommon, but you shouldn't panic. If you want to ensure that you don't forget anything, you can take advantage of either an app-based or a paper to-do list.
What Is a Paper-Based To-Do List?
Time management has always been a difficult task. When it comes to execution, things always change no matter what we plan. A to-do list is helpful to resolve these issues.
To-do lists made on paper are the oldest form of organizing your tasks. It could be a diary, sticky note, notebook, or even a piece of paper on a pinboard.
What Is a Digital or App-Based To-Do List?
Nowadays, the total number of tasks an average person does in a day has significantly increased. In addition, digital devices and apps have become increasingly important.
As a result, using digital to-do lists is a strategic way to plan tasks. To-do list applications allow you to keep track of your tasks from your computer or smartphone.
Pros of Paper-Based To-Do List
If you want to do things traditionally, you can opt for a paper-based to-do list. The benefits of this to-do list are as follows:
1. Writing on Paper Feels Good
Many people have been so busy using laptops that they haven't written in years. The act of writing down tasks on paper can offer you a highly satisfying feeling and revive your pen-and-paper experience. Aside from that, there is also a feeling of accomplishment when you complete a task.
2. The Accessibility of Paper Is Unbeatable
Whether you make your to-do list on notebooks or index cards, you can carry it anywhere. There’ll be no dependency upon the device, internet access, or battery power.
You also don’t have to worry about synchronizing the list across multiple devices over and again. Instead, you can write down the task on bits of paper and later write it on the consolidated master list.
3. No Platform Dependency
If you get bored of the notebook brand you’re using, you can immediately switch to any other brand. All you have to do is write everything into the new one.
You don't need to worry about OS compatibility or app configuration, not to mention data import/export options.
4. Paper Keeps You Away From the Screen
Staying away from a digital screen (computer or smartphone) can help you get things done without distraction. In addition to causing eye strain, too much screen time can also lead to insomnia, anxiety, and stress.
By creating a to-do list on paper, you will give your body the ergonomic break it needs.
Cons of Paper To-Do Lists
Listing tasks on paper comes with some disadvantages too, such as:
1. Paper Slows You Down
When you're always using a computer, writing the tasks on paper will slow you down. You may not find the pen on your cluttered desk, and searching for it may take more time.
2. Forgettable Item
Working from multiple locations can make carrying a notebook a hassle. Despite your best efforts, you may forget to bring the notebook with you.
3. No Reminder Alarm
No notebook or paper comes with an alarm, so it can't remind you of deadlines. Instead, you have to check the list repeatedly to remember them.
Pros of Digital To-Do List
If you're constantly on the move and digital devices are your best friends, going for a to-do list app would be a good idea. Benefits of these applications include:
1. Easy to Sort and Create
To-do list apps make it easy to draft a new task that you have to perform. Also, you do not have to enter the tasks in order. To-do list apps let you sort them effortlessly according to your preferences.
Even better, you can break down a task into parts and schedule it to be completed in stages. Apps also provide quick task creation from basic templates.
2. You Can Personalize Your To-Do Lists
To-do lists are available in a variety of formats. Each style is unique, and some even allow you to personalize it. Organizing tasks by color is another useful feature of to-do apps. To create a vivid-looking to-do list, you do not need any color pencils as a few clicks will do the job.
3. Seamless Syncing & Accessibility
Smartphones have become an essential part of our lives. With an app-based to-do list, you have access to it at all times. For example, a hybrid worker who works from home and office would appreciate having an online to-do list.
You can access this list from your office computer, home laptop, and smartphone, thanks to the real-time syncing that makes sure it is always up-to-date.
4. Works as Reminders
One of the benefits of digital to-do lists is that they can be used to remind you of upcoming events. When there are too many tasks to do, enlisting them is not enough.
As a result, you need a timely reminder before deadlines to ensure tasks are finished in time. To-do lists remind you of deadlines via email and notification so that you never forget.
5. Leaves You Open to Rescheduling and Organizing
Digital to-do lists offer boundless flexibility in terms of task organization and rescheduling. You can incorporate a sudden change of plan in your fast-paced life into your to-do list app. Just change the deadline or priority level to sync with the new scenario.
Cons of Digital To-Do List
To-do list apps also have some drawbacks. Here are some examples:
1. Software Compatibility
All the apps have some compatibility prerequisites. So, you need to consider the operating system, memory, and storage requirements of the to-do app before purchasing a new laptop or smartphone.
2. Security Concerns
Because your to-do list data is stored online, it is vulnerable to data theft. Having a list with confidential data can put you at risk for security breaches.
3. Added Screen Time
An app-based to-do list might not be a good idea for you if you already spend a lot of time on your device. This will make you spend more screen time on desktops, smartphones, or tablets instead.
Be It Paper or App—Enhanced Productivity Should Be Your Prime Aim
Making a list of tasks and completing them in time is the easiest way to be productive. Having assessed the benefits and drawbacks of both paper and digital to-do lists, you can now select the one that fits your lifestyle best.
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