How do you keep track of your tasks? Do you have a to-do list, a random collection of sticky notes, a journal, or a more complex system?

If you keep a to-do list, a common problem is that the list gets too long, and it becomes harder to sort through it. When you reach this point, do you break it into multiple lists, and if so, on the basis of what criteria?

David Allen, in his bestselling book Getting Things Done, recommends collecting tasks on a “next actions” list, and only splitting it into separate project when you actually have multi-step projects.

I find it tempting to subdivide my lists by topic, even when a set of tasks isn’t actually a project – for example, when I have a number of tasks that are all about staff evaluations, but are in fact discrete tasks rather than a coordinated project in the sense that, say, planning a trip is a project. This isn’t a good idea.

The problem with creating too many lists is that they create too many places in which your tasks can hide.

How do you keep your tasks organized and visible, so you can keep track of them and make sure you complete them?