You may have heard of to-do lists before.  A to-do list is simply listing down the things you have to do and then crossing them off when you finish each item.  A nice benefit when using a to-do list is that it feels great crossing off each item when you finish them.

To-do lists by themselves are effective.  But here's a tip to use to-do lists even more effectively.

Include time estimates for each item on your to-do list.  Next to each item, write down how long you think it will take you to complete the task.  You can write the number in minutes.  So if you think it will take you 90 minutes, write “90” next to it.

When you work on each task, try your best to finish the task within the estimated time.  Doing this will increase your productivity, especially if your time estimates are reasonably tight.  It increases your productivity because it uses Parkinson's Law.

Parkinson's Law states that work expands to fill time.  So if you give yourself 30 minutes to complete a task, you'll take 30 minutes to complete it.  If you give yourself 90 minutes, you'll take 90 minutes.  Your brain will try to figure out a way to get the work done within the time limit.

After you've completed each task, write down the actual amount of time it took you to complete it.  Write it down next to the item on the to-do list.  Doing this will help you to refine your time estimates and make them more accurate.