Putting together a to-do list: That’ll make sure you get everything done, right? If only it was that easy.

Sure, you can write everything on a to-do list — but it’ll be about as useful as an invoice that lists everything without part numbers and prices.

They key to a successful to-do list, according to Purchasing and Procurement pros, is to create a list that’s focused and clearly do-able.

So even if you’re putting together to-do lists now, daily or even weekly, there are four steps you can take that’ll help upgrade those lists.

1. Determine what really belongs on the list. Sometimes, there can be a tendency to include smaller tasks on your list — ones that are easy to complete and mark off, contributing to a (cheap) sense of accomplishment. Two pieces of advice: Lump together small tasks, and break down larger tasks for purposes of your lists.

2. What’s better for you: paper or plastic? (Actually, we’re talking electronic, not plastic.) But depending on how much time you spend on the go or at your desk, your list should be portable and easy to update. For some, that means paper. For others, it means your computer — even a specialized program like Remember the Milk (www.rememberthemilk.com), an online to-do list and task management tool.

3. Establish your priorities — but be prepared to re-evaluate them. Do you keep putting off what you’ve designated as low-priority tasks? Maybe you should consider how you build your list; you might even want to limit it to tasks that must be completed today.

4. Should it be open or closed? Closed to-do lists are created at the start of the day, and nothing new is added. Open to-do lists are just that — items can be added throughout the day. Be careful: This can quickly become unwieldy if you’re adding more tasks than you’re crossing off.

Tags: priorities, procurement, purchasing, to-do list