To-do list template

A to-do list is a customizable space for organizing your work. It allows you to capture everything you need to accomplish in one streamlined location.

To-do lists can be organized using different list templates, categories, and columns to track status, due dates, and priorities. Users can jot down ideas, set reminders, and use a notes section to capture important details or deadlines. Assigning value, urgency, and priority to tasks helps focus on the most important tasks and manage due dates effectively.

A to-do list includes three core sections:

• Today: A focused space for what you need to tackle now.

• Priorities for the week: High-level goals that keep you aligned on what matters most.

• Upcoming tasks: A project-based backlog so you never lose track of future work.

Together, they help you keep your head above water during busy days while supporting long-term planning.

Best practices for using a to-do list

Start your day with clarity

Before diving into meetings or responding to messages, take five minutes to review your to-do list. What needs to be done today, and what can wait? This quick check-in helps you begin with purpose rather than panic.

Break large tasks into smaller steps

Large tasks like “finish presentation” or “plan campaign” can feel overwhelming. Break them down into actionable steps like “draft slide outline” or “finalize campaign brief” so you can make steady progress and stay motivated.

Use categories or tags

Grouping similar tasks, e.g., by project, client, or task type, helps you stay organized and reduce context switching. For example, you might power through all your writing tasks at once or knock out quick admin work during a lull.

Prioritize using frameworks

Not all tasks are equally urgent or important. Try using prioritization frameworks to identify where your time is best spent. Even simple labels like “High/Medium/Low” can make a difference.

Keep your list realistic

A mile-long to-do list can create more stress than productivity. Focus on what’s feasible in your available time. Use the Today section for top priorities, and move overflow tasks to Upcoming or Weekly priorities so they’re not forgotten—just deferred.

Review and refresh regularly

Review your completed tasks at the end of each day or week and update what’s left. Mark off what’s done, delete what’s no longer needed, and reassign or reschedule lingering items. This keeps your list actionable.

Make it collaborative

If you’re working on shared initiatives, use Confluence’s collaborative features to assign tasks, link related pages, or add context via comments. Turning your to-do list into a shared resource helps your whole team stay aligned.

Celebrate small wins

Checking off tasks isn’t just functional; it’s a mini-motivation boost. Use your list to celebrate progress, even if the task was tiny. Momentum builds with every checkmark.

Examples of to-do lists

Not all to-do lists are created equal. Depending on your work (and what you’re working on), you might find one format works better. Here’s a quick look at a few common styles—and when to use them.

Daily to-do list

Perfect for time-boxed days and clear deadlines, this format helps you zoom in on what you need to tackle right now. Use it to list your top tasks for the day and check them off as you go. It's great for staying grounded when you’re juggling a lot.

Weekly to-do list

This format is ideal when you want a broader view of your priorities. Instead of starting from scratch each day, it lets you set goals for the entire week and chip away at them over time. It’s a solid choice if your work tends to be more strategic or long-term.

Priority-based list

When everything feels urgent, prioritizing tasks (like high, medium, or low) brings order to the chaos. This style helps you focus on the most critical work without losing track of the smaller stuff.

Project-based list

Working across multiple initiatives? This format lets you group tasks by project, so you can see everything coming up and avoid dropping the ball. It’s especially helpful for tracking progress, managing dependencies, and setting realistic timelines.

Checklist

Sometimes you just need a simple, repeatable list—think onboarding steps, meeting prep, or packing for a work trip. Checklists are great for keeping processes tight and ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.