To do lists are the traditional way to manage tasks, and a lot of thought has gone into the number and type of lists that should be kept (like [[Getting Things Done]]). [[Calendar blocking]] is a sometimes complementary, sometimes opposing idea that tries to offload some of the cognitive burden of keeping track of tasks onto something we already use anyway: a calendar. ## Disadvantages of to do lists ### No distinction in task types To do lists don't do well at differentiating between tasks that require different amounts of time, [^kruse] importance, or energy level required. This leads to fruitless skimming of task lists and a growing numbness to tasks previously seen. [^kruse]: Kruse, K. (2015). _15 secrets successful people know about time management: The productivity habits of 7 billionaires, 13 olympic athletes, 29 straight-A students, and 239 entrepreneurs._ The Kruse Group. [[15 Secrets Successful People Know About Time Management|My highlights]].