From Legal Pads to Laptops: A 40-Year Habit That Still Works

A Simple System That Built a Career

Early in my career, I managed my days with a yellow legal pad and a stack of file folders. I hand-wrote administrative tasks, listed phone numbers and call reminders, and project notes—then prioritized by due date. When I completed an item, I marked it done, filed the folder, or passed materials to the next person.

By the end of the day, I could see exactly what was finished and what needed attention first thing tomorrow. I reserved blocks of time to return calls, write thank-you notes, and close out open loops before leaving. The rhythm became second nature—and it worked.

That System Paid Off — Literally
When I worked in the corporate sector, my commitment to structure and follow-through didn’t go unnoticed.

Although I didn’t hold a sales position, my production output consistently ranked among the top performers in the division. I received multiple awards and recognition from upper management for efficiency, accuracy, and reliability—proof that consistent time management directly translates into measurable success.

That experience confirmed what I still believe today: productivity isn’t about working more hours—it’s about working with clarity and intention.

My co-workers quickly caught on. If I was in a meeting or out of the office, they knew they could glance at my to-do list to see where I was in the process. It wasn’t fancy—but it was transparent, collaborative, and dependable.

A System That Stuck (for Me—and Others)

Of course, with the presence of word processing tools, the process shifted to a word processing software. My techniques also gained me recognition from other organizations, and I was invited to present my time-management approach to them. Long after those sessions, I’d meet someone who said:

“I tried your to-do list method—and I’m still using it.”

That’s when I realized: the best systems aren’t necessarily digital or complex—they’re consistent. They make you and everyone around you more effective because the process is clear and repeatable.

Fast-Forward to 2025: My Modern Update

These days, I keep a Weekly To-Do List in Microsoft Word, organized by week, month, and calendar year, and it’s the first document I open each morning. Each task includes phone numbers, email addresses, and short context notes, and I use Word’s Find feature to instantly search names, deadlines, or topics.

Here’s where the process evolved into something even more efficient:

I compose nearly everything—emails, thank-you notes, talking points, even short updates—inside my weekly Word document. When it’s time to send a message, I simply copy and paste it into Outlook or another platform.

That single habit saves time, ensures tone consistency, and keeps every communication archived in one searchable place. For small organizations without high-priced productivity systems, Word and email are powerful tools when used with structure and intention.

And before the day ends, I always make time to return phone calls—no matter how brief the message or follow-up might be. That simple routine clears mental clutter, closes communication loops, and ensures I never carry unfinished conversations into tomorrow.

I still keep my top three to five priorities at the top of the list, moving completed items down or into archives as the week unfolds.

The philosophy remains the same:

Plan intentionally.
Prioritize what matters.
Keep related materials at hand.
Review, reset, and prepare for tomorrow.

Why the To-Do List Still Works (and the Research Agrees)

Writing things down frees the brain. Recording tasks—by hand or on screen—reduces mental load and boosts focus.
Checking off tasks fuels motivation. Completing a task triggers dopamine release, which reinforces progress and satisfaction.
41% of tasks on typical lists never get done—usually because they lack prioritization or a time assignment. (Forbes, 2024)
48% of professionals rely on to-do lists as their main time-management tool—up 10% since 2022. (Timewatch, 2024)
82% of people say they lack a formal time-management system, even though those who use one report higher productivity and lower stress. (Flowlu, 2025)
Time management is moderately correlated with well-being, job performance, and life satisfaction. A 2025 meta-analysis confirmed that effective planning can reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and increase overall quality of life. (Frontiers in Education, 2025)

In short: discipline beats technology. A simple system, done consistently, outperforms complex platforms used sporadically—and it can literally make you healthier and happier in the process.

Team Visibility—Then and Now

What I valued most about my old system was visibility. My co-workers could see progress and pick up where I left off. Today, digital tools offer that same level of clarity and shared ownership.

If your goal is continuity—so anyone can step in, see progress, and keep things moving—these tools offer a bridge between personal organization and team collaboration.

Asana – assigns tasks, tracks real-time updates, integrates AI assistants.
monday.com – visual boards for tracking projects and automations.
Microsoft Planner – integrates with Teams and Outlook for shared lists.
Trello or ClickUp – card and column layout (To Do → Doing → Done).
Todoist or Notion – simple shared lists with searchable notes.

Try It Yourself

For one week, try the “visible list” approach—on paper, on your screen, or in a shared tool:

Write everything down.
Prioritize what’s urgent and important.
Add the details—phone numbers, emails, and links.
Compose messages and notes right inside your list so you can copy and paste when needed.
Return calls before the end of the day—close the loop.
Review and reset before you sign off.

You might be surprised how much lighter your mental load feels—and how satisfying it is to see tangible progress.

Closing Thought

Whether it’s a legal pad, a Word document, or a shared dashboard, time management isn’t about the tool—it’s about trusting your process.

When your system is clear, visible, and consistent, it doesn’t just help you manage time—it helps others manage alongside you. Forty years later, my to-do list remains my daily compass. It’s proof that a simple habit, done well, can stand the test of time—and technology.

About Me:
I’m Angie Thompson—a fundraising strategist, brand storyteller, and creative consultant who helps nonprofits and purpose-driven leaders communicate with clarity and heart. Her work blends message design, storytelling for impact, and brand-forward content shaped by award-winning experience in film, television, philanthropy, and community development. She is the creator of the Pivot Pulse™ storytelling method, the founder and principal consultant of Angie Thompson Consulting LLC, and an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, ASCAP, and the Society of Lyricists & Composers. She believes words and images can spark transformation.