The weakness of the reminders list app for me is I can’t reorder them in the order I’d like (such as putting the things I’m going to do today on top). When I’m behaving myself I use the 3×5 notecard technique instead. Take a 3×5 notecard and write the date in the upper right, then fold it it half. Open it up again and on the right side of the center crease list any appointments you have during the day. On the left side list the one or two things that will most make you feel like you’ve had a productive day. After these first one or two things list 4 or 5 smaller things that you just haven’t gotten to and are beginning to piss you off because they’re not getting done. Fold it up and put it in your pocket. When you’re ready to go for a reasonable block of time open it up and FOCUS on the first thing on the list. Check it off when you’re done. If you have shorter time slots during the day, do one of the little things. During the day keep a pen with you and take any notes you need on the other side of the card.
Make this card in the evening ahead of the day you’re planning for before you veg out or go to bed. First look at the card for the day you just completed and feel good about what you got done, then set it aside and make a fresh card. Don’t look at what you didn’t get done to make the new card, that doesn’t matter. It’s a new day. You may want to look at any notes you took on the back.
I my old cards into Evernote because I like being able to look back on what I’ve been focusing on. It’s kind of a low budget journal.
Someday there will be an app for that, but for now this works for me.