TIME STEALER: To-Do Lists that Never Dwindle
Jotting down a wish list of all the tasks you'd like to accomplish can free your mind—and save them from dropping off your radar. But remember, the objective is to cross things off your list—and feel good about it. Miss that step and all that scribbling just gobbles up your precious time.

THE FIX: Limit the number of list items to 10—or however many you can safely commit to polishing off in a day (depending on the difficulty). That means full-blown projects that look overwhelming (think: clean hall closet) don't make the cut, says Trapani. Break unwieldy jobs like that into small, five-minute steps (for instance: sort shoes, toss broken hangers, pack up clothes that don't fit). Then add each step separately to your list and tackle one at a time.

What's more, give yourself the tools you need to get each job done—so you won't waste time tracking down details. Donating those poorly-fitting clothes? Write down the schedule-a-pick-up phone number. Returning a sweater on your lunch break? Staple the gift slip to your trusty list. Snagging a cousin's wedding gift? Scribble in the registry website. "Your list should be so complete that an assistant could complete every item without asking one question," says Trapani.