ticktick-5-list-system.md

TickTick 5-List System Setup

Create exactly these 5 lists in TickTick:

1. Inbox

• Purpose: Default capture point
• Usage: Everything goes here first, no thinking required
• When to use: Quick capture from phone or desktop

2. Work – Client

• Purpose: Paid client work
• Usage: Tasks someone is paying you to complete
• Examples:
  • Client feature requests
  • Bug fixes for clients
  • Client deliverables with deadlines

3. Work – Personal

• Purpose: Your business, side projects, portfolio
• Usage: Work you're doing for yourself
• Examples:
  • Marketing (LinkedIn posts, blog content)
  • Business development
  • Portfolio updates
  • Side project development

4. Personal

• Purpose: Life admin, errands, health, finances
• Usage: Everything outside of work
• Examples:
  • Doctor appointments
  • Bill payments
  • Home maintenance
  • Family commitments

5. Reading / Planning

• Purpose: Learning, courses, research
• Usage: Aspirational learning and study
• Examples:
  • Online courses
  • Technical articles
  • Books to read
  • Research topics

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Important Rules

1. Resist adding more lists - 5 is enough
2. Use tags for sub-categories - don't create nested lists
3. Inbox must be empty daily - sort at end of day
4. Most tasks should be undated - only real deadlines get dates