By LAURIENT YVES S. CAISIP

Do you have a to-do list, a grocery list, a Christmas gift list, a list of your ina-anak, a list of your utangs (debt), a bucket list?

Why do we need to make lists? Lists are, essentially, about control. It makes our lives systematic. It has a psychological effect on a person, and helping them become more productive. It gives a sense of being organized in this messy confusing world we live in, and segments into small chunks, bitesized tasked that needs to be overcome.

Lists comes in handy—and best of all, it works, as it gives us a sense of accomplishment that our day has been put to a good use. That alone adds to the appeal of keeping a list. We cannot always rely on our mental notes to ensure all we need to do is remembered. Oftentimes, even forget as we redirect our focus on something else.

Lists are definitive—it gives us what we need. Whether it is about 101 reasons why walking is healthy or why living in the province has more benefits than living in Manila. It gives us certainty and makes us feel in control—and being in control feels good. Control gives humans a natural high thereby increasing the desire to stick to the habit of creating a list.

Another good reason to create a list is it makes things less taxing, and makes it easier for us to scan for information.

To-do lists provide structure and decrease anxiety. Lists makes goals more achievable (not to mention that list also creates manifesting, which is another topic to discuss). It is a record of what has been accomplished, no matter how big or small. Admit it, ticking off an item on the to-do list feels good. So much so that checking an item in the todo list gives a sense of freedom. Why? Because unaccomplished tasks occupy our brain.

Scientifically, there is this study called “Zeigarnik Effect”, to-dos occupying our brains. These things float in our subconscious. People tend to remember things that need to be done more than things they’ve already done. Humans are wired to be that way.

Creating a list dates back to ancient times. Moses went up to the mountain to talk to God and came down with a list of 10 laws for humans to abide. Noah was given a list of instructions for the creation of a huge boat. He was also given list of items he needed to bring on board. The Bible as well listed the lineage of Jesus from the ancestry of King David to his father, St. Joseph.

In 1953, a study conducted by Yale University found that those who wrote down their goals were more likely to achieve what was on their list than those who did not. Another study done in 2007 by Dominican University reported that those who wrote down their goals reportedly experienced success vs. those who did not write them down. Writing down what you need to do is the first step to committing your self to act on those items on the list. List prevents the habit of procrastinating.

Lists are useful in every way, even to the point of saving lives. Take, for example, Schilder’s List, which saved over 1,300 people, mostly children during the World War II. Lists can save you too, your life, your career, your mental health. It can make your life less complicated.

From the chaotic schedule at work to things to accomplish in school, from a simple listing of your meal plans for the week to even the list of items you want to pass on to your heirs, lists will make your life easier.