Do It Tomorrow
Mark Forster's time management system that uses closed lists and the mañana principle to combat procrastination by gathering incoming tasks throughout the day and scheduling them for tomorrow, creating realistic daily workloads.
Last updated: 2026-03-18 09:57
Overview
Mark Forster's "Do It Tomorrow and Other Secrets of Time Management" introduces a complete time management system focused on reducing workload to match what can realistically be accomplished, rather than just trying to work faster or longer.
Core Concepts
Closed Lists
A closed list is a type of "To Do" list that has a clearly defined boundary. As you start the day, you rule a line across the list to represent your plan for the day. The list is said to be closed because it can't be added to during the next day when you work on it. You simply do everything that is on the list and nothing more. As new work comes in, put it on your closed list for the next day.
The Mañana Principle
Mark Forster bases his system on the "mañana principle." Instead of reacting to new tasks right away, you gather all incoming tasks throughout the day. Then, you "do it tomorrow." This helps avoid distractions, batch tasks, reduce stress, and promote better planning.
Will Do vs. To Do Lists
He calls it a "will do" (rather than a "to do") list—a closed list of tasks that you can actually accomplish in a day.
Addressing Procrastination
Procrastination is often a paralysis caused by the thought of having so much work to do and not knowing what to do next. Completing the daily closed lists gives positive reinforcement and a good feeling of achievement.
Benefits
- Reduced Overwhelm: By working only on today's closed list, you eliminate the anxiety of an ever-growing todo list
- Better Planning: Batching incoming work for the next day allows for more thoughtful task organization
- Sustainable Pace: The system helps you work at a pace that matches your actual capacity
- Positive Momentum: Finishing your daily closed list provides a sense of completion and accomplishment
Book
Forster introduces innovative strategies like the "closed list" and the deceptively simple concept of "doing it tomorrow," which challenge conventional wisdom and provide powerful solutions for procrastination and overwhelm.
Pricing
The book "Do It Tomorrow and Other Secrets of Time Management" by Mark Forster is available for purchase through major book retailers. The methodology itself is free to implement.
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