The List can seem to be a good way to manage your time and boost your productivity be it on a whiteboard, an app or in a notebook. A list suggests a plan. Certainly a list is better than no list; a list after all directs your attention which is the thing in limited supply. Focused, determined attention is the critical commodity and the list directs this attention to the right places. Or not.
Except the list can be flawed. It can simply contain that which is worrying you now. Things that someone else is demanding of you. Things which are easy, attractive and current. But true productivity often comes from addressing that which is not at all urgent nor worrying now so that it will not be in the future (e.g. strategy or health) or really massive projects which are broken down into brain- and time-friendly chunks (e.g. a fresh business idea, your book).
Build a Better List by setting (and re-setting) your Personal Compass: Career/Wellness/Finances/Relationships/Fun/Contribution.
More help in You, Only Better.