I like lists.

Using a combination of Omnifocus and Reminders, along with an adaptation of a productivity system called GTD (Getting Things Done), it’s accurate to say that lists are the tool I use to run my life.

But they do have one downside: they work best when you are at a state of relative equilibrium. Throw a big enough negative real-life wrench into the works—such as a diagnosis of cancer for you or a family member—then a “feeling good I’m organized” list system will temporarily get overwhelmed.

Lists are a useful tool to manage life, but they are just a tool; they are not life.