An interesting productivity system where tasks are captured in their simplest form to define the actionable next step that leads to a successful outcome.
From David Allen's website:
Capture anything and everything that has your attention and concern
Define actionable things into concrete next steps and successful outcomes
Organize information in the most streamlined way, in appropriate categories, based on how and when you need to access it
Keep current and “ahead of the game” with appropriately frequent reviews
Keep track of the bigger picture while managing the small details
Make trusted choices about what to do in any given moment
The key is to get lingering to-do's out of your head and into a medium (electronic, paper, whatever works for you) that is categorized based on the type of next action and when it needs to be completed.
I've used a modified form of this for a few years and find that it truly does free up your mind for creative thinking and problem solving while completing your daily/weekly/yearly goals in your professional and personal life.